Doctors demand review of Labtests 

Source: ONE News

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Fed up GPs are venting more anger over a new laboratory testing service plagued by problems.
 
They have been meeting health officials in Auckland, demanding an independent review of Labtests.

Dr Carmel Built of Three Kings Medical Centre says when patient safety is at risk, as it is in this case, doctors are putting their hands up and saying it's not good enough.

Doctors Built and Ian Rapson have amassed seven files of botched test results since Labtests new service was rolled out in early August.

"The DHB (district health board) promised us a horse. Now the KPI, the key performer indicators, indicate what we've got has got four legs and a tail but there wasn't enough money in the bank for a horse. We've got a dog," says Built. 

The pair are vocal critics of the newcomer but they are not alone.

Growing discontent over a raft of problems with Labtests reporting and testing procedures has forced Procare, the organisation which represents 180 general practices and half of Auckland's total patient base, to call for an independent inquiry.

Dr Peter Didsbury, Procare Health Chairman, says the doctors are frustrated.

"We feel something needs to be done urgently and feel this is a constructive way forward to find a remedy," he says.

The demand comes at the same time as the regional DHBs responsible for the controversial Labtests contract have released their own review showing improvements are still needed.

It found Labtests is set-up and equipment impressive, but identified problems with logistics, deployment of staff and quality processes.

It suggests more senior scientists be hired and per-patient funding boosted.

The regional DHB chairman, Pat Snedden, says the allocation of some work to former provider Diognostic Medlab has boosted per capita spending and maintains things are coming right.

"The start was so rocky I think it did put people off. But you have to understand also that we're measuring very closely what's going on here and the measurements are starting to move in the right direction," says Snedden.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says there will be an independent review of the switch to the new provider after all the problems are fixed.

Until then, he is holding the DHBs accountable for providing a safe and effective service, that so many GPs claim is lacking.