Operational Direction: Provincial Digital Pathology Planning
Integrated and connected health information systems support high-quality patient care, improve the use of health human resources and enable equitable access across Ontario.
To help advance this, the Ontario Laboratory Medicine Program (OLMP) at Ontario Health is currently exploring potential models for a provincial digital pathology system in Ontario. This work aims to enhance patient care, optimize health human resources and ensure consistent, high-quality pathology diagnostics across the province.
Achieving an integrated and connected digital pathology model first requires developing interoperability standards that will inform local planning and implementation. The OLMP will develop guidance on these standards. To support this work, hospitals are asked to do the following:
- Moving forward, all providers considering or planning local digital pathology implementation are required to engage OLMP at olmp@ontariohealth.ca before proceeding with further procurements.
- All providers currently using digital pathology systems or considering local digital pathology implementation in the future are to complete the following current state assessment by February 19, 2026, to help inform next steps in provincial planning.
Complete the Digital Pathology Current State Assessment
As next steps, OLMP will work with pathology and digital experts through Local Delivery Groups to advise on procurement requirements that support compatibility and interoperability across provincial, regional and local systems.
This direction aligns with Ontario Health’s Digital Planning and Procurements operational direction issued May 6, 2025, which sets expectations for provincial digital architecture alignment.
If you have any questions on the above, please contact OLMP at olmp@ontariohealth.ca.
We look forward to working with you to strengthen digital services that enhance patient and provider experiences, improve health outcomes and support a more effective and connected health system.
| ISSUED TO: | Hospitals and Pathology Department Heads |
| ISSUED FROM: | Matthew Anderson, Chief Executive Officer |
| CC: | Sacha Bhatia, Executive Vice President, Primary & Community-Based Care Stephanie Lockert, Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Angela Tibando, Senior Vice President, Digital Excellence in Health Scott Ovenden, Chief Regional Officer, Toronto and East Regions Brian Ktytor, Chief Regional Officer, North West and North East Regions Christine Nuernberger, Chief Regional Officer, Central Region Nicole Robinson, Chief Regional Officer, West Region |
| RELEASE DATE: | February 2, 2026 |
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
