The Mackay Pathology Laboratory was established by Dr. Peter FitzPatrick in January 1978 and was located in the Mater Hospital complex, Brisbane Street, Mackay. In December of 1979, Dr. Michael Martin joined the practice.
The laboratory name was changed to Central Queensland Pathology Laboratory in January 1982. This new name was more appropriate with laboratory services extending to surrounding districts including the mining areas. Collecting centres were required in Proserpine, Sarina and North Mackay. Workspace constraints forced the relocation of the laboratory to a new building - Carlyle House, Carlyle Street, Mackay - on the 17th April 1986.
The two pathologists are also the directors of the laboratory and are graduates of medical schools interstate and overseas. Both have postgraduate qualifications in Pathology. The minimum training period for Pathologists, as for other Medical Specialists, is twelve years, with the training being clinically orientated.
The laboratory has a staff of some nine scientists all of whom are graduates of tertiary institutions with a minimum of three years study with the training being technically orientated. There are three technicians who hold diplomas in various disciplines within Pathology. Three laboratory assistants are training as technicians and are enrolled at the Capricornia Institute of Technology. Unqualified laboratory assistants number seven and there are ten administration & clerical assistants. The collection centres are staffed by a registered nurse and/or a phlebotomist.
The pathologists, scientists and technicians regularly attend continuing education programs and post-graduate courses to continuously improve techniques, equipment and materials.