Qld picks supplier for state-wide pathology system overhaul

Queensland Health has handed Sunquest Information Systems a $68.5 million deal to replace the state's laboratory information system (LIS) over the next ten years.

The government went looking for a new system in early 2016 with a budget of $91 million. It had first flagged its intention to replace the system in its 20-year, $1.26 billion IT investment blueprint.

The current AUSLAB pathology system will reach end-of-life in 2020, but the department has said it will need at least seven years to replace it.

It was described as “unable to meet the current and future needs of laboratory services, in particular Pathology Queensland” almost two years ago, and listed as one of the top 15 high-risk systems stilll operating across the state in 2012.

The new Sunquest system will be delivered to 36 public pathology, forensic and scientific laboratories for all pathology disciplines.

It will serve 124 hospitals, 70 primary health centres and clinics, 17 aged care facilities and 33 extreme remote multi-purpose health services across the state.

Health Support Queensland’s chief operating officer Stuart Rodney said the new system would “deliver more efficient diagnostic services and improve patient care and safety for Queenslanders”.

“A contemporary laboratory information system will mean faster results and improved access to patient information, so healthcare professionals can spend more time with patients,” Rodney said in a statement.

“This will ensure consistent, reliable and accurate laboratory services throughout the state that enable Queensland Health’s advancement of safe, clinically effective and high-quality health services.”