With construction underway on the Patient Care Tower at Royal Inland Hospital, there will be extended hours at the Tudor Village Laboratory in Sahali, starting on Monday, October 21.

Interior Health says the lab will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and it will also not be closed between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m..

The hope is that the move will divert some patients who need lab services away from the outpatient lab at RIH.

As an added incentive, IH says parking is free at the Tudor Village complex.

The Health Authority also notes it is improving accessibility to the Tudor Village Lab for patients with mobility challenges. That work is also expected to be completed by Monday.