Projects & Initiatives

Westman Laboratory Redevelopment

The February 10 Grand Re-Opening of Westman Laboratory officially brought the lab's redevelopment project to a close, following 18 months of construction and renovations.

As an important reference lab for Manitoba and an important part of DSM’s provincial diagnostic network, redevelopment was integral to DSM's ability to provide essential diagnostic laboratory services for Brandon and surrounding communities. This major redevelopment reflects DSM’s ongoing commitment to Westman Lab as a key provider of our provincial lab services plan and aligns with DSM’s vision of provincial diagnostic service excellence.

Government of Manitoba News Release - February 10, 2011

Final Redevelopment Project Update - February 15, 2011

The New Westman Laboratory Photo Gallery

Project Overview
The $12-Million Westman Laboratory Redevelopment Project officially broke ground June 12, 2009. Following five redevelopment phases over 18 months, the project was completed ahead of schedule in December 2010 with final move-ins taking place in early January 2011. The project included renovation of current space as well as an expansion that allowed all departments to be housed within a single floor of the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Brandon is now home to one of the most state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities in western Canada and is better positioned to manage the growing volume of testing that is performed there. The redevelopment has significantly improved the work environment for staff, both in terms of workflow efficiencies and environmental safety, comfort and ergonomics.

Features of the new space include a new pneumatic tube system, for sending samples from the hospital to the lab, upgrades to ventilation, heating and cooling as well as several new pieces of equipment, including implementation of the first MPA (Modular Pre-Analytic System) in Manitoba, which contribute to improved safety, quality and efficiency.

As part of DSM’s provincial diagnostic network, Westman Laboratory is a point of access for facility in-patients to a comprehensive range of laboratory services, including Biochemistry and Genetics, Hematopathology, Immunology, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine, Surgical Pathology, Autopsy and Cytology, for the purpose of diagnosis, pre and post operative testing and treatment monitoring.

DSM’s Westman Laboratory is also a referral center serving medical clinics, nursing homes and other health service centres within the Brandon Regional Health Authority as well as for 117 rural facilities across Manitoba.

Several environmental considerations have been made throughout construction which contribute to making Westman Lab a greener facility. Light tubes, day-light sensors, water-efficient faucets and toilets, use of recycled and environmentally considerate materials will make LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) Silver certification possible in accordance with the new ‘Green Building’ requirements from the Manitoba Government.

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