Written Question · S7W-03868 · Session 7
In light of Recommendation 12 of the Thirlwall Inquiry, how many full-time equivalent paediatric and perinatal pathologists are currently e…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Recommendation 12 of the Thirlwall Inquiry, how many full-time equivalent paediatric and perinatal pathologists are currently employed by NHS Scotland, what assessment it has made of whether current staffing levels are sufficient to meet demand, and what action it is taking to address any workforce shortfall.
The answer
The Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology Workforce Report was published by the Royal College of Pathologists in 2025 (Report-RCPath-paediatric-and-perinatal-pathology-2025.pdf) and showed 7 Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology Consultants in Scotland.The Official Statistics show NHS Scotland has zero Paediatric and Perinatal Pathologists vacancies in NHS Scotland as at 30 June 2026.The Scottish Government supports specialty training for doctors. The specialty training posts available in NHS Scotland for Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology in 2026 has seen 1 of the 2 training posts filled by mid-year. The specialty training process is ongoing and final fill rates will be known before year end.The Scottish Government is considering the Thirlwall recommendations in relation to the systems and services operating in Scotland to consider where there is a need for improvement.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-03868 by reference.