Job overview
Applications are invited from a suitably qualified pathologist to join our friendly, enthusiastic, and hard-working Histopathology Team at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester. This is a brilliant opportunity to work in a department with an efficient and high-quality laboratory, supportive colleagues, continually striving for excellence and improvement in the service, whilst enjoying a superb work-life balance.
The post is full-time, although part-time applicants are also welcomed. It is for a general histopathologist, including non-gynaecological cytology reporting, however options to sub-specialise can also be discussed. It would be suitable for a first-time consultant or an established consultant wishing to relocate.
Main duties of the job
Dorset County Hospital is a District General Hospital located in Dorchester. It is a Cancer Unit of the Dorset Cancer Network, and the Histopathology department is part of the One Dorset Pathology group in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset.
The successful candidate will be based at Dorset County Hospital and will join the current team to deliver a high-quality general pathology service. The post-holder is expected to attend multi-disciplinary team meetings as lead or deputy lead in one or two specialties, and participate in relevant EQA schemes, CPD and departmental educational activities.
This is a supportive department with a flexible approach to job planning and the candidate’s personal development and job satisfaction are of great importance to us as we continue to provide a high quality and efficient pathology service for our patients.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The hospital is a Cancer Unit of the Dorset Cancer Network for the provision of services for patients with breast, Colo-Rectal, urological, upper gastro-intestinal, lung, head &neck, skin, endocrine and haematological malignancies. Most chemotherapy is given locally. A recent development has seen the establishment of a Satellite Radiotherapy Centre on site in Dorchester, run by the Poole Cancer Centre.
This post is within the Department of Histopathology at Dorset County Hospital for an individual with full GMC registration including entry on the Specialty Register or be within 6 month of specialist entry. The post is intended to be a 10PA contract however the appointees may be offered one extra PA due to the clinical workload. In line with the Royal College of Pathologists guidelines, the post will attract 2 SPAs within the 10 PA contract. The appointees are expected to develop a special interest to complement the interest of existing consultants. There is scope for the successful candidate to also undertake the role of clinical lead for Histopathology within the trust.
Any applicant who is unable for personal reasons, to work full-time will be eligible to be considered for the post. If such a person is appointed, modification of the job content will be discussed on a personal basis with the Trust in consultation with consultant colleagues.
The Pathology department is part of the One Dorset Pathology (ODP) that includes the two hospitals at Poole and Bournemouth (UHD; University Hospital Dorset). The three hospitals are linked by one Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and are in the final stages of implementing Digital Pathology for histopathology reporting.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
* Full GMC Registration with licence to practise
* FRC Path or equivalent qualification
* A relevant higher qualification
Desirable criteria
* Entry on the GMC Specialist Register via. CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview) CESR or European Community Rights
Experience
Essential criteria
* Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology and Anatomical Pathology
* Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision
* Experience in a special interest that will complement those existing in the department
* Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams
* Experience of working in regional networks
* Experience of developing services
Skills, Abilities& Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of and appropriate skill in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology and Anatomical Pathology
* Ability to update clinical knowledge and skills
* Knowledge of evidence-based practice
Communication & Language Skills Ability
Essential criteria
* Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in pathology and support staff
* Good knowledge of and ability to use spoken and written English
* Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods and to respond to questions
Abilities & Aptitude
Essential criteria
* Aptitude to be a team member
* Ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of staff
* Awareness of personal and professional limitations
* Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks
* Ability to practice independently as a consultant
* Ability to take responsibility and aptitude for leadership
* Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances
Clinical Governance and Audit
Essential criteria
* Understanding of clinical governance and the responsibilities it implies
* Knowledge of the principals of and evidence of participation in clinical audit
* Participation in continuing professional development (CPD scheme and, where relevant, evidence of past participation
* Experience or interest in taking a lead role for audit
Teaching and Training
Essential criteria
* Enthusiasm for pathology and willingness to share knowledge and experience
* Experience of teaching technical and nursing staff
* Experience of teaching medical students
Research
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of the principals involved in research
* Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Other
Essential criteria
* Meets professional health requirements
* Willingness to travel to and work in other sites necessitated by the role