Job summary
The recently merged University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) are seeking two substantive consultant histopathologists to join the currently well-established team. These are replacement posts following recent retirements. UHD pathology is split over two sites: Poole General Hospital (PGH) and Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) and these jobs offer opportunities to work at either site or across sites.
The jobs are intended to be full-time 10 Programmed Activity (PA) contracts, inclusive of two Supporting Professional Activities (SPAs); however, this could increase to 11 PAs dependent on workload. A part-time or job-sharing contract would also be considered. UHD is an equal opportunities employer and supports applications from all backgrounds. Candidates at any stage of their career are encouraged, whether approaching retirement or those who have recently passed the RCPath - a supportive, collegiate approach is adopted by the existing pathology team, with cases being shown around on a regular basis, no matter how trivial.
UHD are proud to be rolling out digital pathology, which will enable cloud-based reporting of sections, with opportunities for off-site working. A new LIMS (WinPath Enterprise) with accompanying voice recognition software was installed across sites over two years ago, which will soon integrate services across the South 6 network.
Main duties of the job
Artificial Intelligence systems to support reporting are also being procured. These exciting improvements are happening in tandem with the construction of state-of-the art operating theatres on the Poole site and a Pathology Hub new build on the Bournemouth site which is beginning to open as services transfer. The trust is acutely aware of the importance of pathology in the clinical pathway and their recent investment in the service reflects this.
The applicant would join a team of 9.3 whole time equivalents (WTE) consultants, for an approximate 43,300 (2022 data) histology case workload. A number of specialist doctors (4 WTE equivalent) supplement the consultant cohort. The current diverse group of pathologists in the department take on a number of additional roles, supported by the department, including: membership of RCPath/ACP committees, inspectors for UKAS, RCPath college assessors and previous RCPath examiners. In addition, there is a host of educational activity, including a number of Consultant Appraisers and Educational Supervisors - the latter facilitates local support of one to two pathology trainees on the Wessex rotation. Biomedical Scientist cut-up is undertaken and being rolled out to encompass larger specimens, with a number of laboratory staff currently undertaking the advanced specialist diploma in dissection. Workload is approached using the RCPath points system (2015), in combination with job plans, to ensure pathologists are not over-burdened.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
There is a planned move for this service during XXX 202x, when this role and base of work will relocate to xxxx site. Upon relocation of the role/service, excess mileage allowance / reimbursement will not apply, and any travel between the postholder's home and work base will be classified as a commute. Any other changes unrelated to this, will be handled in line with Trust/National terms and conditions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
UHD receives a wide array of pathology specimens, reported across sites. We receive all types of pathological biopsies, with the exception of medical renal cores. In the post-op setting, we receive skin (including Mohs), breast, gynaecological, head and neck, colorectal, upper gastrointestinal tract and urological cancer excisions. PGH is the home of the Dorset Breast Screening Unit, one of the larger breast screening services in the country. Bowel Cancer Screening cases are reported on both sites. The service also supports a range of non-gynae cytology, including one stop clinics for the Head and Neck service. Frozen sections are regularly undertaken. Gynaecological cytology is no longer supported by UHD. Post mortems, both coronial and hospital, are undertaken at the new Borough mortuary, close to the RBH site; undertaking post mortems is optional and these are not part of our consultant rota.
Research is supported and encouraged by the department. The University of Bournemouth is actively seeking medical staff for lecturing and research activities. Additional opportunities may also be found at the University of Southampton, where a renowned medical school is located. The department maintains strong links with both Southampton and Dorchester hospitals, either side of us geographically, which receive a lot of our second opinion referral work. UHD pathology is also part of a Dorset-wide collaboration to improve pathology services, known as One Dorset Pathology, encompassing UHD and Dorset County Hospitals (Dorchester); additional working opportunities can be explored at the latter if the applicant wishes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
UHD receives a wide array of pathology specimens, reported across sites. We receive all types of pathological biopsies, with the exception of medical renal cores. In the post-op setting, we receive skin (including Mohs), breast, gynaecological, head and neck, colorectal, upper gastrointestinal tract and urological cancer excisions. PGH is the home of the Dorset Breast Screening Unit, one of the larger breast screening services in the country. Bowel Cancer Screening cases are reported on both sites. The service also supports a range of non-gynae cytology, including one stop clinics for the Head and Neck service. Frozen sections are regularly undertaken. Gynaecological cytology is no longer supported by UHD. Post mortems, both coronial and hospital, are undertaken at the new Borough mortuary, close to the RBH site; undertaking post mortems is optional and these are not part of our consultant rota.
Research is supported and encouraged by the department. The University of Bournemouth is actively seeking medical staff for lecturing and research activities. Additional opportunities may also be found at the University of Southampton, where a renowned medical school is located. The department maintains strong links with both Southampton and Dorchester hospitals, either side of us geographically, which receive a lot of our second opinion referral work. UHD pathology is also part of a Dorset-wide collaboration to improve pathology services, known as One Dorset Pathology, encompassing UHD and Dorset County Hospitals (Dorchester); additional working opportunities can be explored at the latter if the applicant wishes.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- WHO recognised Basic Medical Degree
- FRCPath (or equivalent)
- Full & Specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
- Applicants that are UK trained, must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
- Applicants that are non-UK trained, will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT
- Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on range of problems
- Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical decisions
- Ability to perform within a multidisciplinary team
Management and Administrative Experience
Essential
- Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of specialist service
- Ability to organise and manage work
- Ability to manage and lead staff
Desirable
- Experience of audit management
Service Quality
Essential
- Show evidence of understanding of how to develop and deliver a quality service
Desirable
- Completion of audit loops and contribution to the improvement of service delivery
Teaching Experience
Essential
- Ability to teach pathology
Desirable
- Experience of teaching undergraduates and postgraduates
Research and Audit Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of audit
Desirable
- Publications in refereed journals
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical / surgical problems
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Honesty and reliability
- Enquiring, critical approach to work
- Caring attitude to patients
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies
- Commitment to Continuing Medical Education
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willingness to work in partnership with management
- Willingness to integrate within the Pathology Directorate
- Ability to travel
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
- Willingness to accept the need to implement hospital and departmental priorities
Other
Essential
- Able to speak English as necessary for the role
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- WHO recognised Basic Medical Degree
- FRCPath (or equivalent)
- Full & Specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
- Applicants that are UK trained, must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
- Applicants that are non-UK trained, will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT
- Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on range of problems
- Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical decisions
- Ability to perform within a multidisciplinary team
Management and Administrative Experience
Essential
- Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of specialist service
- Ability to organise and manage work
- Ability to manage and lead staff
Desirable
- Experience of audit management
Service Quality
Essential
- Show evidence of understanding of how to develop and deliver a quality service
Desirable
- Completion of audit loops and contribution to the improvement of service delivery
Teaching Experience
Essential
- Ability to teach pathology
Desirable
- Experience of teaching undergraduates and postgraduates
Research and Audit Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of audit
Desirable
- Publications in refereed journals
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical / surgical problems
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Honesty and reliability
- Enquiring, critical approach to work
- Caring attitude to patients
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies
- Commitment to Continuing Medical Education
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willingness to work in partnership with management
- Willingness to integrate within the Pathology Directorate
- Ability to travel
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
- Willingness to accept the need to implement hospital and departmental priorities
Other
Essential
- Able to speak English as necessary for the role
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
