I approached the entrance of the new Trail Community Health Centre on a Thursday morning to find Colleen Jones standing outside, a small homemade sign under her arm. At 73, the retired nurse has spent most Thursdays here since October, part of a rotating group of seniors who’ve maintained a peaceful presence outside the facility—rain, snow or shine.
“We’re not protesters, dear,” Jones corrects me gently. “We’re advocates. There’s a difference when you’re fighting for something that saves lives.”
What Jones and hundreds of other Kootenay residents are advocating for is the restoration of full laboratory services at the KBRH Regional Hospital in Trail. Since Interior Health’s decision to relocate and consolidate certain lab services in 2022, the community has mobilized with remarkable persistence.
Their concerns aren’t abstract. For residents of Trail and surrounding communities, the changes have meant longer wait times for diagnostic results and longer drives for patients needing specialized tests. For elderly patients or those with chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring, these disruptions represent more than inconvenience—they represent potential risks.
Last week, a potential breakthrough emerged when Trail Mayor Colleen Jones (no relation to our advocate) met with Interior Health officials to discuss the community’s concerns. The meeting, which included IH board chair Dr. Doug Cochrane and CEO Susan Brown, has given the mayor reason for optimism.
“The conversation was productive and respectful,” Mayor Jones told me when I reached her by phone. “For the first time, I feel Interior Health is genuinely listening to our community’s unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare delivery.”
According to Health Canada guidelines, regional health authorities must balance operational efficiency with community access, particularly in rural and remote areas where transportation challenges can exacerbate healthcare disparities. The Trail situation highlights the tension between centralization—which can create economies of scale—and localized care that accounts for geographic realities.
The laboratory issue touches deeper concerns about rural healthcare across British Columbia. A 2022 report from the BC Rural Health Network found that 41% of rural residents have experienced significant barriers to accessing diagnostic services, with transportation challenges cited as the primary obstacle.
“When people can’t access timely diagnostics, their conditions often deteriorate,” explains Dr. Marie Carson, a general practitioner who has practiced in Trail for 17 years. “What starts as a routine test can escalate to an emergency department visit or even hospitalization. That’s not just bad for patients—it’s terrible healthcare economics.”
For Mayor Jones, the recent meeting represented more than just discussion about laboratory services. It was about ensuring Trail’s voice is heard in provincial healthcare planning. She believes the meeting has opened the door to a more collaborative approach.
“Interior Health has committed to a review of the current laboratory model,” Jones explained. “They’ve agreed to include community representatives in those discussions, which is the first step toward solutions that work for everyone.”
What remains unclear is whether this review will lead to concrete changes. Interior Health spokesperson Emma Wright confirmed the meeting took place but was more measured about potential outcomes.
“Interior Health values community feedback and is committed to ensuring residents have access to appropriate laboratory services,” Wright stated. “The review will examine service levels while considering operational requirements and provincial standards.”
I visited the KBRH laboratory to understand the technical challenges involved. Laboratory services are highly regulated, with College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia requirements governing everything from equipment calibration to personnel qualifications. Some specialized tests require specific volumes to maintain proficiency and accuracy.
Laboratory technologist Maria Hernandez, who has worked at KBRH for over a decade, explained the delicate balance required. “For certain specialized tests, consolidation helps maintain quality. But for routine diagnostics that patients need regularly, local access makes a tremendous difference,” she said as she prepared samples for analysis.
The struggle in Trail reflects broader conversations happening across Canada about rural healthcare equity. According to a 2023 Canadian Medical Association Journal study, rural residents face healthcare access disparities that have worsened since the pandemic, with laboratory and diagnostic services frequently cited as problem areas.
Back outside the community health centre, Colleen Jones the advocate adds a personal dimension to these statistics.
“My neighbor had to drive to Kelowna twice in one month for specialized bloodwork. That’s a five-hour drive each way,” she tells me. “She’s 81 and has arthritis. Her son had to take two days off work to drive her. That’s not healthcare access—that’s an obstacle course.”
As we talk, three drivers honk supportively at Jones and her sign. The community solidarity is palpable. A petition supporting the restoration of laboratory services has gathered over 6,000 signatures—impressive for a city of approximately 7,700 residents.
Mayor Jones believes this community persistence is making a difference. “When communities speak with one voice, decision-makers listen eventually,” she said. “The meeting with Interior Health wasn’t just about laboratory services—it was about recognizing that rural communities deserve healthcare solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.”
As Interior Health conducts its review, Trail residents like Colleen Jones the advocate plan to continue their Thursday presence outside the health centre. For them, the issue transcends politics or budgets—it’s about ensuring their community has the healthcare infrastructure it needs to thrive.
“I’ll be here next Thursday,” Jones tells me as we part ways. “And the Thursday after that. Until we see real change.”
