11 September 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
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<% NewsURL = Recordset1.Fields.Item("URL").Value if NewsURL <> "" OR NewsURL <> "http://www.adhb.govt.nz" Then response.write "Click here for more information. ("&NewsURL&")" end if %><% NewsURL = Recordset1.Fields.Item("URL").Value if NewsURL <> "" OR NewsURL <> "http://www.adhb.govt.nz" Then response.write "Click here for more information. ("&NewsURL&")" end if %>Auckland Regional District Health Board's
Important notice to patients regarding Lab Tests

The Waitemata District Health Board, the Auckland District Health Board and the Counties Manukau District Health Boards have awarded a new contract to Labtests Auckland Ltd to run the community laboratories in the region from 1 July 2007.

What this means to you!

• You will still get the high level of service that you currently receive.

• You will still receive your blood tests in a timely manner. For example, if they are urgent, the results will be sent through within hours, as they are now.

• You may well have more convenient options for having your tests done. For example, there will be discussions between now and next July about the possibility of having some tests done at the doctors, which will save you the trouble of travelling to a laboratory test collection centre. It is in the contract that the new provider (Labtests Auckland) will be working with the DHBs to improve access for groups such as the elderly and the disabled.

• Laboratory test collection centres: Labtests Auckland will be working with the District Health Boards to get consistent access levels to test collection centres across the region. For example in one area of Auckland there are three test collection centres within one square kilometre but in other areas people have to travel some distance. Note that both the current provider (Diagnostic Medlab) and Labtests Auckland (the provider from 1 July 07) proposed a reduced number of test collection locations in their tender as the current number in the region well exceeds national and international benchmarks.

• The $120million savings over this eight year contract means that this money can go straight back into the healthcare system to help improve the health of the people in the Auckland region. To give you an example of the size of the savings, it is the equivalent of 90 hip replacements every month, every year, for eight years. However the DHBs will each decide where their share of the money will be spent.

The three District Health Boards are intent on providing the best possible health services for people in the region within their budgets. This is about spending tax payers’ money wisely and for this particular contract, also ensuring that the Auckland region will continue to receive quality, timely laboratory services.

Thank you.

Garry Smith                           Dwayne Crombie                    Ron Dunham
Chief Executive                      Chief Executive                      Acting Chief Executive
Auckland DHB                       Waitemata DHB                     Counties Manukau DHB

Ends