About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Cellular Pathology Associate Practitioner to join the team at West Suffolk Hospital. This role supports the delivery of a high-quality histopathology and cytology service, contributing directly to patient diagnosis and care.
Working under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, the post holder will undertake a range of technical and administrative duties including specimen reception, preparation, processing, and staining. The role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to departmental protocols and quality standards.
The successful candidate will work as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, supporting service efficiency and turnaround times while maintaining compliance with UKAS, health and safety, and governance requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a modern and forward-thinking pathology service.
Main duties of the job
Receive, record, and prepare pathological specimens in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures Assist in the dissection and preparation of specimens under appropriate supervision Undertake technical processes including tissue embedding, microtomy, and routine staining techniques (e.g. H&E)Support the delivery of cytology services, including preparation of samples where required, performing Immunohistochemistry and special stains Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure continuous service delivery Accurately input and manage patient/sample data using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with quality standards, including UKAS accreditation requirements Maintain high standards of health and safety, infection prevention, and risk management within the laboratory Assist in stock control, reagent preparation, and general housekeeping duties within the department Work collaboratively with Biomedical Scientists, Pathologists, and other healthcare professionals Contribute to service improvement, audit, and quality assurance activities Participate in departmental training and competency assessments
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description Job responsibilities
Technical and scientific:
Under supervision, perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately and efficiently.
Undertake quality control procedures and the processing of quality control material as per established protocols.
Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage.
Be aware of current advances and assist in the introduction of new techniques.
Clean and maintain equipment to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Perform basic troubleshooting in line with established protocols and report any faults to a biomedical scientist.
Participate in processing samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing.
Communication:
Communicates with colleagues and clinicians about test results and provides instruction to groups of health service staff, as appropriate.
Communicates with service users, including patients as appropriate.
Information Resources:
Record test results and maintain integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by self.
Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed standard operating procedures.
To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines.
Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required.
Quality/Governance/Risk Management:
Follow policies and procedures ensuring compliance with the Pathology quality management system.
Comment on proposals for change to policies and standard operating procedures within own area.
Assist in audits and where appropriate, propose service improvements for own area.
When incidents occur, take immediate appropriate action, inform senior staff and ensure incidents are reported. Contribute to investigations as directed.
Education, Training and Development:
Support less experienced and other staff where required and provide practical training to small groups.
Participate in appraisal process in line with current policies.
Responsible for personal education, training and competencies to ensure recorded continual professional development.
Leadership and line management responsibilities:
Prioritises own workload and that of others as and when required.
Supervise, organise and allocate work for less experienced staff when required in own area.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification Essential
oAppropriate NVQ 3/diploma or equivalent oAdditional theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level
Desirable
Working towards Foundation degree or equivalent
Experience & Knowledge Essential
oDemonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties
Desirable
oPractical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory oKnowledge of Pathology IT systems oKnowledge of Quality Management Systems oPrevious relevant experience of working in the NHS
Skills & Abilities Essential
oWillingness to undertake cross training to extend skill set to deliver role oGood communication skills oDemonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently oAbility to supervise less experienced staff, including supporting the training of staff. oAbility to organise and allocate work to less experience staff to meet needs of the service oAbility to concentrate for prolonged periods of time oHigh degree of manual dexterity to perform standard laboratory techniques
Desirable
oWritten communication skills
Personal Qualities Essential
oHigh level of accuracy and attention to detail oIntegrity and personal credibility oStrives for excellence. oSelf-motivated and able to motivate others. oAbility to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service, oAbility to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands. oPuts the patient first in everything that is undertaken oAwareness of self and impact on others oAble to work with body fluids and hazardous materials
Desirable
oCredible and effective leadership qualities.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Employer details Employer name West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address West Suffolk Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)