MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Getting to the hospital can be a challenge during the week. Working, watching young children and time crunching are all reasons why many people can’t fit medical needs into their daily schedule Monday through Friday. The Naval Hospital’s Laboratory Department aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune realizes this and modified its hours to better serve its patients.
The lab is slated to be open Saturdays 8 a.m. until noon and is requiring patients to schedule an appointment ahead of time at any time during the week, according to Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth Grasmuck, the lab’s department head.
“People can’t just walk in,” Grasmuck added. “We don’t have enough man power Saturdays for people to just walk in for lab work, but anyone can call during the week and request a time slot for our Saturday morning hours.”
The goal of opening the lab on the weekend is to save time for patients who can’t wait in a long line or get to the hospital during the week because of family or work.
“We can get busy during certain times of the day,” said Grasmuck. “So if someone doesn’t have time to wait during the week, they can just go up to the front desk and schedule an appointment for Saturday or do it over the phone.”
There are only a few tests they will be able to perform on Saturdays. Grasmuck recommends calling ahead of time and explaining what kinds of tests is required to confirm eligibility for a Saturday appointment.
“The laboratory will be open for phlebotomy,” said Grasmuck. “This means we will be able to draw blood for lab tests.”
However, things like glucose testing, among other complex tests, will have to be done on a weekday.
To make a Saturday appointment or ask about eligibility, call 450-4622.