DML database smokescreen for Labtests' delays

Media Release

August 20, 2009

DML database smokescreen for Labtests' delays

Suggestions that lengthy patient queues in Labtests' collection centres are caused by Labtests not getting the Diagnostic Medlab (DML) doctor database are nothing more than a smokescreen for poor performance, says the chief executive of DML, Arthur Morris.

Dr Morris said Labtests had asked for the DML doctor database because their collection centre staff were getting test requests on DML forms and they needed to check the DML codes against their own.

"Around 75 percent of our forms are printed directly from the doctor's printer with all the necessary details on them. Almost all the remainder has the doctor's name printed on them," Dr Morris explained.

"For the few forms without a name, all they have to do is ask the patient the name of their doctor.

"Lengthy delays in Labtests' collection centres have nothing to do with our database. Labtests hasn't invested the time and money into getting their own database up and running - something they've had three years to get right."

Dr Morris said it was another example of Labtests looking to deflect attention from their own poor performance by finger-pointing.

"Unfortunately, the people who suffer most are the patients putting up with long queues in Labtests' collection centres. I really feel sorry for them, but the responsibility for fixing the problem lies with Labtests and the District Health Boards," Dr Morris said.

ENDS