A national digital learning academy, designed to strengthen pathology education and training, has launched in Wales.
Pathology Academy Wales, developed by the National Pathology Programme for Wales, provide centralised training resources and broader access to digital education for healthcare professionals working in pathology services.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) supported the initiative by hosting the new Academy on its national digital learning platform, Y Ty Dysgu.
Pathology underpins every aspect of patient care, from diagnostic testing and treatment guidance to the use of innovative technologies. By providing structured education, high quality training and regular professional development opportunities, the Academy will play a vital role in ensuring Wales’ pathology workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills required to deliver safe, effective and modern patient care.
The Academy is open to the whole pathology and laboratory science workforce, including undergraduates, trainees, laboratory support workers and associated practitioners, biomedical scientists, clinical scientists, clinicians, consultants, laboratory managers and training leads.
Luke Hughes, Pathology Academy Wales Development Manager at the National Pathology Programme, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to launch the Pathology Academy Wales in line with our development plan. We know that access to training hasn’t always been equitable across Wales and this has created real challenges for our workforce. Pathology Academy Wales is our solution. Hosting the Academy on Y Tŷ Dysgu has enabled us to develop quickly and make high-value resources accessible across Wales.
“I am grateful to the HEIW digital team for their support in getting the site live and to the IBMS for funding the project through the education grant. I also want to recognise the Pathology Training Leads Group, whose original work made the Academy possible. They develop resources, support candidates, and undertake marking often in their own time. The Academy finally gives us a national platform to showcase this work.
“This launch is only the first phase. We have more to do, and several workstreams are already underway to address training priorities across Wales as we continue building the education and development support for our workforce.”
Claire Hammond, Workforce Programme Manager for Planned Care, Cancer and Diagnostics at HEIW, said: “The creation of a central, accessible resource hub for all those supporting pathology services was a key action within the Diagnostics Workforce Plan for NHS Wales, which we developed in collaboration with NHS Planning and Performance and the National Imaging, Pathology, Endoscopy and Healthcare Science programmes in Wales.
“Pathology Academy Wales is a vital resource for the pathology workforce, and we’re delighted to support its launch through Y Ty Dysgu. This efficient, digital platform supports our strategic priority to build a digitally ready workforce and deliver high-quality education and training. We hope the success of Pathology Academy Wales will serve as a model and inspire similar learning hubs across other areas of healthcare practice in Wales."
The Academy is available now on Y Tŷ Dysgu. Users can register for a free account at: https://ytydysgu.heiw.wales/