The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has announced an investment of A$492m ($320.52m) for the development of a new Health Pathology Statewide Hub.
The funding will facilitate the construction of a new facility for the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR) and enable upgrades to the state’s sole high-security PC4 biocontainment laboratory.
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Set to enhance pathology services at the Westmead Health Precinct, the facility is important for testing and researching high-risk infectious diseases.
The project marks an extension of the state government’s ongoing commitment to health infrastructure, which includes investments in several hospitals and health services across NSW.
Funds will be allocated to new hospital constructions, redevelopments and expansions, as well as accommodation for key health workers in regional and rural areas.
Pathology services play an important role in medical diagnostics, with more than 100,000 clinical and scientific investigations conducted daily in NSW, influencing 70% of medical decisions.
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By GlobalDataEstablished in 1978 and overdue for refurbishment, the Westmead-based laboratory currently performs 3.5 million tests annually.
The new hub will not only provide local and statewide clinical pathology and public health services but also support medical research and specialised services.
The upgraded facility aims to incorporate technology, innovation, and best practice in specialist pathology service delivery.
This will ensure that major referral hospitals can maintain on-site laboratories, encouraging collaboration between pathologists and clinicians.
In addition, the hub will maintain connections with regional centres such as Dubbo, Lismore, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, addressing the intricate needs of regional and rural health districts and providing support for education, training, and research.
These capabilities are essential for large emergency departments that require urgent services and additional testing.
NSW health minister Ryan Park said: “Since being elected, we have been focused on improving health services and building hospitals which meet the needs of some of our most rapidly growing communities.”
This announcement follows an earlier commitment by the state government, which included an additional A$700m towards the New Bankstown Hospital.
