At LifeLabs, we are proud Canadians, serving Canadians from coast to coast. In the “Empowering Canadians” story series, we showcase the inspiring voices of our team members as they share what fuels their passion for serving Canadian communities, advancing healthcare, and embracing innovative technologies.
In today’s story, we’re profiling Point of Care Coordinator Soheila Dehghan, who exemplifies how teamwork and innovation can advance patient care.
Soheila is part of the LifeLab’s Point of Care Testing (POCT) team, which includes the Government Markets Team, MedSci, QRA, Product Development, Mobile Services, Operations, Finance and IT all working together to innovate and empower healthier Canadians.
POCT makes healthcare more accessible within long-term care through diagnostic testing that’s performed and resulted on-site, enabling faster clinical decisions and treatment to begin when time matters most. POCT is about enhancing the patient’s journey: offering immediate answers that can prevent an ER visit or guide onsite care, while still relying on LifeLabs’ laboratories for comprehensive diagnostic testing.
“POCT is so much more than just a quick test,” said Soheila. “Behind every device, there’s a comprehensive system in place, from quality oversight to staff training and continuous improvement – all designed to ensure the results are accurate and trustworthy.”
Soheila confirms these rapid tests’ precision and reliability, giving staff and patients confidence in every result. She supports long-term care staff and leads with agility.
“She has been a true champion,” said Claire Murray, Director, Strategic Initiatives. “She always leads with a positive attitude and has been an exceptional contributor on a team of many amazing people.”
And her work, alongside that of the rest of the POCT team, has led to impactful results. Thanks to this initiative, residents in long-term care are getting:
- Treatment in minutes instead of days
- Fewer transfers to emergency departments
- Quicker diagnoses leading faster care plan implementation
- Reduced isolation protocols, allowing patients to reconnect with loved ones and other residents sooner
It’s no wonder 91% of healthcare providers who participated in the pilot say POCT gives them more confidence in their clinical decisions.
“What makes me proud is knowing that our work has a direct impact on the care people receive,” said Soheila. “Every time I find an answer, I see the relief on the Long-Term Care staff’s side, and I know it means patients, residents, or clients will get their results faster. That feeling of making a real difference is what keeps me motivated.”
Through it all, Soheila is proud to lead with care and agility while embracing innovation as she collaborates on an initiative that makes a difference in Canadian’s lives.
Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to empower Canadians to take control of their health and make informed decisions.