Queensland hospital to close pathology labs over formaldehyde concerns
Major Brisbane hospital group shuts in-house pathology services affecting 400 staff.
At a glance
- Closure affects 400 staff across two Mater hospitals in Queensland
- Investigation into potential formaldehyde exposure prompted the decision
- Financial sustainability of the pathology business cited as a factor
- Labs handled foetal and newborn tissue testing for unexpected deaths
Mater Health Services will permanently close pathology laboratories at its Brisbane and Springfield hospitals, affecting approximately 400 employees. The closure follows an investigation into potential formaldehyde exposure and ongoing financial difficulties with the pathology business.
The affected labs include facilities that conduct tissue and cell testing for foetal and newborn cases involving unexpected deaths.
Why it matters
The closure affects a significant workforce and disrupts pathology services at a major Queensland health provider, with implications for testing capacity in the region.
Original reporting
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