The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) has launched its first dedicated Workforce Strategy that advocates for pathology services that are fit for the future.
Over the next four years, the College’s work will be guided by six strategic aims:
- gather and report on intelligence
- engage and influence stakeholders
- training the next generation of pathologists
- retaining our established workforce
- transform ways of working
- prioritise patient care.
The College is planning to take a phased approach to delivering the strategy, starting with a focus on Aim 1: gathering and reporting intelligence throughout 2025.
RCPath President Dr Bernie Croal (pictured) commented: “Pathology is at the heart of healthcare, but our profession faces a growing workforce crisis that threatens the delivery of care to patients. Rising demand and challenges in recruitment and retention mean we need a robust, forward-thinking workforce strategy. This will enable us to advocate for pathology when working with governments to tackle these issues. Our vision is clear: to have a pathology workforce that’s appropriately resourced and given the support required to deliver the highest quality of care for patients.”
The full Workforce Strategy 2025-2028 can be read at – https://www.rcpath.org/resourceLibrary/rcpath-workforce-strategy-2025---2028-pdf.html
The first step in delivering the strategy is the launch of the College’s new Workforce Census in early February. This vastly improved census will gather critical data to support the College’s case when advocating for pathology.