Profit driven health delivery bad for patients using labs

The Council of Trade Unions support the concern of specialists that the privatisation of the laboratory services at Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast District Boards could have a negative impact on patients.

CTU President, Helen Kelly echoes their concerns. “Whenever a publicly provided service is transferred to private company it is done so that a private provider is able to make profit. There are some areas where profit should not be the primary focus, and the delivery of safe health care is such an area.”

“Laboratory services are a critical component of public hospitals. They provide essential information to the other members of the health team. It is essential that lab services are not focused on returning a profit.” Kelly said.

“This is a backdoor method to introduce a Public-Private partnership which have been disastrous for the public health system in the United Kingdom.” Kelly said.

“It is simply not a legitimate argument to privatise a service because the facilities are “tired”. To potentially compromise patient safety for the benefit of the lick of paint is ridiculous.” Kelly said.

ENDS

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