Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for Assistant Healthcare Scientists to support the Cellular Pathology service within East Kent. Three full-time roles are available, 37.5 hours per week, permanent contract, Band 2. Part-time working may be considered, depending on the needs of the service. Cellular Pathology is based at the William Harvey Hospital (WHH) in Ashford, providing a wide range of cellular diagnostics in a team-based environment.

The specific role requirement is to work in both the histology and cytology sections of the cellular pathology department, at WHH, as required and undertake duties to support Biomedical Scientists in the preparation and examination of biological samples.

Cellular pathology and mortuary services are based at WHH, Ashford, with cellular pathology (histology and cytology) exclusively centralised to WHH. A satellite laboratory within dermatology at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (K&CH) is in operation once a week to support Mohs facial surgery at that location. Full mortuary facilities are also available at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, with additional body storage at K&CH.

PLEASE NOTE - WE CANNOT OFFER VISA SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE.
If you hold a Graduate/Post Study work visa, you will only be able to work this role fixed term until the expiry date of your visa.

Main duties of the job

Cellular Pathology services have been integrated across East Kent for several years. Laboratory services are based at the WHH, Ashford. We provide histopathology, non-gynaecological cytology and autopsy services to EKHUFT and general practitioners within the region. 

Cellular pathology is known for its strong team spirit and open friendly culture. There is great emphasis on cross communication between the technical and diagnostic teams.

Cellular pathology as a whole, including mortuary staff, incorporates a team of 84 staff. From consultant pathologists, to assistant healthcare scientists. From consultant biomedical scientists reporting alongside the consultants, to admin support and clerical staff. The diversity of staff within the discipline is all incorporated into the management of the quality of service offered, with the aim of putting the patient first.

The cellular pathology service is UKAS accredited to ISO15189 standards and the mortuary service appropriately HTA accredited.

Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN)

KMPN is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.

Working for our organisation

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates for a Skilled Worker Visa for roles that are eligible at the time of application.

KMPN

KMPN are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation. Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.