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Overview

The InterHospital Laboratory Partnership (IHLP) is a collaborative network of hospital laboratories offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Hematology
  • Blood Bank
  • Histology / Anatomical Pathology

Each partner hospital maintains its own test menu for on-site processing. Tests not available locally are referred to other IHLP labs, with Stratford General Hospital serving as the Regional Hub Lab, handling the majority of centralized testing.

The IHLP optimizes human, technical, and financial resources to enhance service delivery across the region. The partnership also supports Cooperative Educational Programs and Clinical Placements to foster professional development and support its strategic goals.

Building on the strength of its long-standing, innovative regional collaboration, the IHLP plays an active role in the planning and coordination of laboratory services at the local, regional, and provincial levels.

IHLP Facts

  • Hospital Organizations = 6
  • Licensed Laboratories = 16
  • Number of Beds Across Region = 507
  • Number of Laboratory Professionals and Regional Staff=225
  • Annual Laboratory Tests = 2,510,633

History

The InterHospital Laboratory Partnership (IHLP) traces its origins to 1959, when it was founded as InterHospital Laboratory Services (IHLS). At its inception, the program included a solo pathologist supporting four hospital laboratories.

Between the 1960s and 1995, the network expanded to include 14 hospital laboratories. In 1986, the program received regional funding that enabled the addition of key roles, including a Regional Coordinator, Regional Administrative Assistant, and a Pathologist (Laboratory Director), further enhancing its capacity.

In 1996, the initiative was formalized as the InterHospital Laboratory Partnership (IHLP), beginning with 11 member hospital laboratories. Continued growth followed, with Groves Memorial Community Hospital joining in April 2011.

As of April 2022, the IHLP comprises of 16 hospital laboratories, with the most recent additions being the South Bruce Grey Health Centre sites in Chesley, Durham, Walkerton, and Kincardine.
For over six decades, IHLP has exemplified the power of collaboration in rural healthcare — a commitment that continues to shape our work today.

Mission Statement

Stronger Labs, Healthier Communities

The InterHospital Laboratory Partnership (IHLP) empowers its regional partnership of rural hospital laboratories to function and provide access to high-quality laboratory services, and support our rural communities.