Specialist Surgical Pathologist Position Description Date:

October 2008

Job Title

:

Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Department

:

Surgical Pathology Unit

Location

:

North Shore Hospital

Reporting To

:

Clinical Director, Surgical Pathology Unit

Direct Reports

:

Nil

Functional Relationships with

:

Internal Laboratory Manager Laboratory Staff Senior and Junior Medical Staff Senior Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Waitemata DHB Management and Administration Staff Maori Health Unit External General Practitioners Clinicians in other DHBs

Purpose

:

To provide safe and efficient Pathology and laboratory services to Waitemata DHB. To provide advice to Waitemata DHB on pathology and laboratory matters and professional pathology and laboratory standards of practice To instruct, monitor and advise Medical Officers employed by Waitemata DHB on pathology and laboratory principles To maintain effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues, staff and patients, with the objective of improving hospital services. To consult and advise laboratory technology and support staff on all matters pertaining to the function of the laboratory, and its service.

Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Page 1

Specialist Surgical Pathologist Position Description

KEY TASKS To oversee the provision of pathology testing performed on behalf of Waitemata DHB To provide a high quality pathology testing service

•

• • • • • • •

To personally provide or ensure advice on all pathology disciplines is available to patients, clinicians, and Waitemata DHB staff when required

•

To foster timely, accurate, and appropriate communication both within and external to the service, across services within Waitemata DHB and between other health providers

•

Contributes to the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of operation of the pathology services

• •

•

•

• •

EXPECTED OUTCOMES Service and results to be monitored

Through participation in appropriate laboratory sample testing Quality Assurance programs Regular review with colleagues of selected records, case note entries, and referral letters Pathologist Standards of Practice will be consistent with those set by Waitemata DHB and the appropriate professional association Contribute to the regular updating of all procedures and protocols achieved Corrective action will be taken where appropriate Professional skills exhibited in carrying out pathology procedures as measured by peer review and quality audits Adherence to company and legislated patient rights and cultural sensitivity Consultation with other health professionals occurs Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings Contributes to clinical, managerial, and community forums as appropriate Participates in pathology service team meetings Assists in the management of finite resources Participates in the formulation of company plans, strategies and budget Participates in the formulation of company policies Participates in Waitemata DHB performance management processes

To provide tutorial sessions for all junior resident officers

•

Scheduled teaching sessions to occur during each rotation of junior staff

To ensure that laboratory staff are conversant with current clinical practice for pathology services

•

Scheduled staff education sessions arranged

To ensure that he/she has understanding of current knowledge of the following: • Specialist pathology • Clinical medical management • Quality assurance • Medical audit

•

Attends both national and international conferences on relevant topics sharing the information with clinical colleagues Attends post graduate meeting Develops computer literacy to fully utilise modern technology Attend appropriate management development courses

• • •

Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Page 2

Specialist Surgical Pathologist Position Description KEY TASKS Research

To recognize Individual Responsibility for Workplace Health and Safety under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992

•

EXPECTED OUTCOMES The pathologist may participate in appropriate research during normal work hours that will enhance the delivery of pathology services at Waitemata DHB. Any research must have received formal approval of any required. Research Ethical Committee in accordance with the protocol of that committee, and be in line with and Waitemata DHB policy that may exist

• Company health and safety policies are read

and understood and relevant procedures applied to their own work activities • Workplace hazards are identified and reported, including self-management of hazards where appropriate • Can identify health and safety representative for area

Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Page 3

Specialist Surgical Pathologist Position Description

Behavioural Competencies Adheres to Waitemata District Health Boards 5 organisational Values of: Respect Integrity Compassion Openness Customer Focus Behavioural Competencies

Behaviour Demonstrated

Communicates Co-operatively

•

and

Works

Is Committed to Learning Is Transparent

Is Customer Focused

Works in Partnership to Reduce Inequality in Outcomes

Improves health Prevents Harm

Actively looks for ways to collaborate with and assist others to improve the experience of the healthcare workforce, patients & their families and the community & Iwi. • Proactively follows up development needs and learning opportunities for oneself and direct reports. • Communicates openly and engages widely across the organisation. • Enacts agreed decisions with integrity. • Responds to peoples needs appropriately and with effective results • Identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement Works in a way that: • Demonstrates awareness of partnership obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. • Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population. • Ensures service provision that does not vary because of peoples’ personal characteristics. • Work practices show a concern for the promotion of health and well-being for self and others. • Follows policies and guidelines designed to prevent harm. • Acts to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

VERIFICATION:

Employee:

_________________________________

Clinical Director:

_________________________________

General Manager:

_________________________________

Date:

_________________________________

Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Page 4

Specialist Surgical Pathologist Position Description

PERSON SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE:

Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Minimum Qualification

Preferred

Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia or equivalent. Registration or eligibility for registration with the New Zealand Medical Council.

Experience

Skills/Knowledge/Behaviour

Relevant clinical experience as a Registrar.

Specialist Consultant experience

Range of experience in different Pathology testing.

Special interest in a specific area of Anatomical Pathology

Excellent communication skills both written and oral

Enthusiasm for innovation Sense of humour

Strong interpersonal skills Commitment to excellence and quality Team player

Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Specialist Surgical Pathologist

Page 5