Programme Lead for Histopathology Optimisation

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and enthusiastic individual to join the West of England Pathology Network team on a 12 month fixed term/secondment basis. The Network is formed of five acute Trust partners across our geography and UKHSA Bristol.

Around 95% of all clinical pathways rely on access to pathology services. Histopathology (the diagnosis of disease through microscopic examination of tissue) plays an essential part in many patient pathways; it is critical to cancer care.

Histopathology faces an ongoing increase in service demand (estimates of 30% since 2018/19). This increased demand is multifaceted, with some explanations being higher cancer incidence, the growing complexity of referrals and requests, increasing requirement for genomic testing, and the introduction of initiatives to increase earlier cancer diagnosis. This is coupled with an acute shortage of staff, particularly medical / consultant (vacancy rate of 34% across the region in November 2022) and challenging turnaround time (TAT) targets. There is an urgent need for transformation in the way histopathology services operate and for investment to improve quality of care and increase efficiency.

This exciting new role, funding by our local Cancer Alliance, is a real opportunity to make a difference to patient outcomes, supporting our Clinical Lead for Histopathology to implement our Histopathology Optimisation Plan to speed up diagnosis for our patients.

Main duties of the job

You will work with the West of England Pathology Network Clinical Lead for Histopathology and acute Trust partners to implement the Network Histopathology Optimisation Plan, to achieve 98% 10 day TAT by March 2025. The priorities of the Plan are:

1. Implementation of digital histopathology
2. Streamlining pathology input into MDTs
3. Independent reporting by medical histopathology trainees
4. Workflow and capacity optimisation
5. Electronic requesting for histopathology
6. Demand optimisation
7. Expand advanced roles for Biomedical Scientists
8. Embed genomic testing in routine histopathology practice

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression, and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!