We aim to make your visits here as positive as possible

(Inside Aotea, June 2011)

Dr Karen Wood, Aotea Pathology, Chief Executive

How to make a visit to Aotea Pathology a better experience for each patient is something we are constantly thinking about and striving for.

The minute you walk in the door we’d like you to be comfortable and have an environment where you can relax.

Our people are key to that; and our reception staff and phlebotomists (the people who take your blood) are all trained to look after you with care and professionalism.

We also want the rooms you visit to be as comfortable and welcoming as we can make them.

Late last year we opened revamped rooms in Kilbirnie, and we are continuing to revamp rooms this year. In fact, all our collection rooms are being reviewed with a view to upgrading those that need it.

Our rooms in Petone have been the first this year to get a spruce-up, and I’m told our patients are very happy with the improvements.

What counts most, of course, is the medical care you get from us -- and that also is an area we are constantly looking to improve on.

Last month we had our annual audit, where an outside audit organisation comes in for a week, reviews everything we do and issues an official report at the end. This year, in addition, we also had specialist pathologists and scientists from other laboratories in New Zealand carrying out a four-yearly medical review as part of the audit.

I am pleased to report that we passed with flying colours -- again. In the many years we have been reviewed we have never been asked to undertake a corrective action, something the audit can request if a process is considered inadequate.

That’s something we are proud of and something that can give you much confidence  in our work.

Your thoughts on how we can improve in our work are also welcome. If there are any areas you think we can improve in, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you.