Consultant Histopathologist

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 18 December 2025

The Department is housed in a self‑contained unit opposite the outpatient department.

It comprises separate histopathology, cytopathology and immunohistology laboratories; secretarial office, 5 consultant offices, 1 senior MLSO office and tea‑room.

The mortuary is close‑by on the ground floor of the main hospital block and has undergone major updating with an increased storage facility, expanding from 50 standard fridges, 16 plus size and 4 freezer spaces to 65 standards, 20 plus size and 9 freezer spaces and a refitted postmortem room with two new tables. (New in 2017)

All consultants have their own offices with modern microscopes, video capture and VDU display, together with a networked PC.

There is a large multiheaded teaching/consultation microscope in the main laboratory.

A wide range of immunohistochemically stains are performed using 2 Benchmark Ultra analysers, with a maximum of 180 slides/day (if 3 ‘runs’, however normally only 2 are required per day). These machines are also capable of performing in situ hybridisation, currently only used routinely for immunoglobulin light chains and EBV. Immunofluorescence is used for skin biopsies on request. Molecular biological studies on an increasing number of tumour samples are performed in Bristol, Birmingham and Exeter.

The laboratory computer system (part of the integrated hospital system) uses Winpath (Clinisys), but will be moving to EPIC/Beaker in December 2025.

• To take an equal share with the other consultants in the provision of a comprehensive histopathology and cytopathology reporting service (including work generated by the bowel cancer screening programmes)
• Take an equal share in the provision of the autopsy service. Coroner's cases are performed at the behest of the coroner. Foetal and paediatric postmortems are performed elsewhere. Hospital post‑mortem work is extremely limited; work for H.M. Coroner is extra‑contractual and achieved by ‘time‑shifting’.

Why Work With Us

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is an Integrated Care Organisation providing acute health care services from Torbay Hospital, community health services and adult social care. The Trust runs Torbay Hospital as well as five community hospitals, stretching from Dawlish to Brixham.

Torbay Hospital is a medium‑sized, progressive and innovative District General Hospital providing acute services to South Devon with a 10-bedded Critical Care Unit, six general theatres, three orthopaedic theatres and a day surgery unit. We provide services in most specialties within Torbay but have close working relationships with Royal Devon University Healthcare (Exeter and North Devon) and University Hospitals Plymouth.

• To take an equal share with the other consultants in the provision of a comprehensive histopathology and cytopathology reporting service (including work generated by the bowel cancer screening programmes)
• Take an equal share in the provision of the autopsy service. Coroner's cases are performed at the behest of the coroner. Foetal and paediatric postmortems are performed elsewhere. Hospital post‑mortem work is extremely limited; work for H.M. Coroner is extra‑contractual and achieved by time‑shifting.
• To share in the administrative duties of the department. The consultant pathologists take on the post of Head of Department/Budget Holder on a mutually compatible basis. All consultants may apply for the post of Clinical Director of Pathology (a post usually tenable for 3 years). Management arrangements are consistent with the Strategic Review of Pathology Services, notably paragraphs 4.22–4.2
• To share in the running of clinico‑pathological meetings on a rota basis.
• To take part in Continuing Professional Development in accordance with Royal College of Pathologist Guidelines.
• To be involved in medical audit, clinical governance and duties relating to UKAS accreditation. There is annual appraisal with an agreed Trust policy, further details are available on request.
• To prepare for and submit for revalidation as required.
• To…