A strategic step toward safer pathology services
The College's new Patient Safety Steering Group (PSSG) met for the first time on 28 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. We are also looking forward 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.
See the full list of Steering Group members here.
Aligned with the Patient Safety and Quality Strategy 2024–2029, the steering group will lead work across 6 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.
Expertise and collaboration at the core
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.
Why this matters
Pathology underpins more than 70% of clinical diagnoses within the NHS. Strengthening safety systems is critical to reducing diagnostic errors, supporting better outcomes and maintaining public trust. The PSSG reinforces the College’s role in leading the profession forward during a time of growing complexity in healthcare.
Learn more about the Steering Group and it's wider role in the Patient Safety Strategy.
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