From 1 November 2022, pathology services at Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) will transfer to NSW Health Pathology (NSWHP).
NSWHP is Australia’s largest public pathology provider and NSW Health’s preferred provider and commissioner of pathology services.
NSWHP is working closely with Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and the current private pathology provider, Laverty Pathology, to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to services.
Patient safety and care will be paramount during the transition. This change will link Port Macquarie with pathology services provided by NSWHP in the wider Hastings Macleay region and ensure continuity of pathology services during periods of high demand.
There will be no changes to services provided at other NSWHP labs in the region at Kempsey, Taree and Coffs Harbour.
The new laboratory at PMBH will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will provide the full range of pathology testing services, as well as inpatient pathology and outpatient collection services.
The lab will provide services in haematology, blood transfusion, chemistry, microbiology and anatomical pathology. Speciality testing and support services for PMBH will be provided from NSWHP’s John Hunter Lab in Newcastle, including immunology and molecular testing.
NSWHP will also:
- deliver an enhanced point of care testing (POCT) service
- provide expanded on-site microbiology testing
- improve the tracking of specimens across NSWHP’s statewide network of laboratories using the electronic specimen tracking system to ensure specimens arrive safely.
- provide a new outpatient collections service at PMBH.
For more information about the upcoming changes, email [email protected] or phone Michelle McPherson on 0457 820 782.