Lab defends test waiting times

Medlab has moved to defend itself from criticism regarding delays in blood tests at Wanganui Hospital.
Dr Cynric Temple-Camp, chief executive officer of Medlab Central in Palmerston North, says people arriving for blood tests at Wanganui Hospital cannot always expect immediate attention.
Medlab Central is the laboratory contracted to provide the testing service to the Whanganui District Health Board.
Dr Temple-Camp said while he was aware that some people were upset with delays, many had commented favourably on waiting times.
"Waiting times will vary as there are no appointments needed and it is unrealistic to expect capacity for instant attention at all times," he said.
Dr Temple-Camp confirmed that Medlab was looking at an appointment system for its Wanganui Hospital centre.
"The waiting times are continuously monitored and reasonable staff levels maintained to deal with the number presenting," he said.
Dr Temple-Camp said a couple of complaints had been passed on to the health board, although patient surveys showed most people were satisfied with the service.
He said Medlab employed 25 staff at Wanganui Hospital and confirmed that five staff were laid off recently but had the opportunity to re-apply for positions that were available.
"All staff who actually applied for the positions were offered a job in the first instance. Those who left chose to do so," he said.
He said casual staff were used when needed to cover for those who had left the laboratory.
"Casual staff have always been used to provide cover and scientific staff from the laboratory also assist at times," Dr Temple-Camp said.
Medlab's contract with the health board is reviewed annually.
Medlab Central is a nationwide organisation and in Wanganui it operates from two sites, one at Wanganui Hospital and the other at the Polyclinic in Wicksteed St. The laboratory is at the hospital while the central city outlet is a specimen and blood collection point only.
Medlab has been providing pathological services for the health board since 2007 and, with the multimillion-dollar upgrade at Wanganui Hospital, expanded its services at the hospital while reducing its Wicksteed St facility.