Following high-level staff turnover and reported delays in cancer case analyses, the National Health Laboratory (LNS) will implement reforms to improve its services by spring 2025.

The National Health Laboratory has recently faced a period of significant upheaval. High-level turnover has affected its leadership, spanning from the board chairmanship to general management and the head of neuropathology. In addition, concerns have repeatedly been raised about the waiting times for cancer case analyses.

Minister of Health Martine Deprez has assured that improvements are underway, noting that waiting times for urgent cancer analyses have been reduced to three days, with an average waiting time now at six days.

Minister Deprez emphasised that staff shortages are not behind any remaining delays. Instead, she attributes the issues to coordination challenges across services and teams. "We're in the process of overhauling all of that, and it's underway," she stated. The minister also highlighted governance issues at LNS, acknowledging that adjustments are necessary.

Several board seats are set to be vacated by the end of March 2025, and the ministry is currently seeking new members to join the LNS board, with current members serving "on an interim basis." Simultaneously, a search for a new director is underway. "We will then be ready to start with new momentum and a fresh strategy in the spring," Minister Deprez explained.

One recurring topic in the ongoing reorganisation is the LNS's monopoly on pathological analyses in Luxembourg. Minister Deprez noted that the ministry plans to discuss potential alternatives with the LNS board, management, and other laboratories operating in the country. "There are other options," she said, "and we will be discussing them over the coming year as part of this strategy."

These changes are scheduled to take effect in spring 2025.