The final report of this project has been released and will be on our web site next week. The Project has looked at the options for consolidating pathology at 5 hospitals: RMH, RCH, RWH, PMCI and Western Hospital. The Report has endorsed the concept of consolidation with the preferred model being two hubs, one based at Parkville with a smaller one at WH, possibly at Sunshine Hospital.

We met on 30/4 with the CEO of RWH and the operations manager from RCH. We were told that a business case will now be developed with the support of the Department of Human Services to be put to government to enable a decision to be made on funding the proposal.

We advised that we want to consult with our members before responding to the report in detail. However we wanted to be involved before the business case is put to Government. This is important as after this point the project will be locked in and our opportunity to protect the interests of members may be compromised.

This would be a radical change in pathology services for the inner Melbourne area and could have a far-reaching impact on jobs, careers and services. We will be seeking the full involvement of members to ensure that we make an informed response.