Consultant - Histopathology YC73

Job overview

We are seeking a Locum Consultant in Cellular Pathology (10 PAs) for a one-year fixed-term appointment to join our established team of 10 consultants within a busy, high-performing department at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Based at our fully accredited laboratory in Hemel Hempstead, you will contribute to a broad range of subspecialties, with significant workloads in gynaecological, dermatopathology, gastrointestinal and breast pathology, as well as opportunities to participate in diagnostic cytology, mortuary, andrology and MDT work. This is an exciting time to join, with pathology service developments across the Herts & West Essex ICB and major hospital improvements underway. Applicants must hold specialist registration (or be within six months), FRCPath or equivalent, and demonstrate a collaborative, flexible approach. Core hours are Monday to Friday with occasional MDT and service commitments; the detailed job plan will be discussed at interview.

Main duties of the job

You will deliver high-quality histopathology and diagnostic cytology reporting, participate in subspecialty cancer diagnostics, provide MDT input, and contribute to autopsy and andrology services where appropriate. Responsibilities include workload management, timely reporting, audit participation, governance, teaching, and supporting service development. You will work closely with consultant colleagues, laboratory staff, and clinicians across multiple sites to ensure excellent patient care. We are looking for a dynamic team player with broad cellular pathology experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The role includes surgical pathology reporting, cytology diagnostics, MDT participation, and potential involvement in mortuary and andrology services. You will liaise with specialty leads, attend MDTs in person or virtually, contribute to teaching and research, and participate in service development projects. Consultants spend around 85% of their time in clinical service delivery and 15% in research, audit, teaching and other support activities. The post is based at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, with cross-site commitments to Watford and St Albans. Core hours are Monday–Friday, with flexibility to attend scheduled MDTs and service requirements.