By Chris Whitworth
The chief executive of Auckland’s Labtests has resigned amidst controversy over inefficiencies and poor communication with clinicians.
Ulf Lindskog was confirmed to have stood down this afternoon, his replacement will be Paul Waterson, the chief operating officer of pathology for Healthscope who owns the Labtests.
The Australian-based company came under fire shortly after taking over the contract as laboratory tests provider for Auckland, along with three Auckland District Health Boards from Diagnostic Medlab this month.
Senior representatives from the Auckland boards took control of Labtests over the weekend, after the company was criticised for putting patient’s lives at risk due to delays.
Prime Minister John Key has entered the dispute saying Labtests need to improve their systems.
"The people of Auckland rely on this service, this is a $500 million contract - they have had a couple of years to get themselves organised," Mr Key told NewstalkZB today.
Mr Key said while problems have been identified with the company, they are fixable.
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