Job summary

The Department is housed in a self-contained unit opposite the outpatient department.

It comprises separate histopathology, cytopathology and immunohistology laboratories; secretarial office, 5 consultant offices, 1 senior MLSO office and tea-room.

The mortuary is close-by on the ground floor of the main hospital block and has undergone major updating with an increased storage facility, expanding from 50 standard fridges, 16 plus size and 4 freezer spaces to 65 standard, 20 plus size and 9 freezer spaces and a refitted post mortem room with 2 new tables. (New in 2017)

All consultants have their own offices with modern microscopes, video capture and VDU display, together with a networked PC.

There is a large multihead teaching/consultation microscope in the main laboratory

A wide range of immunohistochemical stains are performed using 2 Benchmark Ultra analysers, with a maximum of 180 slides/day (if 3 'runs', however normally only 2 are required per day).

These machines are also capable of performing in situ hybridisation, currently only used routinely for immunoglobulin light chains and EBV. Immunofluorescence is used for skin biopsies on request. Molecular biological studies on an increasing number of tumour samples are performed in Bristol, Birmingham and Exeter.

The laboratory computer system (part of the integrated hospital system) uses Winpath (Clinisys), but will be moving to EPIC/Beaker in December 2024.

Main duties of the job

To take an equal share with the other consultants in the provision of a comprehensive histopathology and cytopathology reporting service (including work generated by the bowel cancer screening programmes) Take an equal share in the provision of the autopsy service. Coroner's cases are performed at the behest of the Coroner. Foetal and paediatric post mortems are performed elsewhere. Hospital post mortem work is extremely limited, work for Coroner is extra-contractual and achieved by 'time-shifting'

About us

Why Work With Us

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is an Integrated Care Organisation providing acute health care services from Torbay Hospital, community health services and adult social care. The Trust runs Torbay Hospital as well as five community hospitals, stretching from Dawlish to Brixham.

Torbay Hospital is a medium-sized, progressive and innovative District General Hospital providing acute services to South Devon with a 10-bedded Critical Care Unit, six general theatres, three orthopaedic theatres and a day surgery unit. We provide services in most specialties within Torbay but have close working relationships with Royal Devon University Healthcare (Exeter and North Devon) and University Hospitals Plymouth.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To take an equal share with the other consultants in the provision of a comprehensive histopathology and cytopathology reporting service (including work generated by the bowel cancer screening programmes) Take an equal share in the provision of the autopsy service. Coroners cases are performed at the behest of the Coroner. Foetal and paediatric post mortems are performed elsewhere. Hospital post mortem work is extremely limited, work for Coroner is extra-contractual and achieved by time-shifting To share in the administrative duties of the department. The consultant pathologists take on the post of Head of Department/Budget Holder on a mutually compatible basis. All consultants may apply for the post of Clinical Director of Pathology (a post usually tenable for 3 years). Management arrangements are consistent with the Strategic Review of Pathology Services, notably paragraphs To share in the running of clinico-pathological meetings on a rota basis. To take part in Continuing Professional Development in accordance with Royal College of Pathologist Guidelines. To be involved in medical audit, clinical governance and duties relating to UKAS accreditation. There is annual appraisal with an agreed Trust policy, further details are available on request. To prepare for and submit for revalidation as required. To participate in regional (Wessex and South West Histopathology) and National Bowel Cancer Screening EQA schemes, and also any local internal quality control schemes within the department. To cover for colleagues if unforeseen short periods of absence arise. Opportunities exist to participate in teaching and research. Some teaching of undergraduate medical students is performed for the Peninsula Medical Schools, honorary University Fellowships may be associated with this role. There are no histopathology trainees within the department. Most research carried on within the department is largely in collaboration with colleagues in other disciplines, but facilities within the laboratory, archived material and the possibility of funding from a relatively underused medical research budget is available should more extended research projects be contemplated. Patient safety, dignity and care are the highest priority and at the centre of all that we do. To provide high quality consultant delivered care to patients including clinical leadership and supervision of junior medical staff, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care are provided to all patients attending the hospital. To be proactive in ensuring that all patients receive rapid assessment, treatment and clinical decision making, whilst ensuring our standard to deliver safe quality and performance are delivered and sustained. To provide teaching and training at undergraduate and postgraduate level and supervised and train the juniors and specialty doctors. To be proactive the in the departments clinical governance agenda and take on leadership roles to support continuous learning and improvement, thereby abiding by the clinical and corporate governance policies of the Trust. To liaise with clinicians and managers within and outside the department to address any issues arising that may affect the services. To participate in relevant audit and quality assurance processes. To communicate with local GPs. Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Full GMC Registration (with licence to practice). CCT Specialist Registration or will obtain within 6 months of interview date. FRCPath or evidence of equivalent qualification. Minimum of English Level 2 (GCSE grade C or equivalent), IELTS or graduate of a UK Medical School. ATLS / APLS / ALS.

Desirable

Distinctions, scholarships, prizes. Other degrees, BSc, MSc, MD. At least three years in Higher Training in relevant specialty.

Clinical Experience

Essential

Clinical training experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT. A wide experience of specimen reporting in histopathology and cytopathology (including FNA work) to include all of the areas covered by Torbay laboratory; and the ability to report a relatively high volume of material within time restraints as part of the normal 'turn-round' of the department. Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a range of problems.

Desirable

Ability to perform autopsies independently, including medico-legal aspects.

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