Drive-through Covid clinic pioneer quits top job at SA Pathology

He saved SA Pathology from privatisation and pioneered drive-through Covid test clinics, now agency boss Associate Professor Tom Dodd has quit amid SA Health’s shake-up.

SA Pathology boss Associate Professor Tom Dodd who helped steer the state through the pandemic — and saved the agency from privatisation — has resigned.

Under Dr Dodd the agency pioneered drive-through Covid testing centres, has processed more than four million tests, swiftly and dramatically reduced testing turn around times and introduced SMS alerts for test results.

Dr Dodd has been SA Pathology’s Clinical Service Director for the past three years and his efficiency drive even before the pandemic hit ended the threat of privatisation, which the former government had said was an option unless costs were cut and performance improved.

Dr Dodd’s departure comes on the heels of the new state government moving to replace SA Health chief executive Dr Chris McGowan, with deputy chief executive Lynne Cowan acting in the role while a national recruitment search is underway.

SA Pathology senior executive Dr Ivan Bastian will act in the agency’s top job while an expression of interest within SA Pathology is released to recruit a new Clinical

Service Director.

Dr Dodd has worked for SA Pathology for more than 30 years and says he leaves position with the knowledge it is in “a great place with a promising and exciting future”.

He will continue to act in a “key advisory role” to SA Pathology and SA Health as South Australia manages the Covid pandemic.

“I have been enormously proud to lead this phenomenal team over the past three years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dr Dodd said.

SA Pathology boss Dr Tom Dodd in front of the Victoria Park Covid testing clinic. Image/Russell Millard

“SA Pathology has been front and centre of the state’s world-class response to the pandemic, developing new and innovative ways to deliver Covid-19 testing to all South Australians.

“I also remain immensely proud of our research which continues to make breakthroughs and change lives right around the globe.

“SA Pathology is leading the world with its innovation, and I would like to thank every staff member, both on the frontline and behind the scenes for their hard work.”

He said is confident the agency is being lead by a capable and talented team which will continue to provide the best possible service to the public.

Statewide Clinical Support Services Group Executive Director, Adjunct Associate Professor, Julie Hartley-Jones said had been a pleasure to work with Dr Dodd.

“I know that I can speak on behalf of many colleagues to say that he has made a huge impact and positive contribution to SA Pathology,” she said.

“He will be remembered not only for his incredible intellect and selfless work ethic, but his kindness towards all staff and willingness to help whenever he could.”

Central Adelaide Local Health Network Board chair, Raymond Spencer said Dr Dodd’s work, alongside that of the wider SA Pathology team, will have a lasting impact on pathology services in South Australia and around the world.