The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) has presented an ambitious proposal to the UK government’s 10-year health plan – emphasizing the urgent need for investment in pathology services to meet growing healthcare demands. Their submission highlights key challenges facing pathology, including workforce shortages, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate IT systems, which pose risks to patient care and the broader National Health Service (NHS) system.
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RCPath argues that pathology services are the backbone of modern healthcare, underpinning 70 percent of clinical diagnoses. However, workforce shortages are a critical concern, with vacancy rates across pathology specialties ranging from 15–30 percent. RCPath warns that, without immediate intervention, these gaps will widen by 20 percent over the next decade. The College calls for 150 additional training places within two years, as well as robust workforce planning to safeguard smaller specialties, such as paediatric and forensic pathology – that are on the brink of collapse.
Another major focus is the role of technology. Though digital pathology, automation, and artificial intelligence offer promising solutions to increase productivity, RCPath stresses they are not a substitute for skilled professionals. To extract value from these innovations, pathology services require standardized, interoperable IT systems and substantial investments in infrastructure and staffing, including dedicated pathology informaticians.
Outdated facilities further compound these challenges. Many NHS pathology departments operate from dilapidated buildings unsuitable for modern technologies, limiting the scope for training and expansion. RCPath urges immediate action to upgrade these facilities, particularly in genomic, blood sciences, and mortuary services.
RCPath also highlights the need for streamlined processes to introduce new tests and technologies, with the report citing decade-long delays in adopting cost-effective diagnostics like natriuretic peptides despite clear patient and NHS benefits. Flexible funding mechanisms and reduced red tape are critical to fast-track innovations that could alleviate pressure on services.
Bernie Croal, President of RCPath, said, “Without robust and efficient pathology services, waiting lists will continue to grow and the management of major diseases, such as cancer, will be severely compromised.”
By prioritizing investments, RCPath argues, pathology can better support NHS goals – not least reducing cancer waiting times, enabling preventative care, and advancing precision medicine. The comprehensive approach outlined aims to secure the future of pathology as a cornerstone of the UK’s healthcare system, ensuring equitable and efficient care for all patients.
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