CDHB-owned Canterbury Laboratories currently processes all testing referred from Christchurch Hospital staff and will take on the community work. CDHB is under huge pressure to reduce a $180 million deficit with tensions over its financial woes believed to be behind a mass exodus of seven senior managers, including former chief executive David Meates in August. Acting planning and funding manager Ralph La Salle said cost-saving was not the “main driver” of the move. Supplied Southern Community Laboratories chief executive Peter Gootjes says losing the contact is disappointing. SCL was notified this month to ensure plenty of time for a smooth transition of the work to Canterbury Laboratories, La Salle said.