New pathology department a game changer for NSW

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Patients across Sydney are poised to experience enhanced care as NSW Health Pathology introduces its cutting-edge Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology department, officially inaugurated as part of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital redevelopment.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, unveiled the Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology Department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the NSW Government’s $940 million hospital redevelopment initiative.

Replacing the former facility at RPA, which processed over 48,000 patient samples for various cancer diagnostic tests last year alone, the state-of-the-art facility boasts cutting-edge equipment for advanced cancer diagnostic testing and expedited reporting on clinical cases, thereby significantly improving turnaround times and patient outcomes.

The strategic relocation of the department consolidates the Anatomical Pathology and Cytology teams in close proximity to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, promising faster response times for urgent sample testing crucial for cancer patients’ treatment.

During the inauguration, Minister Park witnessed first-hand the technology enabling pathologists to seamlessly connect with RPA’s surgeons via audio-visual linkages, facilitating immediate diagnoses during surgical procedures – a game-changing advancement in patient care.

Vanessa Janissen, Chief Executive of NSW Health Pathology, said “AAs the role of personalised medicine expands and starts to become routine care, we are seeing increasing demand and complexity in anatomical pathology and cytology, and these facilities mean our teams at RPA are well placed to help meet this emerging clinical need.”

She further underscored the significance of the refurbished facility as the workplace of Professor Richard Scolyer, the 2024 Joint Australian of the Year and a world-leading melanoma pathologist.

“The last few years have been an extraordinary time for all who work in health, including our dedicated pathology staff who have worked tirelessly to meet the extraordinary demand. Everyone in our health system has continued to show great resilience and innovation,” Ms Janissen stated.

“I know this refurbished facility and enhanced space will bring many benefits to patients and their loved ones facing some of their biggest challenges, and I thank everyone involved for their dedication and commitment,” she concluded.

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