Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Consultant Healthcare Scientist (Gynaecology) to join our Cellular Pathology service at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, with some cross-site working at Watford General Hospital, the postholder will provide consultant level expertise in histopathology reporting and dissection within their scope of practice.
This senior role requires proven independent reporting experience, strong commitment to clinical governance and quality, and the ability to work collaboratively with consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff.
The successful candidate will also contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, training and service development, helping to shape the future of Cellular Pathology in a forward-looking and developing Trust.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will undertake independent histopathology reporting and complex specimen dissection within their certified scope of practice, ensuring high standards of diagnostic accuracy.
They will be responsible for interpreting results, identifying abnormalities and providing clinical recommendations, including appropriate referral to multidisciplinary team meetings.
The role requires active participation in MDT discussions, contributing expert Cellular Pathology input to patient management decisions. The postholder will also ensure compliance with accreditation and governance requirements, support clinical audit, and apply evidence-based practice to service delivery.
They will assist in supervising and training medical trainees, maintaining a strong focus on developing diagnostic expertise within the department.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will provide consultant level Cellular Pathology services, including specialist dissection, independent histopathology reporting, and expert advice to clinical teams.
They will work closely with the Clinical Lead, consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff to deliver a safe, effective and accredited diagnostic service.
Responsibilities include participation in governance and quality improvement, contributing to service development, and representing the department at Trust and regional forums.
The role also carries responsibility for education, training and supervision of staff within the department. The post is full-time, based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. There are no on-call or out-of-hours requirements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will provide consultant level Cellular Pathology services, including specialist dissection, independent histopathology reporting, and expert advice to clinical teams.
They will work closely with the Clinical Lead, consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff to deliver a safe, effective and accredited diagnostic service.
Responsibilities include participation in governance and quality improvement, contributing to service development, and representing the department at Trust and regional forums.
The role also carries responsibility for education, training and supervision of staff within the department. The post is full-time, based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. There are no on-call or out-of-hours requirements.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or equivalent statutory regulation as appropriate.
- Postgraduate Master's degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification/experience).
- RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting in an appropriate Cellular Pathology specialty.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in line with professional registration requirements.
Desirable
- Fellowship or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IBMS, RCPath).
- Higher degree (e.g. Professional Doctorate, PhD) or equivalent research experience in Cellular Pathology.
- Evidence of leadership or management training.
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive and detailed knowledge of Cellular Pathology, including current national and professional guidelines relating to diagnostic practice, service provision and quality standards.
- In-depth understanding of histological techniques, diagnostic criteria, and reporting practices relevant to Cellular Pathology. Knowledge and practical understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards (e.g. UKAS), and external quality assurance (EQA) schemes.
- Sound knowledge of clinical governance principles, including risk management, audit, and incident investigation.
- Understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital pathology applications.
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, and infection prevention and control requirements.
- Knowledge of finance and budget management systems and processes.
Desirable
- Familiarity with regional and national service development priorities for Cellular Pathology.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and their integration into diagnostic services.
- Awareness of NHS strategy, cancer pathways and diagnostic targets influencing service delivery.
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-registration experience working at a senior level within Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of independent histopathology reporting at consultant level within scope of practice, including provision of clinical interpretation and advice to clinicians
- Demonstrable expertise in specialist dissection and reporting of complex tissue specimens.
- Experience of supervising, training, coaching and mentoring staff at different levels, including biomedical scientists and medical trainees.
- Evidence of active involvement in quality management, accreditation processes, and clinical governance activities.
- Proven experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
- Track record of contributing to service development and delivery, including policy or guideline development.
- Experience of presenting complex scientific or clinical information to professional audiences at local or national level.
Desirable
- Experience of leading or contributing to research projects in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of involvement in regional or national networks, professional bodies, or working groups.
- Experience of contributing to or leading digital pathology or service transformation projects.
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed analytical and interpretive skills, with the ability to recognise complex patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical contexts.
- Proven ability to provide independent clinical advice to multidisciplinary teams and senior clinicians.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey highly complex and sensitive information clearly and appropriately.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake clinical and technical risk assessments and resolve service issues.
- Skilled in conducting and presenting clinical audits, service evaluations and quality improvement projects.
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and that of others, often under pressure and with competing demands.
Desirable
- Ability to prepare and present complex scientific information at national or international meetings.
- Evidence of skills in change management and service transformation.
- Familiarity with the use of advanced digital tools, molecular techniques or AI applications in pathology.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or equivalent statutory regulation as appropriate.
- Postgraduate Master's degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification/experience).
- RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting in an appropriate Cellular Pathology specialty.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in line with professional registration requirements.
Desirable
- Fellowship or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IBMS, RCPath).
- Higher degree (e.g. Professional Doctorate, PhD) or equivalent research experience in Cellular Pathology.
- Evidence of leadership or management training.
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive and detailed knowledge of Cellular Pathology, including current national and professional guidelines relating to diagnostic practice, service provision and quality standards.
- In-depth understanding of histological techniques, diagnostic criteria, and reporting practices relevant to Cellular Pathology. Knowledge and practical understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards (e.g. UKAS), and external quality assurance (EQA) schemes.
- Sound knowledge of clinical governance principles, including risk management, audit, and incident investigation.
- Understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital pathology applications.
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, and infection prevention and control requirements.
- Knowledge of finance and budget management systems and processes.
Desirable
- Familiarity with regional and national service development priorities for Cellular Pathology.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and their integration into diagnostic services.
- Awareness of NHS strategy, cancer pathways and diagnostic targets influencing service delivery.
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-registration experience working at a senior level within Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of independent histopathology reporting at consultant level within scope of practice, including provision of clinical interpretation and advice to clinicians
- Demonstrable expertise in specialist dissection and reporting of complex tissue specimens.
- Experience of supervising, training, coaching and mentoring staff at different levels, including biomedical scientists and medical trainees.
- Evidence of active involvement in quality management, accreditation processes, and clinical governance activities.
- Proven experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
- Track record of contributing to service development and delivery, including policy or guideline development.
- Experience of presenting complex scientific or clinical information to professional audiences at local or national level.
Desirable
- Experience of leading or contributing to research projects in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of involvement in regional or national networks, professional bodies, or working groups.
- Experience of contributing to or leading digital pathology or service transformation projects.
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed analytical and interpretive skills, with the ability to recognise complex patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical contexts.
- Proven ability to provide independent clinical advice to multidisciplinary teams and senior clinicians.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey highly complex and sensitive information clearly and appropriately.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake clinical and technical risk assessments and resolve service issues.
- Skilled in conducting and presenting clinical audits, service evaluations and quality improvement projects.
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and that of others, often under pressure and with competing demands.
Desirable
- Ability to prepare and present complex scientific information at national or international meetings.
- Evidence of skills in change management and service transformation.
- Familiarity with the use of advanced digital tools, molecular techniques or AI applications in pathology.
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).
