Mater to outsource pathology services affecting more than 400 workers

Mater will outsource pathology services at its Brisbane and Springfield hospitals, affecting more than 400 full-time, part-time and casual workers over the next 12 to 18 months. More than 100 positions are expected to go within two months, with most remaining affected roles ending in 2027. Mater cited rising operating costs and Medicare subsidies that have not kept pace with expenses; Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Pathology Queensland are among the providers set to take over services. The change does not cover Mater hospitals in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg or the Gold Coast, which already use external providers. Mater says the transition will not affect patient care, while Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls expressed sympathy for staff and called for Medicare funding to keep pace with demand.