Job summary
We are seeking to appoint three enthusiastic and suitably qualified Consultant Biomedical Scientist (CBMS) in Cervical Screening to join to join our team providing services to the North East and Yorkshire (NEY) Screening Programme based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.
The Cervical Screening Services cover the whole of the North East and Yorkshire area with anticipated activity of 580,000 primary HPV screening tests per annum. Services delivered by the department include cytopathology (both gynaecological and non-gynaecological), Andrology and Semen Cryopreservation.
We would also consider suitably qualified applicants with an interest in Non-Gynae Cytology or Histology reporting and the job description will be adjusted accordingly. Please call if you would like to discuss further.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work directly with and as part of a team of seven consultant pathologists and five CBMS. As a specialist in their field, the duties will include reporting and authorisingofcervical cytology samples at a clinical level and providing appropriate advice on both management and follow-up of patients with normal, abnormal and inadequate results.
The post holder will attend either in person or via video conference and actively contribute to the cervical/colposcopy multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings. This will be in conjunction with Consultant colleagues from the department and Consultant and Colposcopy nursing staff from Colposcopy units covering 39 colposcopy units in the NEY footprint. They will also be expected to assist with the training of cytology staff, ST trainee Pathologists, gynaecological SPR's and Nurse Colposcopists.
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose of the Job
1. The post holder will work directly with and as part of a team of Consultant Pathologists and Consultant Biomedical Scientists will report cervical cytology samples, clinically interpret the results and provide guidance to service users on subsequent clinical action or intervention, referral to Colposcopy.
2. To provide specialist expert interpretative skills to the training of Cytology staff.
3. To assist the Cervical Screening Provider Lead (CSPL) to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the screening programme linked to the laboratory.
Responsibilities
4. To have direct responsibility, equivalent to that of a Consultant Pathologist, for providing a clinical diagnostic reporting service, based on their own interpretation of both cervical cytology specimens and cervical histology specimens precipitating clinical action treatment, colposcopy or surgery.
5. To ensure that appropriate follow up action is taken for all women with abnormal samples.
6. To work with colleagues to ensure that the quality of services provided to GPs and other sample takers meets quality standards.
7. Attend either in person or via video conference and actively contribute to the cervical/colposcopy and gynaecological multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings. This will be in conjunction with Consultant colleagues from the department and Consultant and Colposcopy nursing staff from Colposcopy units in NEY Cervical Screening Area.
8. To assist with the mandatory audit of cervical cancers as outlined in NHSCSP Publication 28.
9. To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
10. BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent Currently registered with the HPC
11. NHSCSP Certificate of Competence in Cervical Cytology
12. MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
13. Certificate in Advanced Practice in Cervical Cytology
Desirable
14. Chartered Scientist Status
Experience
Essential
15. Highly developed specialist knowledge of cytology practice underpinned by extensive theoretical and practical experience.
16. Highly developed specialist knowledge of cytology practice underpinned by extensive theoretical and practical experience.
Desirable
17. Audit or Research and Development experience
Skills
Essential
18. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with staff at all levels.
19. Reliable, responsible and organised, with the ability to work unsupervised.
20. Able to recognise and report on a full range of cervical cytology abnormalities. Able to plan and organise complex activities.
21. Highly developed analytical and judgemental skills required with ability to maintain prolonged concentration and accuracy.
22. Planning and organisational skills.
23. Physical dexterity skills.
24. Ability to work to strict deadlines.
Desirable
25. Literate in laboratory computerisation and IT software applications, presentation and report writing and auditing
Knowledge
Essential
26. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
27. In-depth knowledge of the quality requirements pertaining to Cytology Laboratories, Colposcopy Clinics and the NHSCSP.
28. Extensive knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of gynaecological cancers.
29. Knowledge of the national quality standards for the reporting of cervical samples.
30. Knowledge of UKAS Accreditation Standards.
Desirable
31. Knowledge of current Educational and Training requirements for cytology staff.
Personal Attributes
Essential
32. Enthusiastic, positive and highly motivated. Able to relate well to all levels of personnel.
33. Approachable and responsive to users and staff requirements.
34. Capable of intense periods of concentration.
35. Calm and resilient when under pressure. Positive professional role model,
36. Composed disposition.
37. Support peoples equality, diversity and human rights.
38. Adaptive and proactive
39. Effective role model demonstrating GHNT Trust ICORE values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect and Engagement.
40. Currently undertaking an on-going programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Desirable
41. Demonstrated personal development
Special Requirements
Essential
42. Flexibility in working pattern in line with changing service requirements
43. Prepared to work with biological materials.