Awanui Media Release – 30 September 2022
New Zealand’s leading laboratory sector forum, Co:Lab returned to Wellington last month.
Co:Lab is hosted by the Awanui network and Chief Executive Anoop Singh says the forum brought together laboratory experts and public and private sector leaders from both sides of the Tasman.
“This year’s theme was ‘Toward the Patient-Centred Laboratory’ with two days of robust and fascinating discussion on how data and technology is driving innovation and change within laboratories and pathology to deliver better health outcomes for Aotearoa.”
Speakers included Associate Health and COVID-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall and Te Aka Whai Ora/Māori Health Authority Board Member Sharon Shea MNZM along with scientists, CEOs, business leaders and academics.
Co:Lab opened with a welcome and karakia before presentations and discussion on a range of topics and case studies.
“Topics included the current health sector reforms, updates on security and privacy, the impacts of digital pathology and data analytics on laboratories and understanding the importance of people in our sector. There was also recognition for the work and contribution of the laboratory sector to the COVID-19 response,” says Anoop Singh.
“It was great to see the commitment to increasing access to health and laboratory services, in particular for Māori and Pasifika, and a strong acknowledgement of how more resources and work is needed to address equity and achieve real and lasting outcomes for those communities.
“Another strong theme to emerge was collaboration. Innovation and change bring opportunities for our laboratory and health sectors, they can also bring challenges and risks. However, by working together and building networks and partnerships, laboratories can use knowledge, expertise, and resources to support and underpin a strong health sector both now and in the future.”
Anoop Singh says Co:Lab 2022 was a great opportunity to bring together different perspectives, experiences, and issues shaping the laboratory services in New Zealand.
“The forum really demonstrated how our laboratories can use technology and innovation to keep delivering excellence, drive better health outcomes, and keep people safe which they do every day.”
The story was published on the NZ Doctor website – click here.