This May, voters across Scotland will elect new Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). We look forward to engaging with candidates from all parties to ensure that pathology services continue to meet the needs of people across Scotland.

Ahead of the election, the College has developed a set of priorities for Scotland, working closely with our Scotland Regional Council. The Council brings together specialty members who provide professional leadership across the country.

Healthcare in Scotland is shifting towards prevention and community‑based care. This approach focuses on early intervention and service planning based on population needs. The College supports this direction and has published a list of priorities and key challenges the next Scottish Government and Parliament must address to ensure pathology services remain effective and sustainable.

Our priorities for Scotland 

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1. Address consultant workforce shortages 

Our 2025 RCPath workforce census report shows that 83% of Scottish members believe current staffing levels are nowhere near sufficient to secure the long‑term sustainability of pathology services or meet rising clinical demand. 

Vacancy rates remain significantly higher in Scotland than in the rest of the UK. For example: 

• 60% of consultant clinical immunologist posts remain unfilled. 

• 35% of paediatric and perinatal pathology consultant posts are vacant. 

This level of under‑resourcing puts the future viability of Scotland’s pathology services at risk. We need a clear plan to retain existing staff and recruit new consultants, including fully funded training places for pathologists and scientists. 

2. Increase protected time for consultant and clinician-led research and innovation in pathology and laboratory services: 

As care shifts towards prevention and community‑based support, Scotland must redevelop testing, reporting and diagnostic pathways. Pathologists and laboratory medicine consultants have the expertise needed to shape this work, but they require protected time for research, innovation and service development alongside their clinical duties. 

Pathologists routinely provide interpretive results that patients increasingly receive directly. With the right investment, this can help streamline care and support earlier intervention. 

3. Enhance digital and IT capability for better patient care: 

IT 

Modern, resilient IT systems are vital for safe and efficient healthcare. Laboratory IT systems must be able to store and share data securely and integrate results into electronic patient records in real time. 

We welcome the rollout of a national laboratory information management system in Scotland. However, full and consistent adoption across all health boards is essential. Investment is also needed to ensure interoperability and remove existing disparities. 

Digital pathology 

Digital pathology improves patient care by enabling seamless case sharing between organisations. Despite this, Scotland currently has no central funding for digital pathology, leading to variations between health boards. 

A national digital pathology strategy — supported by dedicated funding — is essential. Digital systems must integrate with existing infrastructure, including upgrades where needed. 

4. Harness the potential of artificial intelligence 

Artificial intelligence (AI) can support pathologists by improving efficiency, assisting in some diagnostic pathways and freeing clinicians to focus on more complex cases. To use AI safely and effectively, Scotland needs strong digital infrastructure and close collaboration with the other UK nations on regulation and patient safety. 

Pathologists play a central role in introducing and overseeing new diagnostic technologies. To do this well, they need sufficient time, training and resources. Without this, the NHS risks missing out on the full benefits of AI. 

The College’s Scotland Regional Council’s view -  Dr Chapu Chopra, Chair of the Scotland Regional Council, said:

`Healthcare must shift from hospital‑based care to primary and community services to remain effective, sustainable and person‑centred.

Pathology services are central to this vision, as most clinical care pathways rely on diagnostic tests and laboratory medicine. These services need a robust workforce and modern IT systems to deliver timely, high‑quality diagnostics for the people of Scotland.

Over 80% of our Scottish members tell us that current staffing levels are not sufficient to support sustainable services or meet rising clinical demand. Vacancy rates remain higher than in the rest of the UK.

A national workforce plan is essential to retain and recruit the clinicians the NHS needs. We must also expand the number of fully funded training places for future consultant pathologists and scientists. Without this investment, the future of Scotland’s pathology services is at risk.'