NSW Health Pathology marks first decade of service

NSW Health Pathology is celebrating 10 years since it was formed, bringing together public pathology and forensic and analytical science services in the healthcare sector from around the state.

The statewide organisation, NSW Health Pathology, now operates more than 60 laboratories and 150 collection centres across NSW, conducting over 100,000 clinical and scientific investigations every day.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the public pathology service proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic when the organisation provided vital public health testing.

“From growing the live virus and sequencing its genome, to creating an SMS service to notify patients of their PCR results, NSW Health Pathology proved essential to protecting the health and safety of the people of NSW,” Hazzard said.

“I want to thank all of NSW Health Pathology’s staff for their incredible efforts over the past 10 years. The work they have done, and continue to do, to care for the people of NSW is remarkable.”

During the past decade, NSW Health Pathology has made significant advances, including opening a $91.5 million state-of-the-art Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex at Lidcombe and rolling out an electronic tracking system for patient samples statewide.

Founding Chief Executive Tracey McCosker PSM, who remains at the helm of the organisation, said the service’s 5000-strong workforce is dedicated to finding the answers that help protect the health and safety of the people of NSW.

“The dedication our people have displayed is something I won’t forget. They have worked tirelessly and under enormous pressure to deliver services we’ve all relied on and can all be proud of,” McCosker said.

NSW Health Pathology aims to create better health and justice systems by touching people at every stage of life.

Their pathologists are medically trained clinicians who work in public hospitals and modern laboratories supported by scientists, technicians and support staff who quickly and accurately assess samples so clinical teams can make the best possible treatment decisions for patients.

Their Forensic & Analytical Science Service provides independent, objective analysis of the NSW criminal and coronial justice systems. It also provides environmental health testing to public health units in NSW and delivers services to the NSW Roads and Maritime Service, local government bodies and other organisations.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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