Job summary
- Main area
- Histopathology
- Grade
- NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 10 sessions per week
- Job ref
- 262-A-25-7697763
- Employer
- North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Cumberland Infirmary
- Town
- Carlisle
- Salary
- Per Annum
- Closing
- 24/02/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Consultant Histopathologist
NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant
Job overview
The Histopathology Services of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is based at the Cumberland Infirmary site. The laboratory processes approximately 21997 histology requests per annum and 1254 non-gynaecological cytology requests, including some FNA work.
The laboratory is UKAS ISO 15189 accredited and HTA licenced to conduct post mortems and store bodies at the Cumberland Infirmary, and a satellite licence as a body store at West Cumberland Hospital.
There are currently 5.8 WTE Consultant Histopathologists in post at Carlisle, with an establishment for 7.0 WTE posts. There is also 2.0 Specialty Doctors in post. We have a very friendly and happy working environment, with a strong team approach to making the service successful. The histopathology service is well regarded across the Trust despite working below full consultant capacity for several years. We provide support to each consultant individually to help manage their workload. Excess work is outsourced.
Main duties of the job
Histology
In 2023 a total of 21997 histology requests were received. The normal full range of diagnostic material is processed. Neuropathology is not performed. Histology duties are undertaken on a daily rota.
Examples of annual workload 2023 for some specimen types (not exhaustive)
NUMBER OF CASES REPORTED PER ANNUM |
|
|
Endoscopic biopsies |
5277 |
|
Colectomies |
145 |
|
Skin |
6657 |
|
Breast Cores |
1097 |
|
Breast resections |
327 |
|
Cervical biopsies and Cervical LLetz |
1350 |
|
Liver biopsies |
48 |
|
Renal biopsies |
66 |
Fully automated immunohistochemistry is provided with a comprehensive range of routine antibodies.
Rapid biopsy processing can be undertaken using a rapid hybrid tissue processor.
The laboratory is served by the Telepath computer system with links across the Trust and NHS networks. The Trust is currently working collaboratively with other laboratories in the North-East to replace our current LIMS with Cerner LIMS, which is anticipated to occur during 2023.
85% of requests are from hospital cases (Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital), 15% from General Practitioners.
Non-Gynaecological Cytology
In 2023 a total of 1254 non-gynae cytology requests were received. Specimens cover the normal range expected. 95% of requests are generated from hospital wards and clinics. FNAs are taken by surgeons/radiologists. Non gynaecological cytology is distributed by daily rota.
Working for our organisation
At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding hospital and health services to half a million people. Established on 1st October 2019, the Trust is creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout north Cumbria and beyond. We’re responsible for delivering over 70 services across 15 main locations and we employ more than 6,500 members of staff.
Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of ‘safe, high quality care every time’.
- Being a clinically led organisation
- Quality and safety at the heart
- A positive patient experience every time
- A great place to work
- Managing our money well
As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are very much focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP
Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.
Disclosure and Barring Service:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:
Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £5.90 = £27.40. Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.
Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £5.90 = £55.40. Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.
NCIC can offer successful future employees the following benefits:
27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
Flexible working Scheme
NHS Discounts*
Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*
Excellent opportunities for development*
Competitive NHS Pension scheme
Vivup is a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems
*Subject to eligibility
Important Information
Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.
If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.
Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- FRCPath or equivalent
- Full GMC registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Experience & Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Wide experience of reporting in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of continuing medical education (existing consultants must demonstrate active participation in CPD)
- Non gynae experience including FNA diagnostic work
- Ability to organise and manage clinical workload
- Ability to present histology and cytology findings to clinical colleagues in MDT meetings
- Ability to take full and independent responsibility for liaising with clinical staff for the care of patients
- Clinical Governance
Desirable criteria
- Experience of coronial post mortem work and willingness to participate in autopsy rota
- Experience in small group teaching
- Experience of supervising
Teaching, Audit and Research
Essential criteria
- Experience of and commitment to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff
- Ability to teach clinical and personal skills required for histopathology
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical and surgical problems
- Experience of, and commitment to clinical audit
Desirable criteria
- Teaching of non-medical health professionals
- Research publications
Continued Professional and Personal Development
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable evidence of lifelong learning
- Reflective approach to personal development with an ability to acknowledge and effectively manage poor performance
- Participation in appropriate peer review processes
Communication Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
- Must be able to relate well to all staff
- Ability to work in a team
- Empathetic and sensitive approach to patient needs
- Approachable and effective Multi-disciplinary team member with excellent interpersonal skills
- Team loyalty
- Positive approach to lessons learnt
- Confident approach without being arrogant
Desirable criteria
- IT Skills
- Presentation Skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties 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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dr Fergus Young
- Job title
- Consultant Histopathologist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01228 814817
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