MEDIA RELEASE

20 June 2018

Today marks a historic day for private pathology services in Australia, with the launch of a new peak body for private pathology practices in Australia

Australian Pathology, which represents more than 95 per cent of private pathology in Australia, was launched in Canberra.

Australian Pathology Chief Executive Officer, Liesel Wett, said this announcement was a very positive outcome for all Australians who access pathology services, with some 42.5 million services delivered each year.

“Importantly this is an enormous step towards ensuring there is a sustainable and vibrant pathology sector long into the future,” Ms Wett said.

Ms Wett said pathology was an essential medical service underpinning a high-quality health system – and would continue to deliver for patients in the prevention and diagnosis of cancers through screening programs for bowel, cervical, breast and prostate cancers as well as in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

“The role that pathology plays in medical diagnoses is essential to the treatment and care of patients, particularly in the early diagnosis of cancer,” Ms Wett said.

“Australian Pathology member laboratories are critical to the successful implementation of healthcare diagnosis and management of disease in this country.”

Pathology services are essential in the healthcare system, with 70 per cent of medical decisions and 100 per cent of cancer diagnoses relying on pathology tests. These services are essential in the management of most diseases, especially chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, hepatitis and HIV.

“As a new entity representing the large majority of private pathology practices, our role is to ensure all Australians continue to access quality pathology services in this country,” Ms Wett said.

 

Liesel Wett
CEO, Australian Pathology
0414 434 581

Media Release: Historic day as peak body for Pathology is announced