Consultant Histopathologist

Job overview

The Histopathology Services of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is based at the Cumberland Infirmary site. The laboratory processes approximately 21997 histology requests per annum and 1254 non-gynaecological cytology requests, including some FNA work.

The laboratory is UKAS ISO 15189 accredited and HTA licenced to conduct post mortems and store bodies at the Cumberland Infirmary, and a satellite licence as a body store at West Cumberland Hospital.

The histopathology service is well regarded across the Trust despite working below full consultant capacity for several years. We provide support to each consultant individually to help manage their workload. Excess work is outsourced.

Main duties of the job

Histology

In 2023 a total of 21997 histology requests were received. The normal full range of diagnostic material is processed. Neuropathology is not performed. Histology duties are undertaken on a daily rota.

Examples of annual workload 2023 for some specimen types (not exhaustive)

NUMBER OF CASES REPORTED PER ANNUM

Endoscopic biopsies

5277

Colectomies

145

Skin

6657

Breast Cores

1097

Breast resections

327

Cervical biopsies and Cervical LLetz

1350

Liver biopsies

48

Renal biopsies

66

Fully automated immunohistochemistry is provided with a comprehensive range of routine antibodies.

Rapid biopsy processing can be undertaken using a rapid hybrid tissue processor.

The laboratory is served by the Telepath computer system with links across the Trust and NHS networks. The Trust is currently working collaboratively with other laboratories in the North-East to replace our current LIMS with Cerner LIMS, which is anticipated to occur during 2023.

85% of requests are from hospital cases (Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital), 15% from General Practitioners.

Non-Gynaecological Cytology

In 2023 a total of 1254 non-gynae cytology requests were received. Specimens cover the normal range expected. 95% of requests are generated from hospital wards and clinics. FNAs are taken by surgeons/radiologists. Non gynaecological cytology is distributed by daily rota.

Working for our organisation

Relocation assistance of up to £8,000 may be available for successful applicants moving to the region.

Please contact Dr Fergus Young to discuss working within the pathology department in North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please review the attached job description for further information and the main responsibilities for this role.

Please note: You must be on the Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT in order to be eligible for appointment to this level of post.

Person specification

Education & Qualifications

• FRCPath or equivalent
• Full GMC registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC).

Experience & Knowledge

• Wide experience of reporting in Cellular Pathology
• Evidence of continuing medical education (existing consultants must demonstrate active participation in CPD)
• Non gynae experience including FNA diagnostic work
• Ability to organise and manage clinical workload
• Ability to present histology and cytology findings to clinical colleagues in MDT meetings
• Ability to take full and independent responsibility for liaising with clinical staff for the care of patients
• Clinical Governance

• Experience of coronial post mortem work and willingness to participate in autopsy rota
• Experience in small group teaching
• Experience of supervising

Teaching, Audit and Research

• Experience of and commitment to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff
• Ability to teach clinical and personal skills required for histopathology
• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical and surgical problems
• Experience of, and commitment to clinical audit

• Teaching of non-medical health professionals
• Research publications

Continued Professional and Personal Development

• Demonstrable evidence of lifelong learning
• Reflective approach to personal development with an ability to acknowledge and effectively manage poor performance
• Participation in appropriate peer review processes

Communication Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to relate well to all staff
• Ability to work in a team
• Empathetic and sensitive approach to patient needs
• Approachable and effective Multi-disciplinary team member with excellent interpersonal skills
• Team loyalty
• Positive approach to lessons learnt
• Confident approach without being arrogant

• IT Skills
• Presentation Skills