The lab testing debacle 

Source: Close UpAuckland DHB chairman, Pat Snedden

• WATCH the video (5:03)

They literally hold lives in their hands and those charged with carrying out medical tests in the country's biggest city have been accused of dicing with death.

The warnings came even before Labtests set up shop in Auckland after a very public, very bitter and protracted legal challenge by incumbent provider Diagnostic Medlab.

Since then, there has been delays, misplaced results and mix-ups - like the woman who was told she had problems with her prostate.

Now, with the Health and Disability Commissioner looking into more than a dozen complaints about the service, there has been a dramatic u-turn by the District Health Boards who entered into the contract with Labtests.

They have rehired Diagnostic Medlab to carry out some of the work.

Mark Sainsbury talks to Auckland DHB chairman, Pat Snedden.

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fjj12 ; 2009-11-19 @ 13:26 NZDT  

I applaud Shirell for blowing the whistle on the disgusting conditions of the resthome. No I don't think she jumped the gun. I think Shirell has done a very brave thing that a lot of other people would have just turned a blind-eye to!! Perhaps now a lot of resthomes will clean up their act and put some standards into palce! Good for you Shirell!!!!

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pompeygirl ; 2009-11-18 @ 19:50 NZDT  

Thanks for highlighting Tabitha Talent Agency and their 'shonky' business. They stay just below below the illegal radar but do plenty of damage along the way to families and businesses. Our children must be protected from people like this. Can somebody please stamp them 'Return to Sender' and show them the next international flight out of Christchurch.

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Paigiesmum ; 2009-11-17 @ 21:48 NZDT  

Re ACC: Hi again ACC trys to make the ones suffer that need it the most. The pediatric assesment tool has also been changed (Apparently) but actually it hasn't its the same, and as for ACC using independant assesors, they always have. We used to have an assesor, who saw & understood how my little girl was suffering, how much time EVERYTHING took. She was realistic and sympathetic. This is what ACC has changed. What commission do the casemanagers get. Its a good question to ask.

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maggie-bop ; 2009-11-17 @ 19:21 NZDT  

If enough people bombarded Cadbury with emails of disgust at how we're being treated then those decision-makers should take notice. I WILL NOT buy Minties made in Thailand! Just shows how often we need to check labels.

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Judeb ; 2009-11-15 @ 21:44 NZDT  

My 6 yr old son suffered an avoidable and severe brain injury, at the hands of medical professionals, when he was a 2 day old newborn. I am now paid by ACC to be his caregiver.ACC legislation does not recognise the trauma that my husband and I have suffered and conversely, their policies seem to be designed to cause us more grief and stress on top of the hell we live with 24/7. Jumping through hoops does not aptly describe what they put us through just to get from them what our son needs.

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