Labtests’ claims “desperate” says DML chief

August 18, 2009
Media Release
For Immediate Release

Labtests’ claims “desperate” says DML chief

Accusations that Diagnostic Medlab (DML) is monitoring queues in Labtests Auckland’s collection centres is laughable and smacks of desperation, says the chief executive of DML, Arthur Morris.

Dr Morris was responding to Labtests’ chief executive Ulf Lindskog’s claim that DML was monitoring Labtests’ queues to “stir the pot”.

“Rather than finger-pointing in order to hide Labtests’ own shortcomings, Mr Lindskog’s would be better to focus on the real issue and the one of most concern to patients – providing a satisfactory collection service.

“DML doesn’t have to monitor Labtests to know what’s going on, because patients and doctors are visiting or phoning us to tell us about the poor service they’re receiving from Labtests.

“Three years ago, DML told the DHBs the Labtests’ collection model was inadequate. They have had all that time to get their staffing levels right and now they’ve realised they’ve got it wrong and Aucklanders are paying for it.

“Blaming someone else to deflect attention away from their inadequate staffing is hardly taking a responsible approach to the situation,” Dr Morris says.

ENDS

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