“I am excited by the unique interface betwEen science, medicine and research that I experience at Aotea Pathology.”

Dr Collette Bromhead,
Head of Department, Molecular Biology

highlights and significant events

• Completion of merger between Sonic Healthcare and Abano laboratories with review of all policies and procedures and implementation of improved systems
• Installation of new equipment – modular preanalytics – enabling automation of specimen handling within laboratory
• Rebuild of laboratory facility
• Achieved IANZ accreditation
• Implemented changes to improve testing procedures
• Referrer communications established
• Recruitment of senior staff including Human Resources Manager and Charge Scientist, Chemistry

THE OUTLOOK

• Grow revenue outside of the DHB contract
• Appropriately manage demand for DHB funded tests and services
• Re-tender for new contract with National Cervical Screening Programme
• Continual improvement including implementing new procedures for patient registration
• Official launch of new laboratory to key industry people, clinical leaders and healthcare providers
• Introduce new technology for automated cytology screening
• Develop new tests for sexually transmitted diseases
• Work with referrers to maximise the patient benefit in an environment of capped spending
• Enhance electronic communication between referrer computer systems and the laboratory information system
• Enable patient pay testing not funded by the public purse
• Continued upskilling of senior staff with training in aspects of management