Locum Consultant - Cellular Pathology
Posted 9 hours 48 minutes ago by NHS
Applicants are invited to apply for a Locum Consultant position (Fixed term from 1st March 2026 until 30th November 2026) in Cellular Pathology at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a replacement post, offering 10 programmed activities and completing a team of seven consultant histopathologists. The role is full time, but applicants who for personal reasons are unable to work full time are also eligible; if appointed, modification of the job content will be discussed on a personal basis with the Trust and consulting colleagues.
Doctors considering an application are encouraged to visit the hospital and to meet with potential clinical colleagues.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Milton Keynes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Main duties of the jobThis is a replacement post and completes a team of eight Consultant Cellular Pathologists. It is full time, but those who cannot work full time are also eligible; if appointed, modifications will be discussed on a personal basis within the Trust.
Candidates must hold full and specialist registration with the General Medical Council, a licence to practise, or be eligible for registration within six months of interview. The appointee must also hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or evidence of equivalent.
The post holder will be contracted to provide histopathology and non gynaecological cytology services at the University Hospital Foundation Trust and local GP services of North Buckinghamshire. The role involves reporting an equal (pro rata) share of the Cellular Pathology workload in histopathology and non gynaecological cytology, and providing a reliable and expeditious service. Participation in private histopathology is optional and undertaken on a weekly rota basis by those who participate.
About usYou can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital; our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other, work together to embed our Trust's values and behaviours, and reward staff with an outstanding benefits package:
- Free on site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible working opportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job responsibilitiesThe job plan (10 P.A. on appointment) will consist of a split of DCC and SPA (up to 2.5 SPA on appointment). The SPA component is made up of 1 P.A. of core activities (appraisal, revalidation, CME, routine departmental meetings, etc.) and non core activities. Non core activities are discussed and agreed within the Trust (via an agreed tariff and on occasions through a personal agreement). Non core SPA may reflect activities such as educational supervision, research, leadership and quality improvement. Following appointment, non core SPA may be used to participate in our consultant development programme, or in acquiring or consolidating specific skills and expertise. Non core SPA is only available if specific activities and objectives are mutually agreed in job planning and these outputs are evaluated at annual job plan review.
Through its inclusive and comprehensive job planning process, the Trust commits to providing equitable working conditions to medical colleagues across specialties and their sub specialties. Delivery of job plans, whilst owned by consultants and their Clinical Service Unit Leads, is overseen by the Divisional Director and subject to peer challenge at divisional level, thus enabling a further layer of objectivity to our commitment in this regard.
Allocation of time in programmed activities (PAs)
The allocation of time between various duties of the post (including SPA) will be open to adjustment in consultation with the Head of Department, CSU Lead and the Trust, but initially will be as follows: A further allocation of up to 2.5 SPA is available for specific roles with defined objectives, these can be taken on in agreement with other colleagues and clinical directors. The job plans will be reviewed, initially at three months and then on an annual basis.
DCC 7.5 PAs
SPA 2.5 PAs
This includes cut up (gross examination and block selection of consultant cut up cases), diagnostic reporting, MDT meetings (preparation and attendance), internal peer case reviews, external referrals, administration (relating to case reports), and NHS autopsies. These duties will be undertaken on a shared rota basis with colleagues.
This includes core SPA of 1 for job planning, appraisal, departmental meetings, statutory and mandatory training. Other agreed SPA roles may be undertaken in agreement with the CSU Lead, depending on departmental and Trust needs.
Person Specification Qualifications / Registration- FRCPath or equivalent
- Full and specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and a licence to practise
- Applicants that are UK trained must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
- Applicants that are non UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT
- Broad experience in all aspects of the speciality of Cellular Pathology to provide effective and safe management of outpatients, elective and emergency patients
- Significant postgraduate experience required, including relevant higher medical training as a Specialist Trainee or Senior Registrar. This period may be in a post of equivalent responsibility and training potential.
- Sufficient experience in histopathology, and cytopathology
- Experience in reporting fine needle aspirates.
- Special experience in surgical pathology and cytopathology excluding cervical cytology
- Sufficient experience in autopsy
- Appropriate level of clinical knowledge
- Knowledge and application of up to date evidence based practice.
- Breadth of experience within and outside speciality
- Experience in contributing to the multidisciplinary management of patients.
- Understanding of clinical risk management.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Evidence of ability to communicate with patients, colleagues and staff at all levels
- A proven background in organising and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research with evidence of training for the role is highly desirable
- Teaching experience, teaching medical students and supervising speciality trainees
- Ability to appraise both trainees and other staff
- A qualification in Medical education, such as a Diploma
- Ability to motivate and develop training of medical and non medical staff.
- Interest in medical management
- Ability to work independently as well as part of the Pathology Division.
- To balance individual requirements against those of the Directorate and the Trust as a whole.
- Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and patients.
- Ability and desire to take part in clinical directorate management
- IT and computer skills.
- Be in good health. Demonstration of immunisation against Hepatitis B, plus proof of Hepatitis B antigen negative status
- Enthusiastic and able to inspire enthusiasm in others
- Able to appraise research
- Thorough understanding of the principles of audit
- Publications in peer reviewed journals in the field of cellular pathology.
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.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£109,725 to £145,478 a year per annum pro rata