Job summary
Laboratory Cancer Navigator
Department: Cellular Pathology
Band 3 - £24,625 - £25,674 per annum pro rata
Fixed-term contract for 12 months from start date
Full-time 37.5 hours per week,all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 22,000 histology specimens and 1200 cytology specimens per year & plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostic cancer service.
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a positive "can do" attitude who is willing to learn new skills to join our team in the role of Laboratory Cancer Navigator.
The successful candidate will act as a navigator tracking the specimens of patients on a cancer pathway through the laboratory process, from receipt to report, working collaboratively with the laboratory and admin teams, the consultant Histopathologists and Cancer Services.
The successful candidate will have experience of working in a healthcare environment and have a knowledge of national cancer pathways and targets. In addition to this, you must have excellent communication skills and be IT literate.
For more information, please contact Amanda Brice, Laboratory Manager or Marie Delaney, Operational Manager / Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995820.
Interview date: 28.07.2025
Main duties of the job
- Working as part of a team of staff within the department to assist in the timely provision of a diagnostic Cellular Pathology service.
- Supporting the technical and medical team to ensure the turnaround of 2WW cancer specimens within the 28-day faster diagnosis standard in line with national guidance. The 2WW (week wait) standard applies to patients urgently referred with suspected cancer.
- Helping the Cellular Pathology team to meet departmental and trust KPI's for 2WW and screening programme specimens.
- To be an interface between the department of Cellular Pathology and its service users and other healthcare professionals including cancer services.
- To ensure that all patient and specimen information is accurate and up to date and to escalate concerns over delays to the technical and medical teams.
- The individual will organise their own day to day work tasks or activities, prioritising their workload, liaising with senior staff and the management team when needed.
- The post holder will work independently, guided by the Trust health and safety policy as well as Standard Operational Procedures, seeking advice when appropriate.
About us
"We Care We Communicate We Collaborate We Contribute"
"They feel supported in their employers making reasonable adjustments to help them carry out their work, rating an 82.9%"(NHS Staff Survey 2024).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To contribute to the trust complying with clinical governance and risk management and ensuring all mandatory training is completed in accordance with the trusts guidelines and policies.
- To work with the laboratory management and senior team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes.
- To become familiar with the laboratory and hospital computer systems.
- To establish effective and collaborative working relationships with key staff.
- The post holder must have a full working knowledge of national cancer pathways and targets including 2WW urgent referrals, the 28-day faster diagnosis standard and the 31- and 62-day targets for decision to treat until treatment and GP referral until treatment, respectively.
- To monitor and track PTL waiting lists for the different specialities, representing the department at a weekly PTL meeting. Identifying actions and acting on these appropriately and in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To contribute to the trust complying with clinical governance and risk management and ensuring all mandatory training is completed in accordance with the trusts guidelines and policies.
- To work with the laboratory management and senior team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes.
- To become familiar with the laboratory and hospital computer systems.
- To establish effective and collaborative working relationships with key staff.
- The post holder must have a full working knowledge of national cancer pathways and targets including 2WW urgent referrals, the 28-day faster diagnosis standard and the 31- and 62-day targets for decision to treat until treatment and GP referral until treatment, respectively.
- To monitor and track PTL waiting lists for the different specialities, representing the department at a weekly PTL meeting. Identifying actions and acting on these appropriately and in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of importance of confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience
Essential
- Experience of using a range of IT packages
- NHS experience
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
Desirable
- Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - communicate effectively and sensitively
- Follow detailed protocols and procedures.
- Good time management and excellent prioritisation skills
- Good use of initiative
- Well developed organisational skills
- Good people skills
- Able to work under pressure
Desirable
- Good IT skills in relation to current databases used within the NHS
Personal and people development
Essential
- Work on own or as part of a team.
- Self motivated
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Polite and courteous
- Initiative and common sense
Desirable
- Commitment to personal development
Communication
Essential
- Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of importance of confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience
Essential
- Experience of using a range of IT packages
- NHS experience
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
Desirable
- Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - communicate effectively and sensitively
- Follow detailed protocols and procedures.
- Good time management and excellent prioritisation skills
- Good use of initiative
- Well developed organisational skills
- Good people skills
- Able to work under pressure
Desirable
- Good IT skills in relation to current databases used within the NHS
Personal and people development
Essential
- Work on own or as part of a team.
- Self motivated
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Polite and courteous
- Initiative and common sense
Desirable
- Commitment to personal development
Communication
Essential
- Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
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.
