Consultant Histopathologist in Harlow

The role of the post holder is to provide, in conjunction with nine consultant colleagues, the Trust’s diagnostic histopathology and cytopathology service. The post is for a 6 month fixed term full time Consultant Cellular Pathologist with a focus on reporting skin and XXXXX (Equivalent to 10 PAs). A business case is in development to substantiate this posit and has full support of key stakeholders. The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is a forward looking organisation dedicated to providing the highest standards of modern medical care and gives high priority to the continuing development of modern high quality services.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be expected to take part in all aspects of the work of the department.

• Direct Clinical Care (DCC) 8.5 PA's: To contribute to the Histopathology and Non‑Gynaecological Cytopathology diagnostic service within the Trust in conjunction with the other consultant colleagues and cellular pathology scientific, technical and clerical staff. To pursue a special interest in accordance with the needs of the department and to take on a lead speciality role at an appropriate time by mutual agreement (interests in X pathology would be particularly welcome). This will include acting as link person for the clinicians and MDT co‑ordinator to organise regular MDT meetings and to present colleague’s cases where appropriate. To ensure reports adhere to agreed national standards and the Royal College of Pathologists’ minimum data sets. It is also expected that the post holder will undertake relevant audit projects and keep up to date with the literature, developments and techniques in the area of special interest as well as liaise with clinicians with regards to service planning and development. To work closely with colleagues, technical staff and the Pathology Laboratory Manager to ensure a reliable and high quality service as well as to provide leadership where necessary in the continued development of the cellular pathology service.
• Supporting Professional Activities (SPA) 1.5 PAs: Presentation of cases at clinical meetings (including cases reported by colleagues). Take part in clinical audit which is both intra‑ and interdepartmental and attend audit meetings. Attend London Cancer Tumour Board meetings and Pathology networking meetings as required. Take part in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and participate in regular meetings/teaching sessions for both trainee medical and technical staff. Take part in QA and proficiency testing as appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

To follow the Standing Financial Instructions of the Trust. To observe local and national employment and personnel policies and procedures and to comply with Trust Health and Safety Policies & Procedures.

Office Accommodation

The appointee will have office space. The pathologist’s workstation includes an up to date microscope with digital camera, a networked PC allowing incorporation of digital photographs into the pathology report and voice recognition software.

Clinical Governance – Clinical Audit

Participation in audit is obligatory and Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust closes all routine clinical services for 1 session per month when each directorate presents an aspect of its programme. The new appointee will be obliged to participate in audit, EQA and CPD activities, which are incorporated into the pathologist’s job plan. The department takes part in NEQAS histo‑chemistry and immuno‑histochemistry schemes. The Consultants take part in the following EQA schemes (all of which have CME recognition): South East England General Histopathology EQA scheme, National Gynaecological Histology EQA Scheme, NHSBSP Breast EQA scheme, National Uropathology EQA Scheme, Dermatopathology EQA, Leeds Liver National EQA, Pulmonary Pathology EQA, Gastrointestinal Pathology EQA Scheme. Any difficult or interesting cases are shown to colleagues informally. Referral for an outside specialist opinion is instituted for a proportion of cases. Specific cancers are reviewed by referral centres in London in accordance with IOG protocols for London Cancer.

Clinical Governance – Clinical Risk Management

All complaints and reported clinical incidents are discussed at the monthly Directorate meeting as a formal agenda item.

Clinical Governance – Research and Development

MSc projects undertaken by MLSO staff have been supervised by some of the consultant staff.

Teaching and Multidisciplinary Meetings

There is a regular programme of teaching for the specialist registrars which all the pathologists participate in. There are weekly post mortem demonstrations to medical students and junior doctors. There are many multidisciplinary meetings for the major cancers. Regular Gastroenterological and Liver biopsy meetings also take place. Regular monthly teaching sessions are held for the laboratory staff including an interesting case meeting. Pathologists (including specialist registrars) participate in the monthly Grand Round presentations.

Professional Development

Join an appropriate CPD scheme. Study leave / professional leave funding is £1000 per annum (30 days in any 3 year period). Take part in the job planning process for the cellular pathology team with regular review of the team and individual job plan with the Lead Doctor for Pathology/Head of Cellular Pathology. Review of the job plan/staffing requirements will occur if there are significant changes in clinical activity according to the Royal College of Pathologists’ recommendations. Take part in the Trust’s appraisal programme with annual appraisal for all consultants. Personal objectives will arise from this process. There is a departmental process for requesting and taking annual leave, and this is covered prospectively by the remainder of the department. On this basis, at least two consultants who cover each subspecialty should be on the reporting rota at any one time. The usual maximum period of annual leave that can be taken at one time is 2 weeks but longer periods (subject to agreement) can be accommodated in rare and exceptional circumstances. Participate in liaison, emergency work, travel, clinical responsibility, teaching, research, medical audit, multidisciplinary meetings and continuing professional development. To ensure adherence to the Trust’s agreed policies and procedures drawn up in consultation with the profession on clinical matters.