A severe shortage of specialist doctors is causing heartbreaking delays for families seeking answers after the death of a child, a major new report has revealed.
The Royal College of Pathologists has issued a stark warning, stating that one in five bereaved families now wait six months or more for a post-mortem examination report due to a critical lack of medics. Some families are forced to endure waits longer than a year.
A Service in Crisis
Dr Clair Evans, chairwoman of the Royal College of Pathologists' specialty advisory committee, did not mince words, stating, 'Our service is in crisis.' She emphasised the profound impact these delays have, describing them as 'significant and distressing' for grieving parents.
The crisis extends beyond post-mortems, with the workforce shortage also causing delays in diagnosing and treating health conditions in foetuses, babies, and children. The college's new workforce report notes it is 'telling' that there has been no growth in the number of paediatric and perinatal post-mortems undertaken in the last five years, despite consistent demand.
Geographical Gaps and Staff Burnout
The report uncovered alarming geographical disparities in service provision. It found there are no paediatric and perinatal consultants in post in Northern Ireland, or in the South West and Midlands regions of England, creating 'pathology deserts' for families in those areas.
The existing workforce is under immense strain. 'Due to severe resource issues,' the report states, pathologists report feeling 'stretched, stressed and burnt out' by their inability to provide the high-quality care they know families deserve.
Calls for Immediate Action and Investment
Dr Bernie Croal, President of the Royal College of Pathologists, has called for 'immediate action' to address this 'desperate situation.' The college's report outlines concrete steps for a solution, chief among them being the phased expansion of up to 37 additional paediatric pathology training posts across the UK by 2030.
Other key recommendations include dedicated funding for advanced training programmes and protected time for consultants to train the next generation. Dr Croal stressed that commitment from all four UK governments is vital, alongside targeted investment in paediatric services.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged that 'any avoidable distress to families in this heartbreaking position is unacceptable.' They pointed to the NHS's 10 Year Health Plan, which commits to creating 1,000 new specialty training posts, with a focus on specialities of greatest need.
