A controversial reorganisation of SA Pathology services, which had cast doubt over 196 current jobs, has been suspended by the South Australian Government until after the state election next March.
Health Minister Jack Snelling said the decision had been taken after extensive consultation with staff, industry bodies and unions.
Mr Snelling said the original plan could have caused problems with the service.
He also said putting off changes would give SA Pathology staff the opportunity to become comfortable with using new technology at the soon-to-open new Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH).
"With the move to the new RAH and the introduction of new state-of-the-art technology, the time is not right at the moment," he said.
Mr Snelling said the Government and health unions agreed improvements could be made at SA Pathology.
"I certainly accept, that the argument that was put very strongly by the overwhelming majority of submissions, over 400, that if we were to proceed with those job cuts in the timeframe that was proposed, then that would have had a detrimental impact on the quality of the service.
"We're going back to the drawing board, we've set up this working group ... certainly what was proposed was trying to achieve too much, and too quickly."
'Another backflip' in health, Opposition says
Professionals Australia's South Australian director Sarah Andrews said the decision was a win for members.
"Members have had this hanging over their heads for three-and-a-half years, it's been a very stressful environment, and now they'll be able to look forward to moving to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital," Ms Andrews said.
She conceded there may still be job losses from the service in the future.
"I think invariably when you introduce new technologies to the workforce, efficiencies can be gained, and we're happy to be part of the working party to oversee that process."
Opposition health spokesman Stephen Wade decided the announcement as "yet another backflip".
"The Government completely mishandles consultation, whether it's Transforming Health or pathology, they failed to engage staff effectively and they don't get outcomes," Mr Wade said.
He would not outline what would happen to the reforms if he became health minister after the March election.
"We'll have a totally different approach to reform, and we'll be engaging our staff."
The new RAH is due to open on September 5.
