Vulnerable service gets support

Paediatric Pathology was recently identified as one of five vulnerable services to become a National Service.

The service is particularly vulnerable due to the small number of specialist Paediatric Pathologists in New Zealand.  (The vulnerability of the service was highlighted in the 2009 Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee report.)

Dr Pat Tuohy, Chief Advisor, Child & Youth Health, Ministry of Health says, Paediatric Pathology is a very important speciality for confirming the cause of death in babies and young children.  

"This service is important for determining accurate causes of death. A clear diagnosis of infant deaths can help us to take actions towards preventing further cases.  It is essential to have enough Paediatric Pathologists to minimise the human cost to families, caused by delays in post mortem examinations."

Currently Paediatric Pathology services are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

To meet service needs Paediatric Pathology clinicians frequently work across multiple DHBs or have multiple responsibilities within an organisation.   

"There are very few Paediatric Pathologist specialists in training in New Zealand .  It is important that we support the future of this service in a more co-ordinated way," says Dr Tuohy.