Government must respond to damning pathology report

• Royal College of Pathologists extremely critical of Tasmania’s health system
• Minister must explain how he’s responding to the report
• Doubt over “Medicare approval” raised

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australia has released some disturbing findings relating to Tasmania’s health system.

Labor Leader Rebecca White said a report prepared last month should be a wake-up call for Health Minister Michael Ferguson.

“The Royal College of Pathologists report highlights a long list of deficiencies in our hospital system,” Ms White said.

“The report highlights concerns over an insufficient number of laboratory staff, rostering, the lack of a “Quality Manager” and a lack of staff training.

“Alarmingly it also warns that “the provision of continuing Medicare approval may also be reviewed”.

“Can the Minister guarantee that Tasmanians won’t be left out of pocket if Medicare approval is withdrawn?

“What has the Minister done to immediately respond to this report?

“What guarantee can Minister Ferguson give that pathology services will meet the standards required for the next review?”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader