More than 400 jobs to be affected under Mater Pathology changes

More than 400 positions are expected to be affected at Mater Pathology in Brisbane and Springfield as the hospitals transition to an external pathology provider.

A spokesperson for the healthcare provider blamed rising costs for the decision.

More than 100 positions will be lost in the next two months, with most of the remaining positions ending in 2027.

Mater has outsourced its pathology services in a move that will affect more than 400 staff.

The announcement was made today, just a month before Christmas.

The healthcare provider has blamed rising costs, saying Medicare subsidies have not kept pace with increasing financial pressures over the past decade.

Mater says the transition to external pathology providers will affect more than 400 part-time, full-time and casual employees over the next 12 to 18 months.

More than 100 positions will be lost in the next two months, with most of the remaining positions ending in 2027.

Under the new model, pathology services at Mater's Brisbane and Springfield hospitals will be delivered through specialist providers, including Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Pathology Queensland.

The change will not affect Mater hospitals in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg or the Gold Coast, which already rely on external pathology service providers.

A Mater spokesperson said the decision would have "no impact on the high-quality care Mater patients receive".

"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.

"We are deeply grateful to our Mater Pathology people," the spokesperson said.

"This decision is not a reflection on their capability, professionalism or commitment."