The Royal College of Pathologists has today launched its priorities for Wales, drawn up by the College Wales Regional Council, for the 2026 Senedd elections. The priorities document is available to download in both English and Welsh. 

The College hosts Regional Councils, comprising specialty members, for the devolved nations. These Regional Councils provide professional leadership in their country and contribute at a national and UK level to the maintenance and development of pathology services and the quality of care that patients receive.

In May the people of Wales will elect their representatives to the Welsh Senedd. A new government will take responsibility for a range of devolved areas, including health services.

Dr Emma Short, Chair, Wales Regional Council, said:

“Increased investment is urgently needed in pathology services, particularly in the recruitment and training of pathologists and scientists. More funded training places are needed across all pathology disciplines to alleviate delays in diagnosis and to support cancer screening initiatives such as lung, breast and colon cancers.

The Welsh Government must ensure the implementation of digital pathology so staff can work more efficiently and flexibly and to prepare the ground to benefit from the role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in diagnosis.”

The College priorities for the next government focus on the following areas:

• Investing in workforce for patients
• IT for better patient care
• NHS estate
• Integrating NHS services to ensure equitable care

In this priorities document we look at the key challenges facing pathologists and call on the new government to address these areas.

RCPath election priorities for Wales 2026 - English version

RCPath election priorities for Wales 2026 - Welsh version