Associate Practitioner; Cellular Pathology

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with previous NHS experience in histology (e.g. band 2/3 MLA) to join our busy Cellular Pathology service as an Associate Practitioner.

There are 2 permanent posts - one full time (37.5 hours per week) and a part time post (22.5 hours per week).

The department handles over 53,000 Histology samples per annum, with a high proportion of complex cases including Breast, Head and Neck, Hepatobiliary and Urology.

You will have highly developed skills for the manipulation of samples and equipment associated with histology and cytology techniques.

Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we may use this to contact you regarding your application. Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our person specification will be shortlisted for interview.

The role involves preparing tissue and fluid samples for diagnosis by pathologists, and referring samples to external laboratories for diagnosis or expert opinion.

You must possess a Foundation degree in Healthcare Science or equivalent or the IBMS Biomedical Science Support Staff Certificate of Achievement Part II.

At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 7,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is currently working collaboratively with 3 other local Trusts as part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Pathology Collaboration, in a bid to secure our services for the future.

Whilst this role is currently based here at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, this may not be the case in the future and the service may be relocated to another hospital or an off-site location.

• Embedding and microtomy of tissues for histological analysis.
• Using and maintaining automated stainers and tissue processors
• Assisting Consultant/BMS staff with tissue dissection, including the digital dictation system.
• Retrieving slides in preparation for MDTs
• Assisting with the sending of material to external services.
• Limited clerical role
• Preparation of non-gynae cytology samples may be considered, after initial training

• Foundation degree in Healthcare Science or equivalent
• Numerate and Literate with a good general and basic scientific education
• ECDL, typing or other administrative qualification e.g. NVQ

• Experience of working in NHS Pathology
• Experience of quality management systems
• Experience of working in an NHS Cellular Pathology department

• Knowledge of routine cellular pathology practices
• Ability to follow protocols and health and safety procedures
• Accurate with prolonged concentration
• Embedding, Microtomy or sample preparation experience
• Health, safety and risk awareness.

• Able to work well in a team and be supportive of team members.
• Ability to manage priorities under pressure.
• Able to be flexible in working patterns.
• Keen to learn and develop.

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.

£27,485 to £30,162 a yearper annum, pro rata for part time