‘Just at the beginning of a complex process’ | VIDEO

NSW Pathology director Professor Rob Lindeman has been in Narrabri this week talking to stakeholders across the pathology services sphere.

He outlined NSW pathology’s role across the state,operating 65 laboratories in NSW.

NSW Pathology is a public entity, part of NSW Health.

“You are clearly all passionate about your community,” he said to the audience at Tuesday’s meeting.

“But this is just the beginning of a consultation process.

“We are listening carefully – our aim is to provide timely testing appropriate to the community.”

There will be a need to co-design a testing network of services across the state.

“Decisions have not been made – we are trying to find the appropriate services,” said Prof Lindeman.

“This is the beginning of the process to find out what we need to know.

“Changing the service is a really complex issue involving staffing, equipment and accreditations.”

In response to a question from audience member Maree Taylor, ‘would the service operate from Narrabri Hospital?’ Prof Lindeman said he could not guarantee what the service would ultimately look like.

It was a complicated project, a process in the early stages.

“We are trying to establish what needs to be done and not making any assumptions.

“I am listening very hard,” Prof Lindeman told the audience.

“I would like to give you firm answers but I just can’t do it at this stage,” he said.