SA Pathology mystery deepens with ‘no comment’ on alleged suspensions controversy

It may take a forensic pathologist to get to the bottom of a mysterious alleged controversy at SA Pathology – with whistleblowers claiming nepotism.

The mysterious suspensions of senior staff at SA Pathology appear linked to nepotism claims in hiring processes for jobs, according to those familiar with the issue.

Staff have been told several executives are “on leave” with no return date.

Multiple sources have indicated to The Advertiser it involves claims of “jobs for the boys and girls” with new recruits with family ties allegedly hired without following proper protocols.

It’s not suggested that those hired were unqualified for the positions.

SA Health has refused to confirm or deny whistleblower claims that multiple senior staff are on suspension while an internal and separate independent external review are carried out.

Officials responded to inquiries from The Advertiser with a single line statement.

“We are unable to comment on matters relating to employment of individuals,” it states.

Health Minister Chris Picton said: “Obviously we can’t comment on individual staff matters, that’s a matter for particular executives to manage in the normal course of employment.”

SA Pathology has had a turbulent history in recent years.

SA Pathology in the spotlight, again. Picture. AAP Image/Josh Woning

It faced privatisation over long-running inefficiencies and the threat of more than 300 sackings, but was saved by cost cutting and also by the arrival of the pandemic when demand for pathology services soared.

In 2016 its chief executive Ken Barr was sacked over a bungle revealed by the Sunday Mail when more than 100 men were given false positive results for prostate cancer, leaving them thinking they had cancer – including men who had already had their prostate removed.

In a written submission to a parliamentary committee, Mr Barr later claimed a culture of “fear and blame” pervaded the public health sector in SA.

In 2014, SA Pathology officials admitted they installed spy cameras to secretly monitor staff, which came to light when a whistleblower told then-opposition leader Steven Marshall.

SA Pathology said the covert surveillance devices were justified to investigate delays in processing patient results.

The cameras were disguised in smoke detectors and when staff became suspicious, they were told the devices were air conditioner thermostats.

An internal investigation ruled it was inappropriate but not illegal.