Clinical Director Derbyshire Pathology

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen to appoint to the Clinical Director for Derbyshire Pathology for a three-year term.

Derbyshire Pathology is a contractual joint venture to provide pathology services to University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The service is hosted by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and provides pathology services from laboratories at Derby, Burton and Chesterfield.

The purpose of the role is to provide clinical leadership and direction for Derbyshire Pathology across the full range of operational and strategic issues. The post holder will work in partnership with the Derbyshire Pathology Management Team to develop the Derbyshire Pathology strategy and service visions to deliver a safe, effective and efficient service for patients and users.

The role attracts 3PA time allocation (12 hours per week).

We are seeking applications from existing Medical Consultants, SAS Doctors, and Consultant Clinical Scientists. Experience in Pathology is preferred; however candidates with relevant experience in clinical management will also be considered.

A possibility of a candidate moving their remaining clinical role to University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust can be considered subject to approval and availability within their clinical sub specialist area and further interview.

Main duties of the job

Provide clinical leadership across Derbyshire Pathology, setting vision and strategy for the service

Lead the development and delivery of the Business Unit Strategy aligned to both Trust objectives

Be accountable for clinical quality, patient safety and UKAS accreditation

Oversee performance, operational delivery and achievement of national targets

Drive service improvement, innovation and transformation to enhance patient care and efficiency

Provide professional leadership and support to clinical teams, including workforce development and succession planning

Ensure effective governance, risk management and financial stewardship across the service

Lead medical workforce management

Promote a positive and inclusive culture

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Clinical Director for Derbyshire Pathology will provide senior clinical leadership across a multi-site pathology network, working in partnership with the Business Unit Management Team to deliver high-quality, sustainable and innovative diagnostic services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the Business Unit strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and system priorities
• Providing visible and effective clinical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and compassionate leadership
• Ensuring delivery of safe, high-quality services, with accountability for clinical governance, patient safety and maintaining regulatory standards including UKAS accreditation
• Overseeing operational performance, ensuring services meet national targets, local objectives and patient needs across the Derbyshire health system
• Driving service transformation and innovation to improve access, reduce variation, enhance patient experience and deliver value for money
• Leading workforce planning and development, including job planning, appraisal and professional development of clinical staff
• Ensuring robust governance, risk management and compliance processes are embedded across all services
• Holding responsibility for financial performance, including business planning, cost improvement programmes and efficient use of resources
• Working collaboratively with Trust colleagues, system partners and external stakeholders to support integrated service delivery and improved patient outcomes

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of pathology services across Derbyshire, delivering high-quality diagnostics at scale while supporting innovation and workforce development.