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 Administration & Operations Support, MLS, Meagan McCorquodale, who exemplifies how empowering Canadians starts with recognizing the power of compassion within healthcare.
When she was a Lab Patient Technician, Meagan recalls how a young 3-year-old boy had to come into the Patient Service Centre regularly due to his ongoing cancer treatment.
Leading with compassion, Meagan built a connection with this patient. She remembers how she made him feel comfortable, leading with care, and letting him know that she was checking for “buggies” as she took his blood.
Over time, their bond grew, and the patient would always ask for Meagan to take his sample and start each appointment with a hug.
“I learned how important my role was, not just in collecting blood, but in creating a moment of kindness and connection for someone going through something unimaginably hard,” said Meagan. “He once told me that because I took his blood, the doctors knew how to help him feel better. He understood, in his own way, how important that small act was.”
Meagan has since been promoted into her current role as an Administration & Operations Support, MLS. She is the driving force of the LifeLabs’ Mobile Services team as she collaborates and brainstorms innovative ways to improve services.
“The supervisors and I are grateful to have Meagan on our team,” said Krista Bailey, Senior Manager, Mobile Services Ontario. “She’s always been a great contributor. She is detail oriented, focused on our processes and is someone who consistently looks for ways to improve how we advance patient care.”
As for that little boy, he received some wonderful news that he needed to share with Meagan.
“One day, he ran into the Patient Service Centre, found me, and gave me the biggest hug, shouting that he beat cancer. His mom came over in tears and told me that our interactions helped give him the strength to keep going, that he believed he could do it because of how we made him feel.
It reminded me that at LifeLabs, we don’t just take blood; we play a role in someone’s healthcare journey. We give people answers, reassurance, and sometimes even hope,” said Meagan.
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.