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Band 8d - Consultant Healthcare Scientist
Band 8d
Main area Clinical Support Grade Band 8d Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 360-C-10739
Department name West Herts - General Staffing Site Watford General Hospital Town Watford Salary £93,540 - £107,535 pa inc HCA Salary period Yearly Closing 23/11/2025 23:59
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced Consultant Healthcare Scientist (Gynaecology) to join our Cellular Pathology service at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, with some cross-site working at Watford General Hospital, the postholder will provide consultant level expertise in histopathology reporting and dissection within their scope of practice.
This senior role requires proven independent reporting experience, strong commitment to clinical governance and quality, and the ability to work collaboratively with consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff.
The successful candidate will also contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, training and service development, helping to shape the future of Cellular Pathology in a forward‑looking and developing Trust.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will undertake independent histopathology reporting and complex specimen dissection within their certified scope of practice, ensuring high standards of diagnostic accuracy.
They will be responsible for interpreting results, identifying abnormalities and providing clinical recommendations, including appropriate referral to multidisciplinary team meetings.
The role requires active participation in MDT discussions, contributing expert Cellular Pathology input to patient management decisions. The postholder will also ensure compliance with accreditation and governance requirements, support clinical audit, and apply evidence‑based practice to service delivery.
They will assist in supervising and training medical trainees, maintaining a strong focus on developing diagnostic expertise within the department.
Working for our organisation
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The postholder will provide consultant level Cellular Pathology services, including specialist dissection, independent histopathology reporting, and expert advice to clinical teams.
They will work closely with the Clinical Lead, consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff to deliver a safe, effective and accredited diagnostic service.
Responsibilities include participation in governance and quality improvement, contributing to service development, and representing the department at Trust and regional forums.
The role also carries responsibility for education, training and supervision of staff within the department. The post is full‑time, based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. There are no on‑call or out‑of‑hours requirements.
Person specification
Education
* HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or equivalent statutory regulation as appropriate.
* RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting in an appropriate Cellular Pathology specialty.
* Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in line with professional registration requirements.
* Fellowship or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IBMS, RCPath).
* Higher degree (e.g. Professional Doctorate, PhD) or equivalent research experience in Cellular Pathology.
* Evidence of leadership or management training.
Knowledge
* Extensive and detailed knowledge of Cellular Pathology, including current national and professional guidelines relating to diagnostic practice, service provision and quality standards.
* In-depth understanding of histological techniques, diagnostic criteria, and reporting practices relevant to Cellular Pathology. Knowledge and practical understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards (e.g. UKAS), and external quality assurance (EQA) schemes.
* Sound knowledge of clinical governance principles, including risk management, audit, and incident investigation.
* Understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital pathology applications.
* Knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, and infection prevention and control requirements.
* Knowledge of finance and budget management systems and processes.
* Familiarity with regional and national service development priorities for Cellular Pathology.
* Knowledge of emerging technologies and their integration into diagnostic services.
* Awareness of NHS strategy, cancer pathways and diagnostic targets influencing service delivery.
Experience
* Significant post‑registration experience working at a senior level within Cellular Pathology
* Evidence of independent histopathology reporting at consultant level within scope of practice, including provision of clinical interpretation and advice to clinicians
* Demonstrable expertise in specialist dissection and reporting of complex tissue specimens.
* Experience of supervising, training, coaching and mentoring staff at different levels, including biomedical scientists and medical trainees.
* Evidence of active involvement in quality management, accreditation processes, and clinical governance activities.
* Proven experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
* Track record of contributing to service development and delivery, including policy or guideline development.
* Experience of presenting complex scientific or clinical information to professional audiences at local or national level.
* Experience of leading or contributing to research projects in Cellular Pathology
* Evidence of involvement in regional or national networks, professional bodies, or working groups.
* Experience of contributing to or leading digital pathology or service transformation projects.
Skills
* Highly developed analytical and interpretive skills, with the ability to recognise complex patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical contexts.
* Proven ability to provide independent clinical advice to multidisciplinary teams and senior clinicians.
* Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey highly complex and sensitive information clearly and appropriately.
* Demonstrated ability to undertake clinical and technical risk assessments and resolve service issues.
* Skilled in conducting and presenting clinical audits, service evaluations and quality improvement projects.
* Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and that of others, often under pressure and with competing demands.
* Ability to prepare and present complex scientific information at national or international meetings.
* Evidence of skills in change management and service transformation.
* Familiarity with the use of advanced digital tools, molecular techniques or AI applications in pathology.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire.
As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
Name Katie Lyle Job title Pathology Manager Email address katie.lyle@nhs.net
If you have problems applying, contact
Address Watford General Hospital
Vicarage Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0HB
Telephone 01442 365235, or 07423032842
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