Issues
arising from the Royal College of Pathologists Council meeting
held on the 13th March 2008
Personal notes
from the RCPath Council meeting of Thursday 13 th March 2008 in
the Old Library of the London Hospital Medical School
(NB. The accuracy of these
notes is the sole responsibility of the author and may not reflect
the official minutes)
Carter Steering Group:
The final report had been delayed; the new deadline is Easter.
The PRCPath has seen the latest (8 th ) draft and was of the view
that it lacked sufficient detail.
Darzi Review: Progress
reports were received from regional chairmen. The PRCPath had
met with the PRCGPs to discuss pathology services in the community.
Regional councillors were asked be alert for any future developments.
Elections for RCPath honorary
officers & councillors: several posts become vacant later
this year. Notices including job descriptions and nomination forms
are on the college website.
RCPath visual identity
project: The colour for the new logo has been chosen. There will
be an article in the next college bulletin to explain the project
to members.
National Pathology Week
(NPW): Over sixty events have been registered so far and many
more promised. More information will shortly appear on the college
website including guidance on how to organise and publicise events
and a FAQs sheet. Meetings have been held with the IBMS, GP groups,
the Royal College of Surgeons etc and a focus group has been set
up to look at the public's perception of pathology. A dedicated
website (separate from the college website) is planned.
Tooke report: The government
had responded to the final report. The RCPath would be commenting
through the Academy (to be posted on college website)
Academy of Royal Medical
Colleges: A medical leadership and competency project is being
undertaken.
Professional Standards
Unit:
Revalidation - It appeared
that there had been slippage from the 2010 target date. Pilots
would take place before full introduction. Funding issues for
royal colleges, the GMC etc remained unresolved. SACs will be
asked to set up sub-groups to devise standards. It was unclear
if separate revalidation schemes will be required for medically
qualified pathologists and clinical scientists.
A meeting of Regional CPD
Advisers had been held at which e-learning, review of CPD credit
allocation, clinical audit and interpretive EQA had been among
the topics discussed.
Workforce: Electronic database
- members reminded to validate their entries. Phase 2 of this
project involves the addition of employer's data.
A draft job description
for regional workforce leads was in preparation.
There is still a predicted
excess of histopathology training numbers (against the number
of available consultant posts that will be available). The DoH
has refused to reduce the training numbers.
Education & Training:
Life Sciences Taskforce – a discussion paper is expected in May
RCPath Education centre:
Completion date Sept; College on course to move back in October.
Official opening being planned. First big event will be NPW.
Regional Councils: Issues
raised included the future of pathology services in Northern Ireland
(regional chairman in correspondence with CMO), banding for trainees
(microbiology & histopathology), Greater Manchester Pathology
Network (involves outsourcing of some histopathology services),
reduction in consultant SPAs (to as little as one in some cases),
appointment process for microbiology trainees (i.e. should local
recruitment be replaced by national?).
Executive Council:
By-Law 8(iv) previously
Ordinance 3c (iii) Fellowship of RCPath by invitation of Council
– a new draft nomination form was tabled (for further discussion
by regional chairs)
RCPath IT Committee to
be resurrected under chairmanship of Dr Ian Bailey
CPA - Further discussion
on Standard B1. Accreditation (or otherwise) of labs without 24
hour consultant cover is still under discussion.
POCTs – DoH becoming more
interested
College guidelines on retention
& storage of pathological records & archives – to be reviewed
(volunteers required).
Trusts refusing consultant
leave for external duties e.g. AACs (CMO has requested evidence)
Histopathology SAC:
A joint RCPath/IBMS group
is developing advanced level BMS training for breast and colorectal
cancer dissection and a diploma in ophthalmic pathology
Sub-specialty advisor posts
in endocrine and ENT pathology are to be established
Cancer Reform Strategy:
PRCPath to meet with Cancer Tsar
Exams Committee: Questionniare
survey of overseas candidates had been undertaken
Clinical Biochemistry SAC:
Shortage of clinical scientist
examiners noted
Trainees with CsCST have
no consultant post to apply for
AOB: “Sense About Science”
meeting at House of Commons on 11 th March.
Proposals to increase hospital
autopsy rate
Topic suggestions for RCPath
Annual Scientific Programme are invited
Andrew Stacey
Chairman, RCPath SE England
Regional Council
18 th March 2008
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