The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) has made a submission to Phase 2 of the Government's Spending Review, which will deliver the government’s ‘Plan for Change’, asking for investment in the pathology workforce, IT, and estates.
The College believes there are not enough pathologists and scientists to enable services to be delivered safely, effectively and equally across the UK. Without appropriate workforce planning and investment, pathology becomes a bottleneck contributing to significant delays for patients.
In the NHS, pathology diagnostic services are involved in over 95% of patient pathways, making it central to a functioning health-care system.
RCPath has requested:
- Significant and sustained investment in modernising the pathology infrastructure, from digital pathology, AI and IT to the laboratory buildings.
- Funding for skilled IT support staff for laboratories is key to implement and maintain new systems and software needed in the future.
- The spending review needs to ensure resource spending for pathology, to allow the necessary expansion in consultant posts to safeguard patient care.
The Royal College of Pathologists' submission to the Government's Spending Review can be read in full here: RCPath submission to the spending review 2025