Histopathology guidelines launched

A programme has been launched by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s (RCPI) pathology faculty to ensure that all hospitals are meeting national standards.

The guidelines, collectively known as the National Quality Assurance Programme in Histopathology, were developed in association with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the National Hospitals Office (NHO).

The programme has been designed to develop local quality systems that are already in place in hospitals, allow hospitals to monitor their progress and improve patient safety.

A spokesperson from the RCPI pathology faculty described the guidance as “critical” in ensuring that patients are not put at unnecessary risk and allowing hospitals to develop safer systems of care.

The guidance was launched in June 2009, and has been approved by HIQA for use in all histopathology laboratories in Ireland. The guidelines are expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2010.