Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) is accountable for various functions related to the administration of lab services in B.C., and for implementing policies and processes on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Our mandate is to pursue a cohesive, inter-related laboratory system in a manner that supports equity and access; and to ensure patient safety through high quality, well-coordinated laboratory services.
PLMS is a provincial integrator and a strategic solutions-based organization that leverages partnerships with health organizations and the ministry to improve patient care. PLMS continues to lead a collaborative effort to achieve the vision of one system of clinical laboratory and pathology service delivery, with a commitment to equity, quality, innovation and adaptability.
PLMS, as part of Provincial Health Services Authority, operates under the authority of the
Laboratory Services Act. PLMS was created in 2019, bringing together the Provincial Blood Coordinating Office, and the former entities known as the BC Agency for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Lower Mainland Laboratories.
Laboratory medicine is a critical component in diagnosing disease, and informs patient treatment plans. For physicians and medical staff, giving patients the best possible outcomes is made possible through the dedicated work of laboratory medicine personnel. Lab medicine saves lives.
Our management teams and staff make a difference to patient care in B.C. every day. Whether in the lab or behind the scenes, the exemplary work of all of our people is truly inspiring. The depth of our expertise, our commitment to partnerships and the people of B.C., our courage and resilience, and our excellence in research and innovation is applied to everything PLMS strives for.
The unique demands placed on the health care system over the last few years have demonstrated the benefits of a provincial approach to strategic planning, as well as alignment with broader system priorities as they relate to the provision of high-quality health care. In partnership with provincial, public and private stakeholders, PLMS continues to progress and lead with the aim of achieving one system of clinical laboratory and pathology service delivery that is accessible, equitable and effective.
PLMS has established a strong, transparent and proactive partnership with the Ministry of Health that is critical to advancing system-level change across the province. It is a dynamic partnership that provides opportunities to solve increasingly complex challenges, drive innovation and respond proactively to the sweeping changes and profound disruptions occurring within the laboratory medicine ecosystem.
Transformation of the provincial laboratory system with support the common objectives of the health system:
- Improve strategic planning and system oversight
- Increase regional coordination
- Strengthen leadership and governance
- Establish a sustainable health human resources strategy
- Promote accountability, quality and safety
- Promote innovation in all aspects of the laboratory system
- Ensure optimized funding
As part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, PLMS provides laboratory testing at 31 sites across the Lower Mainland and Central Coast of B.C., including acute care hospital laboratories and specialty laboratories.
