20 March 2007
DML welcomes judicial review judgment, says DML chief
DML welcomes today’s judicial review judgment overturning the three Auckland District Health Boards’ contract for
community laboratory services, says the Chief Executive of Diagnostic Medlab Limited (DML), Dr Arthur Morris.
“We are now looking forward to working with the DHBs on interim arrangements making sure Aucklanders continue to enjoy a
world class community laboratory service that best meets the needs of GPs, patients and the people of the Auckland
region,” Dr Morris said.
DML succeeded in its claim based on conflict of interest and misuse of information. The Court also found that the
Primary Health Organisations should have been properly consulted, and that the consultation that took place was
inadequate.
“Consultation has been a key issue all along,” Dr Morris said. “Now that the DHBs have to go back to the drawing board,
they will have to make sure the extent and length of their consultation process reflects the importance of community
laboratory services in providing quality primary health care to the people of the Auckland region.
“We would like to thank our staff, the public and Auckland’s medical community for the wonderful support they have given
DML over the past nine months,” Dr Morris said.
ENDS