UK Pathology Services "at Tipping Point"

Pathology services in the UK are struggling to cope with the increasing number of patient samples that need to be tested, according to a Cancer Research UK report published today.

A growing and ageing UK population means that more people than ever before are being referred for cancer tests, including biopsies and blood tests, but pathology staff numbers are not growing to meet the rising demand for tests.

The report recommends that action is taken now to address current and future workforce shortfalls, with more tranining and employment of pathology and other diagnostic health professionals.