At LifeLabs, we are proud Canadians, serving Canadians from coast to coast. In the “Empowering Healthier 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, Medical Laboratory Assistants Kamal Sandhu and Harman Bansal demonstrated how patience and compassion can lead to a powerful act of care.
Recently, a young patient with autism had an appointment at Kamal and Harman’s Patient Service Centre. The patient’s parents explained that this was one of her first blood tests and that she was deeply afraid of needles.
Sensing the child’s fear, Kamal asked Harman to help ease the situation by building trust with the patient through connection and reassurance.
Situations like this are not unusual for Kamal. Every day, she interacts with many patients, some with specific needs while leading with compassion and kindness.
“I strive to make every patient feel comfortable, safe, and respected,” said Kamal. “With the support of my amazing teammates, I can confidently navigate even the most complex situations.”
This patient interaction occurred during Harman’s first week as a Practicum Student. Since then, she has grown into the role of Laboratory Assistant and takes pride in supporting Canadians during their health journeys.
As for the young patient, after a friendly conversation, she felt safe and trusted Kamal and Harman.
“Throughout this process, I stayed calm and patient with her, which is important because blood tests take time, and it was important to ensure that she understood what was happening,” said Harman.
Kamal was gentle as she performed the draw, taking only a few minutes — resulting in a successful test and grateful parents.
“Thank you for taking such good care of this patient. You have truly made this a memorable moment for her and her family. You are both truly appreciated and are such positive role models to those around you,” said Andréa Mansoor, Area Supervisor.
As she reflects on this moment, Kamal remembers why one principle guides her work.
“Sometimes, taking extra care can make all the difference—especially for our youngest and most vulnerable patients,” said Kamal.
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.