Awanui Labs sees the light
Friday 19 May 2023
A week is a ‘long time in politics’, and apparently even longer when considering changes to the provision of public health that could have long-term implications for patient care and clinical delivery. Well, in fact it is not very long at all.
Awanui Labs has announced the complete withdrawal of their proposal to close their histology lab at ‘Nelson Hospital’. This comes little more than a week following the presentation of the proposal to shell-shocked staff in Nelson.
‘Of course we are pleased that Awanui Labs a has seen the light and decided to take a step back from such a dramatic proposal’, said David Munro, Advocacy Lead at APEX today. ‘Whilst we now look forward to working constructively with Awanui to ensure that they can maintain a sustainable histology service at Nelson Hospital, we must note that the distress and disruption caused by this ill- thought-out proposal will need addressing.’ he continued.
Part of the justification for the proposal to close the service in Nelson was the struggle that the business has been having in recruiting and retaining experienced staff. ‘The answer to staffing issues is almost too obvious,’ said Mr Munro today. ‘Retaining experienced scientific staff is all about treating people with respect, and paying them what they are worth. Genuinely engaging with staff on a solutions oriented basis will be a good start, and then paying salaries that can attract and retain experienced staff in regional hospitals will go a long was as well.’
APEX union commences collective bargaining next week (23 &2 4 May) to renew the collective agreement with Awanui Labs. ‘We are looking forward to this business stepping up to the challenge of paying reasonable and competitive salaries to laboratory scientists and technicians,’ remarked Mr Munro. ‘We cannot afford to lose any more laboratory scientists from the health system. As Covid demonstrated, we need these workers more – not less! – than ever before.’
ENDS
Contact: David Munro
Laboratories National Advocate APEX
Mobile (027) 276 9999
What is a Medical Laboratory Worker?
Medical Laboratory Workers are registered health professionals who run laboratories and test, interpret and report laboratory results. They are trained to identify disease and abnormalities through studying blood, tissue and other bodily samples. Laboratory workers work ‘behind the scenes’ but remain an integral part of the health system whose work is vital to patient treatment. More than 90% of prescribed treatments require laboratory input to aid/confirm diagnosis or to monitor drug levels or disease progression.
Medical laboratory science is a bit like detective work. Workers look for answers to the disease ‘puzzle’ to help doctors diagnose and treat their patients. They answer questions such as: are these cells abnormal? What do these blood cells tell us about this person’s health? How does it fit in with their other symptoms? How much of drug ‘x’ is in this person’s blood? Is it working effectively? What bug is making this person sick?
Medical Laboratory Workers take on a high level of responsibility, often needing to make important decisions under pressure. Emergencies can occur at any time, day or night, so laboratory workers have to prioritise and use their initiative, often without much back-up. If the doctor needs to know the answer, they have to deliver. Sometimes this means working through the night providing results while patients fight for their life in another part of the hospital or a surgeon waits, mid-operation, for a phone call.
Responsibilities include developing, adapting and applying scientific methods of analysis and ensuring high standards of quality assurance. An understanding of the methodology and theory behind complicated, technical and automated equipment is essential, as is developing the skills necessary to identify and interpret abnormalities under the microscope or via other diagnostic technology. Laboratory workers are highly regarded and sought after worldwide.