New Dubbo pathology laboratory completed

10 March 2026

The Dubbo community will benefit from an $8.2 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to deliver major upgrades to NSW Health Pathology’s laboratory at Dubbo Health Service.​

The brand-new, purpose-built pathology laboratory will become operational tomorrow, Wednesday 11 March, following completion of construction in February 2026.

The Dubbo laboratory performs more than 550,000 pathology tests each year and the existing pathology laboratory has continued to operate while the new laboratory was built.

The new laboratory will provide pathology staff with fit-for-purpose facilities, including modern, automated testing platforms that will keep pace with the growing healthcare needs of the region, in particular the recent development of a Regional Cancer Centre.

It features the latest technology, including new chemical pathology analysers, and later this year it will also receive new digital morphology scanners.

The chemical pathology analysers carry out a range of tests, including for liver and kidney function and monitoring for diabetes. An automated track system was also installed, which will improve the movement and processing of pathology samples.

The rollout of digital morphology scanners and reporting is currently underway at NSW Health Pathology laboratories in Dubbo, Walgett, Bourke and Mudgee. This technology is modernising blood film analysis for conditions like leukaemia and other blood cancers, reducing turnaround times and improving patient safety.

As part of NSW Health Pathology’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Dubbo laboratory has also been selected for a pilot project to install sensor taps to conserve water and support energy efficiency.

The sensor taps create a hygienic and safe environment, reducing the chances of cross-contamination in the laboratory while also conserving water.

Staff have been completing the final preparations which have included commissioning, validating and testing equipment, training and orientation to ensure the laboratory and staff are ready to continue delivering high quality care at Dubbo Hospital from their new laboratory.

Key information on the transition of services        
The pathology collection centre within Dubbo Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Centre will remain open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Hours will be extended to 7.30am – 5:00pm until Wednesday 11 March 2026 whilst the collection room within the Dubbo laboratory is temporarily closed to help facilitate the transition of services.

The pathology collection room in the new Dubbo laboratory will open at 7:00am on Thursday 12 March 2026.  The Dubbo pathology laboratory, with the exception of the collection room, will continue to operate throughout the transition period to ensure the continued delivery of timely pathology results.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“This world-class facility is much larger and is equipped with the latest technology, providing a more modern pathology department to meet the growing health needs of the Dubbo community.         

“The new facility will be a game-changer for staff, patients and the local community.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our public pathology teams for the incredible and critical work they do for our regional communities.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence:
“This is a great outcome for our community. These enhancements will make a real difference to people’s lives and means the community can access pathology services more quickly and closer to home.

“Our local community here in Dubbo has lived through many years of drought so we appreciate how precious our local water supply is. The sustainability pilot project will be welcomed."