Lab closure over chemical safety

Mater Brisbane's anatomical pathology laboratory closed on 24 September due to safety concerns over potential formalin exposure. The facility handles foetus and newborn tissue testing for unexpected deaths.

What is formalin and why it matters

Formalin is a liquid comprising water and formaldehyde and is considered a hazardous chemical. Exposure can cause eye, nose and respiratory irritation, trigger allergies, and is associated with increased risk of some cancers.

Staff safety measures and the alert

Anatomical pathology laboratory staff wore protective respiratory equipment and personal exposure monitoring devices. After 17 samples were taken on 21 September, one employee returned a result above workplace exposure standards.

Permanent closure and outsourcing announced

On 2 November, Mater announced all pathology services at Brisbane and Springfield hospitals will be permanently outsourced through Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Pathology Queensland, affecting 400 staff across both sites.

Infrastructure and financial pressures

Mater said significant long-term infrastructure changes and investment would be required to reopen the lab. The closure reflects broader financial unsustainability of the pathology business and changing sector demands for scale and specialist workforces.

“Mater's current operating model is not sustainable over the longer term.”

Union warns of worker impact

United Workers Union Queensland secretary Fiona Scalon said staff will be significantly affected if redeployment opportunities are not available. Different employers operate under different enterprise agreements and conditions.

“This is not simply a change of employer. It could mean workers losing a substantial part of their income and conditions, despite continuing to perform the same work.”

Queensland Health response and transition

Queensland Health said Mater Health is responsible for pathology decisions.Pathology Queensland has taken on a small increase in perinatal autopsies within existing capacity, and Queensland Health will continue working with Mater to ensure patient access.