The December issue of PiP has now been published and is available to read online.
Click here to read the December issue of Pathology in Practice!
EDITOR’S COMMENT
A year of upheaval
It’s probably fair to say that ‘upheaval’ has been the theme of 2025. We have seen plenty of change, disruption and future promises, but very little has managed to come to any sort of conclusion. This leaves many questions to answer in 2026. Plenty of them concern the future of the NHS, and the merger between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. The surprise announcement from earlier this year still feels very much a case of ‘jam tomorrow’ as the wheels of government turn slowly.
On a more positive note, lots has changed this year to try and smooth the way for new diagnostic technology to be adopted by the NHS, whether that be mirroring approvals for new medtech in foreign markets, innovator passports to aid trusts in making business cases and faster clinical trials.
Will the gathering pace of digital pathology adoption – both here in the UK and around the world – help solve workforce issues as promised? With the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) set to publish its report on the state of UK pathology services, what will they find – and what will be needed? As I write, the Autumn Budget is nearing and with tax rises looking more likely to help the chancellor balance her books, a health windfall looks even more improbable. Instead ‘extra’ money for the NHS will be ‘savings’ resulting from the aforementioned merger – but how realistic is that in the near term?
So many questions. But in a world of uncertainty I hope you can at least rely on Pathology in Practice to offer an interesting outlook. This issue sees the conclusion of Stephen MacDonald’s very well received series on risk-based quality management as he offers an action plan incorporating the subjects covered in his seven previous articles. It was also very interesting to speak to noted academic Dr Victoria Bradley recently, about the project which she is heading to found a Community of Practice for advanced practice and consultant biomedical scientists. The project – funded by an IBMS grant – aims to support scientists with clearer pathways for career progression, structured peer support, and mentorship. You can read an introduction to the project from Dr Bradley and colleagues on page 21.
Further subjects covered in this issue include hyperviscosity syndrome and its role in associated conditions, the future of precision oncology, tackling sepsis and antimicrobial stewardship, as well as an online tool for quality assessment in genomics.
Enjoy the issue, and we will return in 2026 – hopefully with a few more answers.