NATA recently conducted an audit of the Dorevitch Pathology laboratories at the Western and Sunshine Hospitals. According to information provided to the MSAV, Dorevitch Pathology failed the NATA inspection in the biochemistry and haematology departments at both hospitals. We understand that Dorevitch has been given a date by which the problems must be rectified.

Dorevitch Pathology was awarded the contract to manage and operate these laboratories by Western Health, displacing Melbourne Health which had been providing the service after Western Health and Melbourne Health were split into 2 health services. The contract commenced on 1 October 2011.

In less than 6 months these laboratories have plunged from continually passing NATA audits (on occasions with commendations) to major failure at the first NATA audit after privatisation.

This is totally unacceptable.

The MSAV has been receiving feedback regarding

• Shortage of scientists – non-replacement of scientists who have left Dorevitch
• Gaps in the scientific roster
• Excessive workloads
• Inefficient DOS based IT system
• Tests being sent offsite contrary to contractual arrangements with Western Health
• Increased turn around time for test results (also in breach of contract with Western Health) due to staff shortages

Clearly a cut-price operator will be under financial pressure to cut services, or staffing or quality, or all three. This seems to be what is going on with the Dorevitch Pathology contract.

Such a rapid decline in the quality of a public sector pathology service demands proper investigation and action. Western Health must urgently review whether or not this contractual arrangement should continue.

The urgent task for Western Health executives is the restoration of proper public health care standards for people in the Western suburbs.