St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Consultant Healthcare Scientist (Gastrointestinal pathology reporting)

The closing date is 21 July 2025

Job summary

This is a newly created, full time Consultant Healthcare Scientist post for reporting Gastrointestinal Pathology based at St. George's Hospital in Tooting, London.

The grading for this post is Healthcare Scientist Career Pathway (Stage 8); Agenda for Change Band 8C.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will be expected to be proficient in the dissection and reporting of the full range of GI Pathology samples up to the certificated level and work autonomously at the same level as a medically qualified Consultant Histopathologist. There will be a requirement to independently report as a mono specialist, consistent with the competency defined by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath).

The post holder will be required to perform a broad and demanding range of complex scientific procedures, which result in the interpretation of biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes. They will be required to provide the final interpretation and authorisation of any ancillary tests pertaining to a case.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£82,462 to £93,773 a year per annum pro-rata incl HCAS (inner)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

200-STG-713108-7277033-DK

Job locations

St. George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cellular Pathology

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

The post holder is required to have completed the required training and demonstrate a high level of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in Gastrointestinal pathology.

The essential qualifications for this post are:

1. Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath)/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histopathology Reporting (stages A to C), and 1 year post qualification preceptorship (stage D).

2. Completion of training (CCT).

3. Proficient in independently reporting the full range of GI Pathology samples up to the certificated level and work autonomously at the same level as a medically qualified Consultant Histopathologist.

4. If not already accredited, to work towards obtaining accreditation for the reporting of Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) specimens as the post-holder will be required to report these samples.

5. Competent in the dissection of the full range of GI Pathology samples up to the certificated level and work autonomously at the same level as a medically qualified Consultant Histopathologist.

6. Contribute to specimen dissection as per rota requirements and depending upon service needs

7. Ability to communicate with all Consultant medical staff in relation to patient investigations and clinical research.

8. Excellent organisational and management skills.

9. Evidence of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) including participation in the relevant EQA schemes.

10. Registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

11. Firm understanding of RCPath reporting guidelines and datasets pertaining Gastrointestinal pathology.

12. The post holder will be expected to take part in clinical audit activities.

13. In addition to the training and supervision of Resident doctors, BMSs, Biomedical Support Workers (BSW) and other grades of support staff, in line with their Consultant Medical colleagues the post holder will be expected to partake in the teaching of undergraduate medical students.

Analytical and Judgement

1. The post holder makes judgements involving highly complex facts or situations, which require analysis, comparison, and interpretation:

- Examples to include interpretation of highly complex test results and recommending further action (e.g., further investigations, change of treatment), determining the reason for erroneous test results, advising clinical ward staff and general practitioners on the selection and interpretation of test results, and authorizing the performance of specialized investigations. Maintain full awareness of methods in use, their limitations and sources of interference or error.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

The post holder is required to have completed the required training and demonstrate a high level of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in Gastrointestinal pathology.

The essential qualifications for this post are:

1. Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath)/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histopathology Reporting (stages A to C), and 1 year post qualification preceptorship (stage D).

2. Completion of training (CCT).

3. Proficient in independently reporting the full range of GI Pathology samples up to the certificated level and work autonomously at the same level as a medically qualified Consultant Histopathologist.

4. If not already accredited, to work towards obtaining accreditation for the reporting of Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) specimens as the post-holder will be required to report these samples.

5. Competent in the dissection of the full range of GI Pathology samples up to the certificated level and work autonomously at the same level as a medically qualified Consultant Histopathologist.

6. Contribute to specimen dissection as per rota requirements and depending upon service needs

7. Ability to communicate with all Consultant medical staff in relation to patient investigations and clinical research.

8. Excellent organisational and management skills.

9. Evidence of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) including participation in the relevant EQA schemes.

10. Registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

11. Firm understanding of RCPath reporting guidelines and datasets pertaining Gastrointestinal pathology.

12. The post holder will be expected to take part in clinical audit activities.

13. In addition to the training and supervision of Resident doctors, BMSs, Biomedical Support Workers (BSW) and other grades of support staff, in line with their Consultant Medical colleagues the post holder will be expected to partake in the teaching of undergraduate medical students.

Analytical and Judgement

1. The post holder makes judgements involving highly complex facts or situations, which require analysis, comparison, and interpretation:

- Examples to include interpretation of highly complex test results and recommending further action (e.g., further investigations, change of treatment), determining the reason for erroneous test results, advising clinical ward staff and general practitioners on the selection and interpretation of test results, and authorizing the performance of specialized investigations. Maintain full awareness of methods in use, their limitations and sources of interference or error.

Person Specification

Qualification and training

Essential

  • Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Fellowship of the IBMS RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histopathology Reporting Gastro-intestinal pathology 12 months preceptorship in reporting of Gastrointestinal pathology (stage D) RCPath Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Gastro-intestinal pathology

Desirable

  • Diplomateship of the Royal College of MSc (or equivalent) in a relevant specialty

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Gastro-intestinal pathology including evidence of independent reporting of cases Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision Extensive experience as a Biomedical Scientist/Advanced Practitioner, including complex dissection technical skill and knowledge. Specialist expertise in all areas of Cellular Pathology. External Quality Assurance

Desirable

  • Record of peer reviewed publications in Histopathology

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge and experience Gastrointestinal pathology Knowledge of pathology quality and accreditation requirements Broad range of IT skills Knowledge of evidence-based practice Communicate with medical consultants, Consultant pathologists, Advanced Practitioners and laboratory managers on matters regarding the provision of the service

Communication and language skills

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in pathology and support staff Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods and to respond to questions and queries
Person Specification

Qualification and training

Essential

  • Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Fellowship of the IBMS RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histopathology Reporting Gastro-intestinal pathology 12 months preceptorship in reporting of Gastrointestinal pathology (stage D) RCPath Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Gastro-intestinal pathology

Desirable

  • Diplomateship of the Royal College of MSc (or equivalent) in a relevant specialty

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Gastro-intestinal pathology including evidence of independent reporting of cases Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision Extensive experience as a Biomedical Scientist/Advanced Practitioner, including complex dissection technical skill and knowledge. Specialist expertise in all areas of Cellular Pathology. External Quality Assurance

Desirable

  • Record of peer reviewed publications in Histopathology

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge and experience Gastrointestinal pathology Knowledge of pathology quality and accreditation requirements Broad range of IT skills Knowledge of evidence-based practice Communicate with medical consultants, Consultant pathologists, Advanced Practitioners and laboratory managers on matters regarding the provision of the service

Communication and language skills

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in pathology and support staff Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods and to respond to questions and queries

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.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cellular Pathology

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cellular Pathology

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Histopathologist

Dr. Nilu Wijesuriya

Nilukshi.Wijesuriya@stgeorges.nhs.uk

02087250505

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£82,462 to £93,773 a year per annum pro-rata incl HCAS (inner)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

200-STG-713108-7277033-DK

Job locations

St. George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cellular Pathology

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Supporting documents

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