MOUNT Gambier Hospital’s SA Pathology laboratory is under threat from privatisation and potential cuts, according to the state opposition.
Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton yesterday warned the service – which provides life-saving medical tests – could be swept up in the State Government’s potential sell-off plan.
Standing outside the service at the hospital yesterday, the Labor politician said the government was inflicting $95.2m in cuts to SA Pathology and had not ruled out privatisation.
He warned less profitable laboratories in regional centres such as Mount Gambier were potentially on the “chopping block”, which could put 20 jobs at risk in the Blue Lake city.
“The minister (Stephen Wade) must today rule out any cuts or reductions in staff or services at the Mount Gambier pathology laboratory,” Mr Picton said.
Mr Picton’s call coincided with a visit yesterday by Mr Wade to the Blue Lake city.
“The Liberals promised better regional services but the cuts and privatisation threat for SA Pathology would strike a blow for patient care, including in the South East.”
With Mount Gambier’s laboratory one of the five regional labs that ran at a loss, Mr Picton said this potentially made it a prime “money-saving target”.
While it may not be “front of mind” for regional people, he said the service was crucial.
“You can get tests done quickly, efficiently and safely and there is a great team at the laboratory in Mount Gambier,” Mr Picton added.
“If you are admitted to emergency and you have to get your blood work done, the quicker you can get that done the quicker you can get the right care.”
He said the tests were completed quickly given the laboratory was located on the hospital site.
“They have the ability to do tests around the clock, they are here until 11pm every night and are on call 24 hours day when they are needed.”
Mr Picton said that meant a whole range of tests could be carried out for people in Mount Gambier and the wider region.
“It means patients do not have to wait so tests can be sent to Adelaide, only in exceptional circumstances,” the shadow minister said.
“The risk of privatisation is that a private company will come in and the main factor will be what is the best factor for the bottom line and ultimately sending things to Adelaide will be more cost effective instead of laboratories spread across the state.”
Mr Picton said this was a “great concern” for regional residents given the government was already slashing staff.
He said the government had already axed more than 100 scientists, clinicians and other staff across SA Pathology in recent months, with further job cuts to come in early 2020.
“The government has said in six months’ time they will decide whether to privatise or not. That threat is hanging over the heads of everybody at SA Pathology,” Mr Picton said.
Health Minister Stephen Wade says there are “no plans” to close a regional SA Pathology Service, including the laboratory at Mount Gambier.
“I have repeatedly and consistently said SA Pathology centres will be assessed not just on efficiency and sustainability, but also on the service provided to its local community,” Mr Wade said.
“Regional centres, such as SA Pathology in Mount Gambier, provide a valuable service to the community.”
While the Labor Opposition continued to “peddle mistruths” in the hope of gaining cheap political points, he said the State Government would continue to focus on making the lives of residents in the South East better by investing in patient-focused health care initiatives.
He said this investment included the $2.3m upgrade to the Mount Gambier Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit.
