Job summary
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust are one of eight centres in England providing Primary HPV Cervical Screening covering the whole of the North East and Yorkshire area. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Biomedical Scientist/Cervical Screening Provider Lead (CSPL) position to support Primary HPV Screening within the department.
The level of responsibility for this post is equivalent to the duties of a Consultant Cytopathologist. Issuing a positive diagnosis on pathological specimens has traditionally been the responsibility of Consultant medical staff. The role of Advanced Practitioner transfers this responsibility to suitably qualified technical staff. Consequently the post holder will be expected to have undergone and fulfilled additional specialised training in the microscopic interpretation of cervical samples, and obtained the IBMS Certificate in Advanced Practice in Cervical Cytology.
- The post holder will work directly with and as part of a team of Consultant Pathologists and Consultant Biomedical Scientists will report cervical cytology samples, clinically interpret the results and provide guidance to service users on subsequent clinical action or intervention, e.g. referral to Colposcopy.
- Provide specialist expert interpretative skills to the training of Cytology staff.
- To act as the Cervical Screening Provider Lead (CSPL) and co-ordinate the quality and effectiveness of the screening programme linked to the laboratory.
Main duties of the job
- To have direct responsibility, equivalent to that of a Consultant Pathologist, for providing a clinical diagnostic reporting service, based on their own interpretation of gynaecological cytology specimens precipitating clinical action e.g. treatment, colposcopy or surgery.
- To be responsible for the mandatory audit of cervical cancers as outlined in NHSCSP Publication 28.
- To annually review programme failsafe procedures in conjunction with the screening commissioner.
- To co-ordinate the cytology, histology and colposcopy correlation meetings across the NEY footprint.
- To act as a liaison and point of contact with the Screening Quality Assurance Service (SQAS) to disseminate and collect information to and from all parts of the screening programme.
- To ensure that appropriate follow up action is taken for all women with abnormal samples.
- To work with colleagues to ensure that the quality of services provided to GPs and other sample takers meets quality standards.
- Attend either in person or via video conference and actively contribute to the cervical/colposcopy and gynaecological multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings. This will be in conjunction with Consultant colleagues from the department and Consultant and Colposcopy nursing staff from Colposcopy units in NEY Cervical Screening Area.
- To assist with the mandatory audit of cervical cancers as outlined in NHSCSP Publication 28.
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To have direct responsibility, equivalent to that of a Consultant Pathologist, for providing a clinical diagnostic reporting service, based on their own interpretation of gynaecological cytology specimens precipitating clinical action e.g. treatment, colposcopy or surgery.To act as the Cervical Screening Provider Lead (CSPL) and co-ordinate the quality and effectiveness of the screening programme linked to the laboratory.
Job description attached
Job description
Job responsibilities
To have direct responsibility, equivalent to that of a Consultant Pathologist, for providing a clinical diagnostic reporting service, based on their own interpretation of gynaecological cytology specimens precipitating clinical action e.g. treatment, colposcopy or surgery.To act as the Cervical Screening Provider Lead (CSPL) and co-ordinate the quality and effectiveness of the screening programme linked to the laboratory.
Job description attached
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Currently registered with the HPC
- NHSCSP Certificate of Competence in Cervical Cytology
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Cervical Cytology or equivalent
Desirable
- Chartered Scientist Status.
Experience
Essential
- Highly developed specialist knowledge of cytology practice underpinned by extensive theoretical and practical experience.
- Extensive experience in a senior position in cytology at a senior grade, working in a field of practice relevant to the cervical screening programme
Desirable
- Audit or Research and Development experience.
- Breaking bad news training
Skills
Essential
- High level of interpersonal and communication and leadership skills.
- Reliable, responsible and organised, with the ability to work unsupervised.
- Able to work across disciplines and encourage a harmonious team culture
- Able to decide upon and implement policies and procedures within the constraints set by the laboratory, Trust and other regulating and professional bodies.
- Able to recognise and report on a full range of cervical cytology abnormalities.
- Forward thinking and aware of current issues and future trends impacting upon the service.
- Highly developed analytical and judgemental skills required with ability to maintain prolonged concentration and accuracy.
- Planning and organisational skills. Physical dexterity skills.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines.
Desirable
- Literate in laboratory computerisation and IT software applications, presentation and report writing and auditing
Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
- In-depth knowledge of the quality requirements pertaining to Cytology Laboratories, Colposcopy Clinics and the NHSCSP.
- Extensive knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of gynaecological cancers.
- Knowledge of the national quality standards for the reporting of cervical samples
- Knowledge of UKAS Accreditation Standards.
Desirable
- Knowledge of current Educational and Training requirements for cytology staff.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Enthusiastic, positive and highly motivated.
- Able to relate well to all levels of personnel.
- Approachable and responsive to users and staff requirements.
- Capable of intense periods of concentration.
- Calm and resilient when under pressure.
- Positive professional role model, Composed disposition.
- Support peoples equality, diversity and human rights.
- Adaptive and proactive
- Effective role model demonstrating GHNT Trust ICORE values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect and Engagement.
- Currently undertaking an on-going programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Desirable
- Demonstrated personal development
Special Requirements
Essential
- Flexibility in working pattern in line with changing service requirements
- Prepared to work with biological materials.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Currently registered with the HPC
- NHSCSP Certificate of Competence in Cervical Cytology
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Cervical Cytology or equivalent
Desirable
- Chartered Scientist Status.
Experience
Essential
- Highly developed specialist knowledge of cytology practice underpinned by extensive theoretical and practical experience.
- Extensive experience in a senior position in cytology at a senior grade, working in a field of practice relevant to the cervical screening programme
Desirable
- Audit or Research and Development experience.
- Breaking bad news training
Skills
Essential
- High level of interpersonal and communication and leadership skills.
- Reliable, responsible and organised, with the ability to work unsupervised.
- Able to work across disciplines and encourage a harmonious team culture
- Able to decide upon and implement policies and procedures within the constraints set by the laboratory, Trust and other regulating and professional bodies.
- Able to recognise and report on a full range of cervical cytology abnormalities.
- Forward thinking and aware of current issues and future trends impacting upon the service.
- Highly developed analytical and judgemental skills required with ability to maintain prolonged concentration and accuracy.
- Planning and organisational skills. Physical dexterity skills.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines.
Desirable
- Literate in laboratory computerisation and IT software applications, presentation and report writing and auditing
Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
- In-depth knowledge of the quality requirements pertaining to Cytology Laboratories, Colposcopy Clinics and the NHSCSP.
- Extensive knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of gynaecological cancers.
- Knowledge of the national quality standards for the reporting of cervical samples
- Knowledge of UKAS Accreditation Standards.
Desirable
- Knowledge of current Educational and Training requirements for cytology staff.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Enthusiastic, positive and highly motivated.
- Able to relate well to all levels of personnel.
- Approachable and responsive to users and staff requirements.
- Capable of intense periods of concentration.
- Calm and resilient when under pressure.
- Positive professional role model, Composed disposition.
- Support peoples equality, diversity and human rights.
- Adaptive and proactive
- Effective role model demonstrating GHNT Trust ICORE values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect and Engagement.
- Currently undertaking an on-going programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Desirable
- Demonstrated personal development
Special Requirements
Essential
- Flexibility in working pattern in line with changing service requirements
- Prepared to work with biological materials.
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).
