Csp - Trainee Cytoscreener

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 number of Trainee Cytoscreener positions to support the NEY Cervical Screening Department.
- Attend a 4 week (120 hrs) introductory course during the first 6 months of employment. This is to provide theoretical and practical instruction in Cervical Cytology to achieve the qualification of NHSCSP Diploma in Cervical Cytology. Dates of course are: - 2 weeks - 20thFebruary - 3rdMarch 2023
- 2 weeks - 20thMarch - 31stMarch 2023
- Complete a portfolio and screen 5000 LBC slides and work for at least 24 months prior to taking the NHSCSP Diploma in Cervical Cytology examination.

As well as the above the post holder will follow an in-service certificated competency training programme and under the supervision of trained staff they will contribute to the provision of the NHS Cervical Screening programme, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Under supervision they will be trained to microscopically assess cervical cytology specimens, reporting all negative specimens and referring any abnormalities on for medical opinion. They will also assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis, including booking in patient and specimen details, preparing and staining specimens, storing, retrieving and disposing of specimens.

The post will be on Gateshead Health NHS Trust terms and conditions of employment. Full participation in the relevant Department’s extended working day and the out of hours service is a mandatory requirement of all posts.
- To train to become a Cytoscreener and the Post holder must: - Attend a 4 week (120 hrs) introductory course during the first 6 months of employment. This is to provide theoretical and practical instruction in Cervical Cytology to achieve the qualification of NHSCSP Diploma in Cervical Cytology.
- Complete a portfolio and screen 5000 LBC slides and work for at least 24 months prior to taking the NHSCSP Diploma in Cervical Cytology examination.
- The core responsibility of the Cytoscreener grade is the microscopic analysis of cervical cytology specimens.
- An assessment is made on morphological grounds as to whether the cells observed are negative or show some degree of abnormality. Those specimens deemed negative will be reported and validated by the Cytoscreener - the report issued containing both the diagnosis and recommended management for the patient. (Based on clinical information and the patient's previous history).
- Specimens showing abnormalities will be referred on for medical opinion. National guidelines specify a minimum number of slides to be assessed in a year (3000) but - due to the intensive nature of the work - analysis must not exceed a period of 4 hours in one day. (NHSCSP Publication 14, Laboratory Organisation). Cytoscreeners working over this limit will therefore carry out non-microscopical duties for the remainder of the day.
- Under supervision, to microscopically assess cervical cytology specimens, reporting all negative specimens and referring any abnormalities on for medical opinion.
- To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis, including booking in patient and specimen details, preparing and staining specimens, storing, retrieving and disposing of specimens.
- Label stained microscope slides and match them to correct request form
- Filing and retrieval of slides in the laboratory.
- Record on request form macroscopic descriptions of specimens.
- To supply orders to service users.
- To dispose of laboratory waste - both chemical and biological - in accordance with Departmental and Trust policies.

To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to a senior member of staff.