The Royal College of Pathologists has launched a new Patient Safety Steering Group (PSSG), bringing together expert voices from across the profession to help implement the College’s Patient Safety and Quality Strategy 2024–2029.
The College's new PSSG met for the first time in May 2025 at the College’s headquarters in London, marking a major milestone in RCPath’s commitment to patient safety, quality improvement and professional leadership in pathology.
Chaired by Dr Mike Eden, Clinical Director of Safety and Quality, the Group is composed of representatives from NHS England, the National Blood Transfusion Committee, UKAS, lay members, College Honorary Officers and elected Fellows across pathology specialties.
RCPath is also looking to welcoming colleagues from NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland to ensure this work reflects the experiences of all four nations.
Aligned with RCPath’s Patient Safety and Quality Strategy 2024–2029, the steering group will lead work across six strategic priorities:
- Quality improvement and patient safety
- Workforce development, wellbeing and expansion
- Digital transformation and integration
- Regulation, accreditation and advocacy
- System-wide healthcare collaboration
- Stakeholder communication and engagement
These areas aim to embed a culture of safety, innovation and continuous improvement across UK pathology services.
The PSSG will guide initiatives that use national data to identify risks, improve diagnostic accuracy and support the development of safety-focused projects. Through collaborative leadership and shared learning, the group will help ensure pathology continues to deliver safe, effective care.
At its first meeting, the group reviewed its Terms of Reference, discussed the Phase 1 Action Plan and began work on key issues, including standards for point-of-care testing.
Learm more about the group, and see a full list of members at www.rcpath.org/profession/committees/patient-safety-steering-group.html.