Media release: proposing a new future for the funded lab sector

New Zealand’s laboratory sector has served us well, but its structure has produced a range of service inconsistencies and inequities – now is the time to make change, says a collective of laboratory service providers.

NZ Pathology, the joint voice for the funded pathology sector, has released a position paper for the future of funded pathology services in Aotearoa.

The funded lab sector provides critical health services to New Zealanders, collecting blood and other samples and performing diagnostics – including overseeing almost all cancer diagnoses in the country.

NZ Pathology member, Awanui Group Chief Executive Anoop Singh says through the former District Health Board system laboratory providers deliver a defined range of services in defined regions, and this current structure has produced geographical and service inconsistencies for communities.

“The health system reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide New Zealanders with consistent, patient-centred, smart, agile, and appropriately resourced pathology laboratory services. It is also a chance to bring together public and private providers, partnering towards a common goal,” says Mr Singh.

“The Future of Pathology position paper we have developed sets out what we believe the pathology sector needs to do and look like to deliver these aspirations.”

Mr Singh says the paper sets out four key focus areas recommending a series of changes covering: service delivery, the pathology workforce, sector structure, and models of funding.

“These are broad topic areas, however by getting basic principles right such as organisations working off the same test list and meeting the same KPIs, we can play our part in preventing post-code healthcare, remove duplication of laboratory services and reduce clinical risk.

Better coordination of public and private laboratories will reduce costs, while improving the range and scope of services for hospitals and communities in regions, including those which do not have them currently.

“The position paper also supports long-term sustainable funding models to enable investment planning across all areas of laboratory services.

“This includes funding a well-trained and sustainable workforce, service innovation, new technology and ensuring all New Zealanders can access the best diagnostic tools available around the world,” says Mr Singh.

The Future of Pathology Services in Aotearoa – Position on a Page is on our website here.