Labtests head apologises for mistakes 

Source: ONE News

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The head of the beseiged new laboratory service in auckland has apologised for a series of mistakes.

It comes on the back of the country's top health watchdog speaking out about its services.

The Health and Disability Commissioner is alarmed at a string of complaints about the new medical testing organisation  in Auckland.

Ron Paterson says has told ONE News he's concerned there's a real risk patients could be harmed because of problems at Labtest, which has taken over the contract from Diagnostic Medlab (DML).

Paterson has taken his concerns to Health Minister Tony Ryall.

Paterson says complaints range from long waits at Labtests collection centres to a case which led to a newborn baby being urgently admitted to Starship Hospital.

Former laboratory test provider DML reignited its row with Labtests during the week by sending a videotape of patient complaints to media.

DML lost its battle to hold on to its contract with the Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau district health boards (DHBs) this year when the Supreme Court ruled in Labtests' favour.

The Medical Association has also expressed the growing concern and frustration of its members over problems with the transition between Diagnostic Medlab and Labtests.

Ryall has said the government expects district health boards to ensure that the public receive proper services.

Labtests chief executive Ulf Lindskog says there have been some isolated concerns but generally he is pleased with how the transition is progressing.

Labour is demanding that the Minister of Health does more to fix the problems. Health spokeswoman Ruth Dyson says it's time for the minister to act and people are getting frustrated at what they see as a breach in the services they are supposed to receive.

Dyson says the buck stops with the Minister.

Have you had recent dealings with Labtest? How have your experiences been? ONE News would like to hear from you. Email news@tvnz.co.nz