Decision to sideline pathologists in laboratories decision labelled “strange”

The lack of full involvement of pathologists and other clinical staff in the decisions about the Wellington region’s public hospital laboratories is being labelled “strange” by the laboratory clinical services director for both Counties Manukau and Waitemata District Health Boards, Dr Ross Boswell.  In an article in New Zealand Doctor magazine, Dr Boswell questions the sidelining of pathologists, given that laboratories depend on clinical governance.  “There is benefit in having them in the game,” he told the magazine.  He says that from his own experience, the biggest challenge in changing providers is making sure there is continuity of laboratory services.  Liaison between the laboratory and practitioners was also a challenge after a change, as well as ensuring lab test results reached the right recipients.