The combined entity will be the largest pathology provider in Australia. What about the ACCC? Healthscope seems to be confident that the ACCC will not find that the deal offends s50 of the Trade Practices Act 974, which prohibits mergers and acquisitions which substantially lessen competition.

We believe that the merger will substantially lessen competition and have made written and verbal submissions to the ACCC. We are grateful to Ian Farrance, life member of the MSAV, senior scientist, Fellow of the RCP in the UK and former Director of Pathcare in Geelong for his assistance in drafting the MSAV submission. The ACCC is due to release its findings on 15 June 2007.

If the merger does go ahead, then e can expect ‘rationalisation’ of pathology services in Victoria.

Potentially the impact will be felt by scientists in regional Victoria as well as in Melbourne, as in some regional towns and cities there is both a Gribbles laboratory and a Dorevitch laboratory. In Melbourne both providers have a large main laboratory (Gribbles at Clayton and Dorevitch at Heidelberg) as well as a number of smaller laboratories, some of which are located very close to one another. We will be holding meetings of members as soon as the ACCC brings down its decision, and we know whether the merger is going ahead.

The role of the MSAV will be crucial in ensuring that there is appropriate consultation and proper processes for dealing with organisational change, and that members’ interests are protected.