Liver histopathology in the Yorkshire region: a network model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the volume and provision of local liver histopathology in the 11 hospitals of the Yorkshire region outside Leeds, as a potential model for a hepatopathology network.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire to all histopathologists in 11 hospital trusts in Yorkshire.


RESULTS
Liver biopsies represent about 0.5% histopathology requests in Yorkshire, with more medical than tumour biopsies. Pathologists often discuss these biopsies with each other and clinicians; a third had done liver continuing professional development (CPD) in the last 3 years, and 70% would like to do more. Overall, around 5% liver biopsies are reviewed in the hepatology centre, and most responders thought this about right.


CONCLUSIONS
For primary reporting of liver biopsies, local pathologists need good communication with the responsible clinician, access to relevant CPD in liver pathology and a biopsy referral pathway for cases which are clinically or pathologically challenging.
Reall
G
G
Histopathology Department, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
Jones
R L
RL
Wyatt
J I
JI
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001706:Biopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D017146:Models, Organizational