Staff at the new Cooma Hospital Pathology Laboratory. Photo: NSW Health.
The NSW Government’s redevelopment of Cooma Hospital has achieved another milestone with the opening of a new pathology laboratory.
The new laboratory includes new chemical pathology analysers and is part of a $26.5 million investment in the hospital that also includes upgrades to the emergency department, a new maternity ward and a new ambulatory care centre, which recently opened.
The hospital upgrade will include works by artists connected to the Snowy Monaro region, celebrating the region’s diverse creative community.
Chemical analysers can perform a number of common pathology tests, including liver and kidney function tests and monitoring for diabetes.
Senior Hospital Scientist in Charge at Cooma Jo-Anne Hagger said the refurbished laboratory will deliver significant benefits for both patients and pathology staff.
“We have a new collections room on Level B at the Cooma Hospital where people can go for blood tests,” she said. “We bulk bill and accept all referrals, and you don’t need an appointment,” she said.
“Staff at Cooma Hospital will have access to the best facilities and equipment with the latest technology, including new chemical analysers as part of NSW Health Pathology’s $29 million rollout of the latest technology across regional NSW,” Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said.
The NSW Government said the chemical analyser rollout has also improved services at Bathurst, Bega, Broken Hill, Bourke, Cootamundra, Cowra, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Forbes, Griffith, Goulburn, Lithgow, Moruya, Mudgee, Orange, Queanbeyan, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Walgett and Young.
“These analysers will enhance pathology services for the people of Cooma and surrounding communities in south-eastern NSW, providing a range of common pathology tests including liver and kidney function tests and monitoring for diabetes,” Mr Park added.
The new laboratory operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It will have advanced testing technology, including point of care testing to support real-time bedside testing, which can be lifesaving for people suspected of having a heart attack or sepsis. On-site blood transfusion services will also be available.
Member for Monaro Minister Steve Whan welcomed the laboratory opening, which he says represents increased healthcare services for the local community.
“This laboratory represents a much-needed boost for patients and pathology staff here at Cooma Hospital,” he said. “Pathology is a crucial tool that helps doctors detect, treat and monitor disease,” he said.
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