More than 100 positions will be lost over the next two months as Mater moves to a new pathology service model, with most of the remaining roles expected to end by 2027.
Under the restructuring plan, pathology services at Mater’s Brisbane and Springfield hospitals will be provided through specialist external providers, including Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Pathology Queensland.
The transition marks a significant change for Mater’s pathology operations, which have historically been delivered in-house. However, the organisation said patient care standards would remain unaffected under the new arrangement.
A Mater spokesperson said the decision would allow the health provider to focus more resources on direct clinical services while continuing to ensure high-quality pathology support for patients.
“The pathology model Mater is adopting is used by private hospital operators across Australia and will allow more resources to be directed to the clinical care of our patients,” the spokesperson said.
Mater emphasised that the changes would not affect its hospitals in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, or the Gold Coast, where pathology services are already delivered through external providers.
The organisation also paid tribute to affected employees, acknowledging their contribution and professionalism throughout their service.
“We are deeply grateful to our Mater Pathology people.”
“This decision is not a reflection on their capability, professionalism or commitment.”
The restructuring comes amid broader changes in healthcare service delivery across Australia, where hospitals increasingly partner with specialist providers to deliver diagnostic and laboratory services.
While the transition is expected to result in significant workforce reductions, Mater says the move is intended to improve operational efficiency and strengthen investment in patient care across its hospital network.
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