Job Description

The Cellular and Molecular Department at the RNOH has full UKAS accreditation since 2017 (number 8680). It is one of five National Commissioning Group bone tumour pathology units in England. The RNOH consultant histopathologists also provide the diagnostic service for the Robert Jones Agnes Hunt NHS Trust (RJAH) delivered through a hybrid model, although largely remotely using our LIMS. The RJAH is fully UKAS accredited since 2022 and maintains our ongoing support through an agreed SLA. Service Level Agreements (SLA) are currently in place with Northwest London Pathology service and Swansea University Hospital, the sarcoma referral centre for South Wales to support their workload in musculoskeletal pathology. We receive a large number of referrals for second opinions and regularly provide support for NHS Trusts who are struggling to provide their musculoskeletal service. Visitors from the UK or abroad are regularly present in the department.



The newly appointed consultant would be part of a team of histopathology consultants who provide pathology reports on specimens received in-house from RNOH and also referred cases mainly from other hospitals based in the geography covered by the London Sarcoma Service as well as from SLA agreements. The reports are based on the interpretation of the microscopic features of tissue, the gross and/or radiological findings and currently available appropriate additional tests including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, PCR-based tests and more recently on next generation sequencing. There is an emphasis of reporting in the context of clinical information.



At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), we are committed to achieving the best staff experience in the NHS. In the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, we proudly:

Scored above the national average for the People Promises:

"We are recognised and rewarded," "We are always learning," "We work flexibly," "We are a team," and for staff engagement.

Ranked #1 among all Trusts in North and Central London for all People Promises and themes.

Ranked #1 among all Acute Specialist Trusts for "We work flexibly."



At RNOH, we're committed to being actively anti-discriminatory and actively inclusive. We recognise our brilliant people do brilliant work, and we offer rewarding careers, no matter what their background. We continue to strive to break down barriers to be the Trust where people come together because what they do matters, makes a difference and where they can thrive. ?



Joining our organisation means enjoying a wide range of staff benefits, including:



24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.

A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts.

A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment.

Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare



At RNOH, we are more than a workplace--we are committed to patients, to excellence and the wellbeing of our staff



The postholder will be expected to maintain the highest clinical standards in the practice of [insert team] and will undertake any reasonable clinical responsibility which relates to [insert team]. The postholder will be expected to be actively involved in the management of the department including attendance at the MDT and monthly meetings. They will be expected to take an active and engaged role in departmental and academic responsibilities as allocated by agreement across the department, including cover for colleagues' annual leave and other authorised absences as appropriate. The successful applicant will engage fully and proactively in clinical governance activities, including clinical audit. The postholder will be expected to engage in continuing professional development. A formal job plan will be agreed between the appointee and their Clinical Director on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer prior to the commencement date of the appointment. The job plan shall be reviewed annually. It will cover all aspects of a consultant's professional practice including clinical work, teaching, research, education and managerial responsibilities, including a clear schedule of commitments, both internal and external. It shall also include personal objectives, including details of their link to wider service objective and detail of the support required by the consultant to fulfill the job plan and objectives. The newly appointed consultant would be expected to work on site unless otherwise negotiated with the clinical lead. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the delivery of the RJAH SLA and other SLAs. This will involve being part of the rota and may involve travelling there and staying over for one or two nights a few times per annum. The pathologist will be expected to attend the sarcoma MDT and, occasionally, the infection joint replacement MDT. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is provided as standard of care for some sarcomas. The successful candidate will be expected to help support this pathway for young adults and children. The postholder would be expected to support research and development in a positive manner for 20% of their job plan. Any project undertaken would be discussed with the clinical lead or a person to whom she/he delegates this role. The consultant would not be expected to lead a research project particularly if they do not have formal training in research, but they would be required to support and contribute to projects. For example, this could require critical selection and review cases; to be involved in and guide ethical processes; support use and development of the Biobank. Such support would need to be funded by the external researchers. * The postholder will be expected to maintain the highest clinical standards in the practice of Cellular and Molecular Pathology and will undertake any reasonable clinical responsibility which relates to histopathology.