Senior Expert Practitioner in Specimen Dissection

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 December 2024

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to join our strong team of 84 staff in Cellular Pathology in this newly created role as Senior Expert Practitioner Specimen Dissection.

As an Expert Practitioner in Histological Specimen Dissection you will be responsible for supervising and performing a wide range of complex scientific procedures which result in interpretation of biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes.

You will be responsible, jointly with the consultant pathologists for dissecting specimens that fall into A, B, and C categories. Training will be provided if required to achieve competency in all specimen types. Participation in sampling of fresh tissue for research and trials may also be required.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation of histological dissection with the Chief BMS, and will have in depth scientific knowledge of that discipline. You will liaise with the Associate Healthcare Scientists in specimen reception and dissection to ensure a timely workflow through the dissection area. You will also be responsible for overseeing the work carried out by a team of technical staff to deliver a fit for purpose medical laboratory service, including less experienced dissection staff.

You will be required to train Biomedical Scientific staff to undertake specimen dissection competently to meet the needs of the service requirements and turnaround times. You will be directly involved with the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures within your designated area. You will also undertake analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.

You will provide expert advice and opinion to colleagues both inside and outside the department as and when necessary, and participate in research when requested.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Date posted

18 November 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-7186DCB

Job locations

William Harvey Hospital

Kennington Road, Willesborough

Ashford

TN24 0LZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • M level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject, 120 credits in a postgraduate qualification(s) in relevant professional subjects, or equivalent.
  • IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological or equivalent qualification via the Scientist Training Programme (STP) with single specialism in Histopathology and associated experience of specimen dissection in categories A-C.
  • HCPC Registration.

Desirable

  • Two years post EP diploma experience in malignant sample dissection.

Clinical skills and experience

Essential

  • Excellent leadership and communication skills.
  • Awareness of local and national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology.
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing with all grades of staff in a professional manner.
  • Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise efficiently.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Advanced Computer Literacy.
  • Extensive experience dissecting and block sampling specimens categorised as types A-C by RCPath.
  • Proven experience of working to changing deadlines and situations.
  • Experience of undertaking audits, EQA, IQA, and IQC.
  • Proven experience supervising, training and managing staff.

Desirable

  • European computer driving licence (ECDL).

Personal & professional attributes

Essential

  • Understanding and application of Quality assurance and control principles.
  • Expert knowledge of physiology and pathology of disease, associated with cellular pathology.
  • Clear understanding of RCPath data sets.
  • Good understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards in relation to designated section.
  • Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements and risk assessments.
  • Knowledge of current specialised analytical techniques and instrumentation.

Other requirements

Essential

  • To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values.
Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • M level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject, 120 credits in a postgraduate qualification(s) in relevant professional subjects, or equivalent.
  • IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological or equivalent qualification via the Scientist Training Programme (STP) with single specialism in Histopathology and associated experience of specimen dissection in categories A-C.
  • HCPC Registration.

Desirable

  • Two years post EP diploma experience in malignant sample dissection.

Clinical skills and experience

Essential

  • Excellent leadership and communication skills.
  • Awareness of local and national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology.
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing with all grades of staff in a professional manner.
  • Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise efficiently.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Advanced Computer Literacy.
  • Extensive experience dissecting and block sampling specimens categorised as types A-C by RCPath.
  • Proven experience of working to changing deadlines and situations.
  • Experience of undertaking audits, EQA, IQA, and IQC.
  • Proven experience supervising, training and managing staff.

Desirable

  • European computer driving licence (ECDL).

Personal & professional attributes

Essential

  • Understanding and application of Quality assurance and control principles.
  • Expert knowledge of physiology and pathology of disease, associated with cellular pathology.
  • Clear understanding of RCPath data sets.
  • Good understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards in relation to designated section.
  • Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements and risk assessments.
  • Knowledge of current specialised analytical techniques and instrumentation.

Other requirements

Essential

  • To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

William Harvey Hospital

Kennington Road, Willesborough

Ashford

TN24 0LZ


Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

William Harvey Hospital

Kennington Road, Willesborough

Ashford

TN24 0LZ


Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Head Biomedical Scientist Cell-Path & Mortuary

Stuart Turner

stuart.turner1@nhs.net

01233616129

Date posted

18 November 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-7186DCB

Job locations

William Harvey Hospital

Kennington Road, Willesborough

Ashford

TN24 0LZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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