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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
AfC Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service)
Job ref
188-CLN0434a
Employer
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospital Southampton
Town
Southampton
Salary
£26,530 - £29,114 per annum (PA) pro rata
Closing
17/01/2025 23:59
Interview date
31/01/2025

Employer heading

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust logo

Associate Practitioner - Cellular Pathology

AfC Band 4

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Associate Practitioner to join their friendly team. An excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual supporting the full range of services with the opportunity to rotate and work in a number of areas within Cellular Pathology.

We receive ~48,000 Histology & Cytology requests annually
The department supports ROSE clinics, a Mohs service & there is scanning equipment to support the digital agenda. The post-holder will be encouraged to participate in this project as we progress to a fully digitised pathology service. We are also in the process of rolling-out a new laboratory information management system.
The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and is UKAS accredited. CPD is actively encouraged.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised.  

Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be required to assist and be involved with the processing all types of specimen presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, thereby supporting the provision of accurate and timely diagnoses & the production of appropriate analytical data.

You will be required to become skilled in the latest techniques and equipment in conjunction with traditional methods of investigation to meet the requirements of the role.

You will need to be an excellent communicator & be able to work effectively as part of large team.

You will need to have an excellent attention to detail & possess good manual dexterity.

You will need to be able to prioritise workload & adjust to accommodate unexpected events &/or changes in demands

Experience of working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, particularly undertaking microtomy, is desirable

The department operates 6am-7pm Mon-Fri & Sat 7am-5pm & therefore some Saturday working is required. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the rotational Bank Holiday service-approx. 1 per annum, currently not Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or Good Friday.

Person specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • NVQ Level 3 in Health (Pathology Support Worker) leading to Foundation Degree in Health Sciences or equivalent level of knowledge/ experience.
  • GCSE level qualifications, including English language, maths and a science subject or equivalent
  • Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory.
  • Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills.
  • Good literacy skills.
  • Ability to handle clinical samples.
  • Understand the importance of confidentiality.
  • Conscientious, methodical approach to duties
  • Understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Showing willingness to learn and improve
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience of working within a histopathology laboratory.
  • Previous experience of undertaking microtomy within a medical laboratory.
  • Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
  • Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.

Skills and competencies

Essential criteria
  • Data Entry
  • Keyboard skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Prioritisation
  • Time management

Trust Values

Essential criteria
  • Patients First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - GoodDisability confident employerInclusion UK

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Paul Garnett
Job title
Histology Operations Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02381201948
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