Key Takeaways
- Breakdowns in courier services have resulted in delays in vital lab testing for Gisborne patients, with samples being sent to Palmerston North for testing.
- The medical lab at Gisborne is 50% owned by a private company, which is profit-driven and prioritizes cost-cutting over timely diagnostic tests.
- Delays in diagnostic tests can have serious consequences for patients, including delayed treatment and the use of unnecessary antibiotics.
- Apex, the union representing MedLab workers, has raised concerns about the issue with Te Whatu Ora, but has yet to receive a response.
- Health New Zealand claims to be working with the lab provider to resolve the issues, but the contract for the lab sets clear service delivery requirements that prioritize timeliness and quality.
Introduction to the Issue
National Secretary for Apex, Deborah Powell, has highlighted the recent increase in courier breakdowns, resulting in lab test delays for Gisborne patients. The samples are being sent hundreds of kilometers across the country to Palmerston North for testing, leading to days-long delays in some cases. This is not an isolated incident, as Powell noted that it is not uncommon for samples to get stuck somewhere they shouldn’t. In one instance, a courier broke down in Taupo, and the samples had to be picked up by another courier from Palmerston North, leaving them overnight in the van without proper refrigeration.
The Cause of the Delays
According to Apex, the delays in key diagnostic tests are a result of the medical lab at Gisborne being 50% owned by a private company that prioritizes profit over timely diagnostic tests. The company, MedLab, sends samples to Palmerston North for testing, rather than to nearby labs in Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, or Auckland, in order to save costs. Powell argued that this is unacceptable, especially given that the company has recently issued a $5 million profit. She emphasized the need for a proper lab to be established in Gisborne, which would enable timely and efficient diagnostic testing.
The Impact on Patients
The delays in diagnostic tests can have serious consequences for patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, leukemia, and antibiotic resistance. Powell explained that even on a good day, there is a 24-hour delay in test results, and if it is a weekend, a three-hour delay can be expected. This makes it challenging for doctors to quickly identify issues and administer the right medication. As a result, patients may be subjected to multiple antibiotics while doctors try to treat them, which can lead to unnecessary side effects and prolonged recovery times.
Response from Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand Midland regional executive director, Cath Cronin, acknowledged that they are aware of the delays and have been working with the lab provider to resolve the issues. She explained that microbiology tests have been sent to Palmerston North twice a day for the past nine years, and that initial sample analysis is performed by MedLab at Gisborne Hospital, with further processing in Palmerston North using sophisticated technology. Cronin argued that the contract for the lab sets clear service delivery requirements to ensure timeliness and quality, and that Tairāwhiti Hospital is satisfied with the services provided by TLAB, including microbiology.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite Health New Zealand’s response, Apex remains concerned about the issue and has raised it with Te Whatu Ora repeatedly over the last six months without receiving a response. Powell emphasized that the payment of dividends to shareholders by private providers, such as MedLab, is common and can lead to a conflict of interest between profit and patient care. She argued that the dividend paid by Medlab Central is from its consolidated entity for all services it provides, including privately funded testing, which can create a perverse incentive to prioritize profit over timely diagnostic tests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the breakdowns in courier services and the resulting delays in lab testing for Gisborne patients are a serious concern that requires urgent attention. The fact that the medical lab at Gisborne is 50% owned by a private company that prioritizes profit over timely diagnostic tests is unacceptable and can have serious consequences for patients. Apex’s concerns and criticisms highlight the need for a proper lab to be established in Gisborne, which would enable timely and efficient diagnostic testing. It is essential that Health New Zealand and Te Whatu Ora take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that patients receive the care they deserve.