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Foundation of KEMH Pathology Retires: A Tribute to Dr Andrew Barr 29 April 2026 PathWest is farewelling Dr Andrew Barr as he retires following a long and dedicated career at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Dr Barr was instrumental in the development of the service at KEMH, building it from the very basics. His legacy at the site includes the introduction of the out-of-hours shift, a significant step in how the laboratory supports the hospital. Beyond his operational leadership, Dr Barr maintained a high standard of academic excellence. He authored 25 publications between 1977 and 2010 and delivered 34 presentations to various societies. His dedication to staying at the forefront of his field saw him attend 64 overseas and interstate meetings from 1976 to 2022. For decades, Dr Barr served as the Chair of the hospital transfusion committee (now known as the Blood Management Committee). His leadership in this role provided vital expertise and stability to the hos... -
Rapid Respiratory Point of Care Testing Rolled Out in Public Emergency Departments 18 April 2026 Our expert pathologists, scientists and ICT team have worked tirelessly to make rapid respiratory point of care testing available at participating public emergency departments across the State. Delivered through a partnership between PathWest and Health Service Providers, this technology can detect up to 15 viral and bacterial pathogens within minutes, bedside in the ED, without waiting for the sample to be transported to the laboratory for routine testing. This marks a significant step forward in timely bedside diagnostic capability that is designed to help patient flow management in our EDs in readiness for the approaching winter flu season. You can read the Minister’s official media statement here: Faster diagnosis with expanded rapid respiratory testing | Western Australian Government -
Highlights from the 2026 Group B Strep (GBS) Symposium 17 April 2026 PathWest and The University of Western Australiarecently co-hosted local, nationaland international experts for the GBS Symposium. GBS is a common bacterium that can beharmless; however, is an emerging pathogen in older adults and recognised leading cause oflife-threatening infections in newborns, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. The programme covered the full spectrum of GBS prevention and management, including medical management, genomics, vaccine development and the potential for phage therapy. Crucially, the event featured the lived experiences of families impacted by GBS, ensuring their voices remain at the heart of clinical and research efforts. With positive feedback from both local and global participants, the symposium highlighted PathWest’s leading role in fostering the collaborative partnerships required to improve health outcomes. -
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25 Years of quality support to Justice: The Scientific Impact of PathWest Forensic Biology 15 April 2026 From working with WA Police to identify the Claremont serial killer to solving some of the State’s most baffling criminal and missing persons investigations, PathWest forensic scientists play a pivotal role in supporting the administration of justice in Western Australia. Due to its sensitivity, the important scientific work of our forensic biology scientists is often done behind the scenes without public recognition, but this week we shine the spotlight on a significant milestone - 25 years of continuous accreditation by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Recognised nationally and internationally, this accreditation demonstrates PathWest’s technical competence and credibility in the field of forensic biology over a quarter of a century. Forensic DNA profiling is regarded as the gold standard in scientific evidence and it is crucial that the work done b... -
International Women’s Day - Balancing the Scales 08 March 2026 Today on International Women’s Day we celebrate the significant contributions of women across PathWest. From our diagnostic labs to our leadership teams, their expertise and dedication are integral to providing high-quality pathology services that support the WA health system. At PathWest, we don't just celebrate women; we empower them. We are proud to share that: 74.4% of our workforce comprises women. For the first time since becoming a Health Service Provider in 2018, we are led by our first female Chief Executive and Chief Pathologist. Women make up 50% of our Health Executive Service and approximately 50% of Tier 4 leadership positions. Representation remains strong in the lab, with over 50% of our pathologists and high-level Medical and Principal Scientists in Charge being women. With this year’s theme, Balance the Scales, we continue to build a safe...
Last Updated:
20/05/2025