Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull learns about the engine room of healthcare
Malcolm Turnbull may have been in the news a lot recently following his election to leader of the Liberal Party, making him the 29th Australian Prime Minister, but did you know that a few weeks before this landmark announcement the Minister was busy learning about pathology?
Most politicians have never seen inside a pathology laboratory but on the 26th August Mr Turnbull took time out of his busy schedule to visit the laboratory at St Vincent’s Hospital to see why it is the engine room of healthcare. He was guided through the laboratory by Dr Graham Jones, a Chemical Pathologist and a NSW Ambassador for Pathology Awareness Australia, and had the rare opportunity to talk directly with a number of pathologists from various specialities.
The tour highlighted vital pathology services delivered to residents in the Wentworth electorate. The tour showcased mass spectrometry equipment provided thanks to a charitable gift from eminent businessman Frank Lowy. The cutting edge technology means that the laboratory has developed its own tests unique to the hospital that allow pathologists to direct the precise dosing required to treat critically ill patients.
Prime Minister Turnbull was surprised to learn that not all Australians value pathology in the same way that he does. So as we continue our efforts to inform the public on why pathology is so vital to healthcare in Australia, it’s comforting to know that the Prime Minister is now an educated supporter of Know Pathology Know Healthcare.
You can read more about the tour from the Prime Minister’s own perspective on his website where he describes pathologists as ‘the doctor’s doctor’ and suggests a television drama dedicated to pathology could lift its profile. Great idea Prime Minister!
