AHL is a completely independent specialist histopathology laboratory operating within the centre of
the Harley Street Medical Area. It is a very rapidly growing enterprise offering wide-ranging services
with 18 specialist Histopathologists who are based at some of the leading medical laboratories in
London, undertaking independent practice with AHL.
The work is varied, exciting and interesting with great opportunities for innovation and learning from
the current faculty of AHL associated specialist pathologists. The post is a very rare opportunity within
pathology in the UK, requiring an ambitious, driven individual with above-average competence in
surgical dissection and surgical reporting, a high level of fluency in English and requiring a wide breadth
of knowledge and experience to deliver a swift and impeccably accurate diagnostic service for clients.
Location: London, W1G 7AW
Salary: Based on experience
Closing date: 15th July 2022
Applications to: Professor Gordon Stamp – [email protected]
Essential Characteristics
• Proficiency at consultant or associate specialist level in surgical pathology
• General knowledge of clinical and surgical practice
• Enthusiastic, well-organised with excellent time management skills
• Attention to detail and a keen eye for pattern recognition
• Collegiate attitude and willingness to undertake new challenges
• Degree in Medicine and part 1 membership of the Royal College of Pathologists or
equivalent
• Eligible for entry on the GMC Specialist Registry
Responsibilities
Initially accountable to the AHL Clinical Director Prof Gordon Stamp, working alongside him to
demonstrate and develop their own independent reporting ability under his supervision, the
individual will also work very closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Manager to
jointly lead the strategic development of the laboratory and to ensure the provided service is aligned
with the company vision and strategy.
The responsibilities of the Consultant Histopathologist shall include professional, scientific,
consultative, or advisory, organisational, administrative and educational matters relevant to the
services offered by Advance Histopathology Laboratory Ltd (AHLab).
Key Responsibilities
1. To provide efficient histopathology diagnostic expertise in dissection and surgical pathology
reporting with a total caseload of circa 4-5000 per annum, selecting appropriate samples
according to the guidelines within the AHL database and based on the Royal College of
Pathologists minimum datasets.
2. To respect, interact with and direct Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and
office/administrative staff in a highly professional and friendly manner.
3. To undertake clinical diagnostic reports construction according to the AHL “house” style.
4. To be proficient in or learn all essential software programs including the AHL Laboratory
Information Management System.
5. To participate in person or virtually in multidisciplinary team meetings within the
independent sector, initially deputising for the clinical director or other histopathology
consultants and eventually for their own independent practice.
6. To relate and function effectively with applicable accrediting and regulatory agencies,
appropriate administrative officials, the healthcare community, and patient population
served, and providers of formal agreements, when required.
7. To work with the team members and the referring Consultants in order to achieve the aims
and objectives of the Establishment as set out in the Statement of Purpose.
8. To set and maintain the highest level of standards of service and care within a Governance
and Regulatory framework.
9. To be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs and requirements of the
referring Consultants and to build collaborative working relationships and communicate
results efficiently.
10. To ensure the implementation of the quality policy.
11. To help develop the AHL in-house Laboratory Information Management System.
12. To participate in appropriate mandatory training which will be provided by AHL.
13. To participate in/undertake mandatory internal audit, risk management and quality
assurance exercises and to be able to demonstrate quality improvement through audit
outcomes.
14. To maintain transparent and professional business practices.
15. To be contactable out of hours for urgent clinical enquiries.
16. To undertake any other duties deemed reasonable by the clinical director.
Clinical Practice
1. To ensure and facilitate the delivery of specialist diagnostic services which include
gynaecological, gastrointestinal, dermatopathology, ENT/head and neck specialties currently
undertaken by the Clinical Director. Duties include surgical dissection and microscopic
reporting with the Clinical Director with a view to independent reporting in the future.
2. To assist other specialist pathologists working within AHL with dissection and initial
reporting.
3. To ensure that all practice is evidence-based and in line with current standards and
recommendations.
4. To continuously look for improvement in relation to this specialist practice and involving all
team members in this process.
5. To manage any complaints in a timely and sensitive manner and in line with local policy.
6. To ensure that systems and protocols are in place to deal efficiently and effectively with
emergency situations.
7. To participate in any appropriate research projects undertaken by AHL which may require
histopathological expertise and analysis.
Service Planning and Finance
• To assist in validation of new equipment and techniques.
• To implement cost improvement programmes as directed by senior staff.
Education, Research and Professional Issues
• To ensure that personal training and development is kept up to date by means of CPD.
• Participate in Annual Performance Review.
Clinical Governance and Risk Management
• Requirement to undertake annual appraisal in the independent sector.
• To assist in ensuring the company is centred on patient care and the patient pathway.
• To be aware of clinical implications of the service provided to users.
• To ensure all incidents are reported according to company policies.
• To assist in gathering data for company audits.
• To ensure that all Policies and Protocols in place are relevant to the work of the
Establishment and are written in line with current guidance from the regulatory bodies and
associations. To also ensure that such policies are strictly adhered to and are readily
available to all team members who must demonstrate a clear understanding of the Policies.
• In conjunction with senior staff demonstrate adherence to quality systems.
• Ensure compliance of self and others with Health and Safety procedures in the handling and
storage of hazardous materials used within the laboratory.
• Take part in audit and contribute to the appropriate multidisciplinary meetings.
• Participate in the regional histopathology EQA and other appropriate EQAs.
• Maintain your professional standards in respect of education, training and ensure that you
are aware of your specific area speciality training and needs analysis.
Company Policies / National Guidelines
• Implement and ensure compliance to work towards an accredited Quality System in the areas
of work for which the post holder carries responsibility.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act
1974, COSHH and other relevant Statutory Regulations, Company policies and rules.
• Perform other appropriate duties as required from time to time by the Laboratory Manager
or Clinical Director.
General Company Conditions
The post holder will be expected to understand and ensure compliance by themselves and other staff
with Company policies and national guidelines. Specific attention is drawn to the following:
Confidentiality
All information concerning patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and may not be
divulged to any unauthorised person at any time, unless to do so is in the best interests of the
individual. In this case, the post-holdershould be appropriately advised by a senior manager. A breach
of confidence will result in disciplinary action being taken and may lead to dismissal.
Equal Opportunities
The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with regard to the Company’s Equal
Opportunities Policy.
Health and Safety
The post holder has personal responsibility for safety as outline in the Company’s policy and the Health
and Safety at Work ACT 1947. Adherence must be made to COSHH and Risk Assessment policies.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
All staff must be familiar with and adherence to the Company’s child protection and safeguarding
adult policies and procedures. All staff are required to undertake child protection and safeguarding
adults awareness training.
Data Protection Act
Computer data should only be accessed if this has been authorised, and is necessary as part of your
work. Unauthorised access to computer data, or helping others to access data will be result in
disciplinary action being taken and may lead to dismissal. The Data Protection Act 1984 renders and
individual liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder will be expected to carry out any reasonable duties requested of them, appropriate to the grade and role of the post and in light of the changing needs of the organisation. Any significant changes to the role and responsibilities of this post will be discussed with the post holder in line with the Company’s Personnel Policies.