JOB TITLE: Consultant (Pathology)

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory/Pathology

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Head of Laboratory Department

Primary objective of the job:

·      Assist doctors with the determination of appropriate therapies based on reports of analyses performed by the Pathologist or by the Laboratory Department.

·      Assist with the establishment of patient health care plans in collaboration with Consultant colleagues.

·      Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

·      Work under the direction of and report to the Head of Department (HOD).

·      Respond to and liaise with the Head of Department pertaining to work in progress and on day-to- day matters.

Number of persons managed/supervised and their positions:

·      Direct reports as per the approved organizational structure.

Key duties and responsibilities:

·      Provide patient consultation and care via outpatient clinics, inpatient rounds, bedside and operating                      theatre procedures, both routine and emergency.

·      Consider the medical history while examining patients and specimens and meticulously document       the plan of care in the patient’s notes in consultation with the referring physician.

·      Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan to the patient, patient’s family and

collaborating physicians where appropriate and or necessary.

·      Communicate to all relevant parties, including the patient, nursing personnel and junior doctors about the transfer of care to another consultant physician and ensures required documentation in the patient’s chart.

·      Receive and respond to referrals from clinicians in a timely manner.

·      Supervise laboratory services and provide oversight and consultant expertise while on duty.

·      Perform analyses of biopsy, cytology, and other specimens. Issue reports and advise on appropriate therapies.

·      Perform certain procedures, including autopsies, as required.

·      Ensure Informed Consent is obtained prior to the provision of care.

·      Provide evidence in court, whenever necessary.

·      Participate in in-service continuing education, safety, and quality assurance programmes for the Laboratory and hospital.

·      Effectively address staff concerns and recommend action when necessary.

·      Undertake periodic review and audit of the Laboratory documentation.

·      Represent the Laboratory at Management level when required to do so.

·      Maintain patient confidentiality.

·      Prepare police and / or coroner’s reports, as required.

·      Liaise with other health professionals involved with patient care.

·      Share responsibility for data protection arising out of the use of computers and maintain good practices in the handling of confidential information.

·      Ensure that medical documentation and charting is written in a legible and professional manner.

·      Participate in the development of pathology and laboratory department protocols and guidelines.

·      Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with medical colleagues in other specialties and participate in regular clinical meetings and other activities.

·      Explain to the patient or the patient’s relatives about the latter’s medical condition and obtain signed consent forms whenever required.

·      Engage actively in clinical audit and other clinical governance processes.

·      Participate in and/or facilitate production of all data/information required to validate delivery of duties and functions and inform the planning and management of service delivery.

·      Ensure the adequacy and accuracy of patient records.

·      Hold discussions and meetings with the patients’ families/caregivers.

·      Contribute to and promote the patient safety agenda.

·      Participate and deliver on quality assurance requirements.

·      Contribute towards the attainment and maintenance of the department’s Key               Performance Indicators (KPIs).

·      Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with the current best practices and national guidelines.

·      Ensure strict adherence to infection control policies and practices.

·      Contribute towards environmental safety and cleanliness conducive towards delivering compassionate care based on privacy and dignity.

·      Participate in the unit’s strategic approach towards education, training, and development, while considering the requirements of each staff, service requirements, and the availability of in-house and commissioned education programmes.

·      Engage in research activities when opportunities arise and ensure the use of evidence-based practice within the department/unit.

·      Provide teaching and oversight to medical students and junior physicians in the care and treatment of patients and performance of required procedures.

·      Responsible for the supervision and development of Junior doctors in the specialty.

·      Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations.

·      Attend and contribute to regular departmental meetings.

·      Provide on call/emergency duties as required.

·      Performs additional duties as required and assigned by the HOD.

Required academic qualifications and experience:

·      Registered medical practitioner with the St. Lucia Medical & Dental Council.

·      Postgraduate qualification in Pathology from a recognized institution.

·      Preferred minimum of 5 years or more of experience as Consultant Pathologist.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

·      Extensive knowledge and understanding of the health care industry, including national and international trends in the provision of pathology and laboratory services.

·      Sound verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

·      Advanced ability to collaborate with colleagues and maintain mutual trust and respect with peers and patients.

·      Ability to foster effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

·      Experience in the implementation of change management within a complex clinical department, including strategic planning skills.

·      Great attention to detail with excellent analytical skills.

·      Ability to think and act quickly in a stressful environment.

·      Advanced knowledge of safety regulations and emergency response skills.