The Royal College of Pathologists and other specialist societies are holding the first National Pathology Week from 3-9 November 2008 to promote pathology. Over 150 fun free events are being held in hospitals and communities all over the United Kingdom and include interactive workshops, laboratory tours, stands in shopping centres, art competitions, quizzes and even a touring pathology bus.

The public perception of pathology is often one of dead bodies and solving murders, as seen on crime programmes. National Pathology Week is an opportunity for pathologists and scientists to show the public what they really do.

• 25,000 people work in pathology in England alone.

• Spending on pathology accounts for nearly £4 billion, that's 4% of the NHS budget.

• Millions of pathology tests are performed annually, an average of 14 for every man, woman and child every year.

• If you've ever had a blood test, cervical smear or biopsy, the result will have been provided by a pathologist.

• Over 70% of diagnoses made in the NHS involve pathology.

www.nationalpathologyweek for further information and event details.

National Pathology Week is part of the Royal College of Pathologists' strategy to increase public engagement.

A new education centre is being opened at the College's headquarters in London during National Pathology Week and an outreach project is developing a range of interactive educational workshops that will be taken to schools around the country by teams of trained pathology communicators.

Royal College of Pathologists
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