The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) has welcomed the publication of Pathology Transformation Review 2026 and its recognition that pathology is central to the future of the NHS. This evidence-based report, authored by Lord Carter, highlights the need to recognise pathology as a core clinical service requiring sustained investment, proactive workforce planning and better use of its professional expertise.
The full report is available to read at http://pathologytransformation.org/.
The IBMS and its Council announced the commissioning of the review at Congress 2025. With pathology services under pressure and demand rising; the IBMS recognised that the system needed a clearer, evidence-based conversation about what is required to deliver safe, timely and sustainable diagnostics.
The report has a strong focus on workforce, with its findings reflecting what IBMS members see every day: vacancies, rising demand, constrained training capacity and increasing pressure on staff who are already working hard to maintain high-quality services for patients and clinicians. Transformation cannot be delivered without the workforce. It must be built with the workforce, and it must recognise the expertise, leadership and contribution of biomedical scientists at every level of service.
The report also rightly highlights the importance of continued modernisation, developed in lockstep with the experts who understand pathology services. Advanced and consultant-level biomedical scientist practice, clearer career pathways, better training capacity, digital systems, automation, quality assurance and stronger end-to-end service models all have a role to play in building resilient, patient-centred pathology services. These changes are practical steps that can help laboratories use skills more effectively, support staff development and improve patient care.
The report identifies a significant opportunity to improve value across pathology services. Lord Carter frames this as a reinvestment opportunity, not a savings target. The benefits of integration and modernisation will only be realised if the gains are reinvested back into pathology to enable it to meet the increasing demands placed on it. Workforce, digital infrastructure, equipment, training, quality systems and implementation capacity all need sustained support if transformation is to succeed.
Dr Sarah Pitt, President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, said: “This review is an important moment for pathology and for the biomedical science workforce. It provides robust, objective evidence about the scale of the pressure that services are under. However, it also presents the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient services if the right investment, training and professional support are in place. The work of biomedical scientists plays a key role in patient care. They are central to safe and effective diagnosis. Successful implementation of the recommendations of this review must include better opportunities for staff at every level, from entry routes into the profession through to advanced and consultant-level practice.”
David Wells, Chief Executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science, added: “The IBMS commissioned this review because pathology needs to be part of the national conversation about the future of healthcare. Pathology is central to most patient pathways and to ensuring patient safety. Biomedical scientists and their colleagues are already delivering extraordinary value for patients, but they need the right workforce, digital infrastructure, funding and professional support around them. This report gives government and the NHS a clear opportunity to invest in pathology, complete the work already started, and ensure that improvements are reinvested back into services.”
The Institute is now looking forward to working with government, the NHS, devolved administrations, professional partners and our members to support the next phase of this work. The report provides a clear direction of travel, but delivery will require investment, realism and sustained engagement with the people who run pathology services every day.
Read the full report: http://pathologytransformation.org/.