LabMed joins IBMS and RCPath in supporting independent review of UK pathology services

Ensuring member voices shape the future of pathology

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), with support from the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and the Association for Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), has commissioned Lord Patrick Carter of Coles to lead a new independent review of pathology services across the UK. This initiative – informally referred to as Carter IV – aims to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of current services and workforce capacity to inform future decisions. 

The review is funded by IBMS and will be conducted by Lord Carter and his team. LabMed will actively engage in the review to ensure that the perspectives and experiences of our members are fully represented. While previous Carter reports have often focused on efficiency and cost-saving, we are committed to ensuring this review reflects the full value of pathology – including quality, clinical impact, workforce development, and the broader contribution to patient care. 

The review will assess service configuration, workforce skills and capacity, digital readiness, and include some benchmarking across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as well as internationally. It is expected to report in early 2026. 

We recognise that the process is not without limitations, including a tight timeline and concerns about data quality and consistency. LabMed members can help highlight variability across networks, the unique services provided by specialist referral laboratories, and also advocate for a balanced approach that values quality and sustainability as much as productivity. 

We hope the final report will serve as a powerful lobbying tool to influence policy, secure investment, and safeguard the future of pathology services. By contributing to a robust evidence base, we aim to ensure that decisions made by governments and healthcare leaders are informed by the realities of our profession. 

We will share more details as the review progresses and invite members to contribute their views and experiences.