Oct 19, 2023
The Ontario Based Steering Committee examines the changing needs of the lab profession.
The health human resources shortage experienced in Ontario laboratories over the past several years was exacerbated by the pandemic and had reached a critical state. With the closure of seven Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)programs in the 1990s, the growing population of Ontario, and an increase in laboratory testing, the number of MLTs does not meet the testing demand.1 Currently, there are over 300+ MLT vacancies throughout our public and community laboratories2 . 38% of this group are approaching retirement. 3 Due to the shortage of lab professionals, 58% of labs are experiencing delays in providing test results.4 The strategic direction of the MLPAO’s Board of Directors includes finding solutions to the HHR shortage. The Ontario Based Steering Committee (OBSC) was developed to discuss the current landscape in labs across on Ontario with a focus on the changing needs and the long-term vision of the profession.
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