Histopathologist brings specialist skills to Waikato

The appointment of Dr Daniel Ninin as histopathologist at Waikato Hospital’s Histology Department is more good news for the department. Dr Ninin arrived from South Africa in July and brings the total number of histopathologists employed by Waikato District Health Board to six.

This is closer to its full complement of histopathologists, and means that after a tough stretch of four or five years the hospital’s histology laboratory no longer needs to contract work to Auckland laboratories for analysis. It also allows histopathology staff to resume other important work such as research and clinical teaching.

Histopathologists are doctors who specialise in analysing tissue samples for signs of disease, mainly cancer, and help monitor a patient’s response to treatment. Their diagnosis, skills and advice are vital to oncologists and the surgical team during the patient’s care. 

Dr Ninin will be working on all types of tissue samples, but his area of specialty is renal histopathology.  Previously the analysing of renal specimens was carried out in Auckland, which could involve communication and logistic problems.

The Histology Department also received a boost when the new histology and cytology laboratory at Waikato Hospital was opened in August last year to upgrade facilities to certification standards and provide a much-needed expansion.

“This is a huge turnaround from the situation we had a few years ago, with cramped facilities and a shortage of staff,” manager of Clinical Support Services Melinda Ch’ng said. “We are very proud of what has been achieved.”

Dr Ninin says New Zealand appealed as a destination because it is safe, secure and beautiful, with a wealth of work opportunities.

Date: 18 August 2009