Arabic version: ماتر تستعين بمصادر خارجية لخدمات علم الأمراض بشكل دائم

According to The Guardian, Mater will permanently close its in-house pathology services at its Brisbane and Springfield hospitals, affecting about 400 staff. The decision follows an investigation into a potential formaldehyde exposure and concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the pathology business.

The closure includes an anatomical pathology laboratory in Brisbane that handles foetus and newborn tissue and cell testing for unexpected deaths. The facility was shut at short notice on 24 September after safety concerns over potential formalin exposure. Formalin comprises water and formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical subject to workplace safety protocols.

After 17 samples were taken on 21 September, one employee received a result above workplace exposure standards. Anatomical pathology staff had been required to wear protective respiratory equipment, while staff also used personal exposure monitoring devices. A Mater spokesperson said an investigation into the abnormal result remains ongoing.

Mater said controls had been introduced to reduce safety risks, but reopening the laboratory would require substantial long-term infrastructure changes and investment. Its pathology work will be outsourced to specialist providers including Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Pathology Queensland. Queensland Health said Pathology Queensland had taken on a small increase in perinatal autopsies within existing capacity. United Workers Union Queensland secretary Fiona Scalon said workers could lose income and conditions if redeployment opportunities were unavailable.