October 2023 Bulletin

Bulletin Editor, Dr Shubha Allard, introduces the theme of 'pathology challenges and the way forward', exploring key topics including antimicrobial resistance and workforce gaps.

In this article, Natasha Ratnaraja, Danny Scarsbrook and Angharad Davies explore the way forward in dealing with antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections when faced with the challenges of shortages in workforce and diagnostic capability.

In this article, read about the current status of fetal RhD implementation and the challenge of extending screening into routine testing.

Pathology services face many challenges, from unfilled positions to increasing workloads. With the appropriate training, consultant scientists are poised to provide essential support to the pathology workforce. In this article, Dr Lisa Ayers and Dr Owen Driskell provide an update on the demand for and training of consultant scientists across the pathology specialties.

Blood transfusion is a lifesaving treatment for many patients, but we need to monitor and learn from adverse events to improve patient outcomes. This article describes the development and successes of the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion haemovigilance programme and highlights the ongoing challenges facing transfusion safety.

Dr Rachael Liebmann reflects on the issues and challenges facing pathologists that she has encountered as 1 of the 4 regional representatives for England. The article highlights how the College engages its members and some of the efforts to influence decision-makers and address some of those challenges.