The First Online Pathology Workforce Database Goes Live On 10th September, UK

Main Category: IT / Internet / E-mail
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 04 Sep 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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On 10th September, the Royal College of Pathologists launches the world's first interactive, multi-professional electronic database. Designed to match need with expertise and new technologies, it will provide the UK Health Service with a vital management tool. Developed by the National Cancer Services Analysis Team, it will deliver up to date information on demographics, posts and vacancies and will play a pivotal role in long-term strategic planning of workforce and expertise.

The database will contain detailed information on all types of workforce activity including medical, scientific and technical. RCPath members will be able to update their own records and in November, Trusts, PCTs and SHAs can access the new system to validate posts. Personal details will be confidential and all data provided for workforce planning purposes will be anonymised.

A helpdesk will operate from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

Prof Chris Foster, Director of Pathology Workforce Planning, said that this is a potentially powerful database that, being validated by the workforce and by employers, will enable, for the first time, changes in workload demand to be matched by planned changes in workforce - both in numbers and in expertise. It will significantly strengthen the role of pathology in the delivery of UK healthcare.

Founded in 1962, the College is a professional membership organisation committed to the excellence in the practice of pathology. Its 7700 Members and Fellows work in hospital laboratories, universities and industry Worldwide. Undertaking post-mortem examinations is only a small part of the work of members of the College. The main specialties of pathology are clinical biochemistry, cytopathology, forensic pathology, genetics, haematology, histocompatibility and immunogenetics, histopathology, immunology, microbiology, neuropathology, paediatric pathology, toxicology, transfusion medicine, veterinary pathology and virology.

http://www.rcpath.org