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In a boost for Southern Downs and Granite Belt communities, a new Pathology Queensland Laboratory has opened its doors at Warwick Hospital.
Pathology Queensland Toowoomba Group Laboratory Manager, Neil Dawson said the Pathology Queensland Warwick Laboratory tests approximately 2000 samples a week.
“We have eight staff working seven days a week to support the pathology needs of the community."
Pathology Queensland Toowoomba Group Laboratory Manager Neil Dawson
“The new laboratory was needed to cater for new equipment, the Replacement Chemistry and Immunoassay Analysers will help staff keep up with the increasing workload while improving test turnaround time.
“This means there will also be capability to increase the scope of testing performed locally, ultimately reducing the testing that has to be sent to larger laboratories.
“It’s critical that Queenslanders, regardless of location, receive the best quality and access to medical services, including pathology, the new Pathology Queensland Warwick Laboratory will ensure this for many years to come,” Mr Dawson said.
Darling Downs Health Director Projects, Property and Planning, Phil Gregory said the existing pathology laboratory on the first floor wasn’t suitable for the new analyser.
“Warwick Hospital is an old building, so the decision was made to move the pathology laboratory downstairs to a more suitable location to accommodate the new analyser.
“We kept the existing pathology laboratory operational while the new laboratory was built downstairs. Once the new laboratory was built and all pathology equipment relocated, the old laboratory was turned into an office space.
“Overall, this is a great outcome for the Warwick community and shows the commitment of Darling Downs Health and Pathology Queensland to health outcomes of people across the region,” Mr Gregory said.