Consultant Cellular Pathologist

The Consultant Cellular Pathologist will form part of the Pathology Consultant Team based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. With a continuing responsibility for the delivery of Cellular Pathology Services to the South of Tyne and Wear area and for the proper functioning of the Pathology Service. In addition, they will undertake the administrative duties associated with the provision of the Pathology Service. Subject to the provision of the terms and conditions of service, they are expected to observe the Trusts agreed policies and procedures drawn up in consultation with the profession on clinical matters and to follow the local and national employment and personnel policies and procedures.

Histology and cytology workload is loosely apportioned between consultants in a fair manner (cut up and cytology), although the bulk of reporting of small specimens follows a pool system where cases are triaged into urgent, priority and non-urgent (green) sections. Most consultants report at least two main clinical specialities, supplemented by a wider range of diagnostic biopsies and small surgical specimens, which includes common high volume mucosal biopsies and skin biopsies. Certain categories of cancer screening pathology specimens are restricted to a limited number of pathologists, in line with cancer screening programme and external quality assurance requirements. The configuration of responsibilities will be reviewed from time to time and the appointee will be expected to work with colleagues to provide a reliable and timely service.

The consultant will work with colleagues to agree to a rota to cover all areas of departmental activity and assure proportionate distribution of activity. Pathologists will be expected to work as part of the appropriate specialty team(s) and attend MDTs when required. Occasional booked frozen sections from Sunderland or South Tyneside are transported urgently to Gateshead for processing and immediate reporting. Although many meetings are now attended remotely, pathologists are encouraged to develop good relationships with clinicians and to attend some meetings in person, if Covid restrictions allow.

For transport between sites, there is a departmental electric vehicle that can reserved for use, and a regular minibus transport service linking the three sites. Alternatively, consultants may choose to use their own vehicles for these journeys and travelling expenses and parking charges will be reimbursed. The successful applicant will be expected to have or to develop a special interest in head and neck and urological pathology. In addition, there is some flexibility in opportunities to work in a wide range of other diagnostic areas, to complement those of colleagues and meet the needs of the department.

We would welcome pathologists who are active or interested in contributing to the PM rota, but participation is not essential. South Tyneside PMs are performed by other pathologists under a separate arrangement. Each of the three acute trusts has fully staffed mortuary facilities. The mortuary facilities in Sunderland and Gateshead have both been built within the last 10 years and offer state of the art ergonomic equipment.

For the purposes of job planning Coroners autopsies are undertaken in non-contracted time.