Job overview
Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and dynamic Consultant Histopathologist to work at the Bedford Hospital site. You must be dedicated to providing high quality diagnostic histopathology and non-gynaecological cytopathology, maintaining excellent clinical standards and continually looking to drive positive change through service development.
This is a full time replacement post and will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for the 2003 consultant contract (2003).
The department has recently secured £2.7million funding for the full implementation of digital histopathology reporting across both the Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable Hospitals sites and this is currently being implemented, which will be of benefit to the department and consultants for future working.
Main duties of the job
The appointee will be part of a team of seven Consultants. The Cellular Pathology / Histopathology Department deals with a wide range of specialties.
Consultants will provide a comprehensive Cellular Pathology Service. The appointee will be based at Bedford Hospital in the pathology laboratory, which has full UKAS accreditation.
The Key tasks include but are not limited to:
• Providing the Trust’s diagnostic histopathology and non-gynaecological cytopathology in conjunction with consultant colleagues.
• Actively participating in both departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit.
• Having responsibility for and actively participating in continuing professional development (CPD).
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This is an exciting time to join the Cellular Pathology department at Bedford Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospital NHS trust. The introduction of digital pathology is a new and innovative development for the department.
The case mix is typical of a district general hospital, except that there is a bias towards breast cancer services, gastrointestinal and head and neck. In addition there is bowel cancer screening, breast screening (one of the largest units in the country) and a cervical screening histopathology service. The department is extremely supportive and all new malignant diagnoses are double reported within the department.
Home working is actively supported where possible and with the introduction of digital pathology this should enable further opportunities in this area.
The job plan will be a prospective agreement that sets out a consultant’s duties, responsibilities and objectives for the coming year. It will cover all aspects of a consultant’s professional practice including clinical work, teaching, research, education and managerial responsibilities. It will provide a clear schedule of commitments, both internal and external. In addition, it will provide personal objectives, including details of links to wider service objectives, and details of the support required by the consultant to fulfil the job plan and the objectives.
The pattern of work may change in the future to meet local changing needs and annual review meetings will take place in line with the new Consultant Contract, job planning and appraisal arrangements.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a virtual pre-interview assessment process.
Closing Date: 31.08.2025
Assessment Date: wk comm 15.09.2025 (date TBC)
Interview Date: 29.09.2025
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Medical Degree
2. Relevant postgraduate qualification: FRCPath
Desirable criteria
3. MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research
Registration
Essential criteria
4. Full and Specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview (GMC Licence to Practice is mandatory before employment commences) Applicants that are UK trained, must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. Applicants that are non-UK trained, will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT and must be on the GMC Specialist Register at the time of applying
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria
5. Excellent all round experience of DGH work
6. Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in histopathology
7. Able to take full and independent responsibility for clinical work and delivering service without direct supervision.
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential criteria
8. Understanding of clinical governance and ability to demonstrate ongoing CPD
9. Experience of guideline appraisal
10. Participation in relevant local audits
11. Ability to interpret and apply clinical research
Desirable criteria
12. Participation in relevant national audits
Teaching
Essential criteria
13. Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
Desirable criteria
14. Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
15. Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
16. Flexible attitude, team player with good management skills
17. Leadership Skills
Clinical Governance
Essential criteria
18. Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance
Personal Circumstances
Essential criteria
19. Fit to undertake the role with satisfactory Occupational Health clearance
20. Satisfactory DBS clearance
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.