Saint John area patients now able to book Bloodwork and Specimen Collection appointments online

(SAINT JOHN) – A new service will provide patients in the Saint John area with a new, easy, and modern way to book their own bloodwork and other specimen collection appointments.

Horizon Health Network (Horizon) is excited to announce patients with a laboratory requisition (referral) from their care provider will be able to book their own appointments online. This project aligns with Horizon’s Critical Action Plan priority of improving the patient experience.

“We are excited to offer this new option to our clients. Since self-booking has proven to work well for patients and their partners in care for x-ray appointments, we are confident they will enjoy the same positive experience when booking with our specimen collection services,” said Heather Kyle, Horizon’s Regional Director of Laboratory Services. “While we know it is not the preferred method for all clients, we anticipate it improving the quality of and access to the booking experience for those who choose to use this new format, as well as for those who will continue to use the telephone option.”

The service is being piloted in the Saint John area where, beginning Monday, Sept. 16, patients with a laboratory requisition can visit horizonnb.ca/laboratory to book their own specimen collection appointment. Information on the booking tool will be available on Horizon’s website.

To book an appointment, patients will need to confirm they have a laboratory requisition, or that it has been sent (via fax or email) to the Specimen Collection department before proceeding. Health care providers may also use this tool to book their patients’ appointments on their behalf.

Appointments will be available Monday through Friday to coincide with the hours of operation of the facility selected when booking online. Patients can still call in to book an appointment if they do not have access to an online device or if they have any questions. Not all tests are collected at every site, and not every site can collect specimens on children.

The new self-booking tool for specimen collection was developed thanks to patient and staff feedback. Self-booking will improve patient experience by offering patients and families a new, easy, and modern way to book their own appointments.

Patients can book appointments from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to call or visit our facilities for scheduling. This convenience will lead to higher patient satisfaction. 

Patient self-booking ensures that patients can secure appointments that align with their schedules, promoting timely access to essential diagnostic services. 

To cancel or reschedule an appointment, patients can click the link in their confirmation email or contact the Specimen Collection department at the hospital or clinic where they have booked their appointment.

This tool will help reduce the number of missed appointments and improve the overall patient experience. Reducing missed appointments will decrease wait lists and improve access to services for patients.

This service will be launching in other areas before the end of 2024.

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