Band 4 - Associate Practitioner, Cellular Pathology

The Cellular Pathology Department at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals is seeking a full-time Associate Practitioner to join the Histopathology and Diagnostic Cytopathology sections of our laboratory.

We are looking for a motivated individual to work in our dynamic and friendly team, participating in all tasks necessary to provide an efficient, high-quality service.

The Cellular Pathology department at Hemel Hempstead processes around 46,000 histology and 3,700 cytology samples a year, as well as running a busy Andrology service to the local population.

The post holder will be expected to rotate through the histopathology and cytopathology departments. This will include roles in embedding, microtomy and staining as well as category A dissection (transfers) and immunohistochemistry.

The post holder may also need to backfill medical laboratory assistant roles when required.

Previous laboratory experience within Cellular Pathology is essential.

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imaging models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly.https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking/

We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Pathology Procurement Programme

A new shared pathology network is being created with pathology colleagues across the local Integrated Care System (ICS) including East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Health Services Laboratories (HSL) will be the provider for this forthcoming shared networked pathology service. Chief executives from the three acute Trusts and the ICB signed a contract with HSL in March 2024 with a planned transfer in March 2025.

Please note: The department of Cellular Pathology will remain on the Hemel Hempstead site following service transfer.