The Royal College of Pathologists: World Patient Safety Day 2026 webinar series

Summary

Each year, World Patient Safety Day focuses on a critical area of healthcare safety. This year's theme is ‘Safe care for non-communicable diseases'. In this context, pathology plays a central role in timely, accurate diagnoses and appropriate interventions across the 17 specialties. Pathologists and laboratory staff play a critical, often behind-the-scenes role in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for the majority of deaths in the UK. This September, the Royal College of Pathologists hosted a series of webinars.

Content

Improving patient safety through Point of Care Testing

This webinar explores how Point of Care Testing (POCT) can enhance patient safety, improve access to care and support better clinical decision-making. Through expert-led presentations and real-world case studies, we examine the benefits and risks of POCT, emerging technologies and best-practice approaches to governance, quality assurance and service delivery. This session provides practical insights for healthcare professionals, laboratory staff, biomedical scientists and pathologists seeking to strengthen the safety, quality and effectiveness of POCT services.

Advancing paediatric and maternal health in the UK and abroad

In this webinar, we explore the key challenges and opportunities in improving maternal and paediatric health in the UK and internationally. Bringing together experts from pathology, laboratory medicine and clinical practice, the session examines the role of early diagnosis, screening, prevention and multidisciplinary collaboration in improving outcomes for mothers and children. Gain insights into addressing health inequalities, strengthening healthcare services and advancing patient safety through effective diagnostic and care pathways.

Joined-up healthcare: designing error out of diagnostic pathways 

As healthcare pathways become increasingly complex, ensuring that diagnostic services work seamlessly across specialties, organisations and systems is critical to improving patient safety. This webinar explores how a joined-up approach to healthcare can reduce diagnostic errors by focusing on system design, communication, accountability and integration across the patient journey.

Bringing together experts from across several pathology specialties, the session looks into the role of both digital and non-digital solutions in creating safer diagnostic pathways. Develop a deeper understanding of common challenges, opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and practical approaches to improving collaboration, reducing risk and delivering safer, more coordinated care for patients.