NAPE Welcomes Results and Recommendations of External Review of Pathology Laboratory

NAPE Welcomes Results and Recommendations of External Review of Pathology Laboratory

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Laboratory Staff at Eastern Health are pleased with the results and recommendations of the External Review of Eastern Health’s Anatomic Pathology Laboratory conducted by the University Health Network (UHN), according to Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) President Carol Furlong.

“We are pleased with the findings of the report, which came about, in large part, due to the requests of Laboratory Medicine Staff at Eastern Health,” said Furlong.

“The recommendations will go a long way to improving upon the already excellent quality in the laboratory,” continued Furlong. “In particular, we are pleased to see that the report recommends a review of staffing levels at the laboratory as well as the immediate filling of the vacant fifth Pathology Assistant (PA) position. The report goes on to recommend that Eastern Health secure additional funding for a sixth PA position at the laboratory, which is something we also support.”

The review conducted by UHN over the course of past three months also commends the staff at the laboratory for their, “very clear commitment to quality patient care, transparency and a desire to enhance laboratory medicine quality, sustainability and accessibility.”

“The positive comments made about the Laboratory Medicine staff in the review come as no surprise to us,” stated Furlong. “These vital members of the health care team are highly trained, dedicated, and specialized health care professionals. The critical testing and analysis they perform is essential for doctors in making a diagnosis and determining the right course of treatment for patients. These specialists are often unrecognized by the public as an essential part to the health care team. Yet, without their specialized skills, health care as we know it could not be delivered.”

NAPE represents over 1000 members in the Laboratory and X-Ray workers province-wide, including over 40 staff that were covered by the scope of the review. 

– 30 –

For further information please contact:

Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

(phone) 709.570.2501 (cell) 709.631.9737 (e-mail) kdunne@nape.nf.ca