Job summary
Fulfil the role of an experienced Specialist Cytoscreener to support the provision of a comprehensive Cytopathology service.

Perform the preparation, screening and reporting of cervical cytology in accordance with NHSCSP guidelines i.e. individual screeners are currently required to screen a minimum of 3,000 cytology slides per annum.

Undertake essential 3 yearly update training + continuing personal and professional development.

Use specialist knowledge, complex equipment and IT in order to deliver a safe and effective Cytology service to users.

Main duties of the job

• Support the provision of Gynaecologic diagnostic cytopathology service by screening and performing rapid review or cervical cytology cases.
• Maintain professional competency in cervical cytology by complying with the requirements of the NHSCSP, including EQA participation and attending 3 yearly update courses.
• To undertake training in and perform semen analysis for fertility (including National EQA samples and internal QA) and post vasectomy analysis.

About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.

We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care.

St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.

Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward-thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.

Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged.

For more information about careers at ASPH please visit: www.asph-careers.org

Job responsibilities

• To have the qualifications, specialist knowledge and experience required to Primary and rapid screen cervical smears and comply with NHSCSP accuracy requirements for all staff screening cervical cytology i.e. 90% sensitivity for all grades of abnormals and 95% for high grades.
• Undertake an appropriate update course in Cervical Cytology every three years.
• To comply with NHSCSP requirements for all staff screening cervical cytology. Individual screeners are currently required to screen a minimum of 3,000 cytology slides per annum.
• Responsible for the assessment and reporting of negative and technically unsuitable cervical cytology specimens, recording their own work and that of colleagues as appropriate.
• Perform rapid review of primary screened negative and inadequate cervical cytology.
• Identification of potential abnormalities within cervical cytology specimens for subsequent interpretation by a designated checker.
• To identify and retrieve appropriate histories on patients to enable appropriate management of the samples in line with the appropriate NHSCSP Screening protocol algorithms.
• Participate in departmental IQA and EQA schemes (including the mandatory NHSCSP Screening EQA scheme) and to review slides from relevant cases for teaching IQC and clinical governance.

Essential

• NHSCSP City and Guilds level 3 diploma in Cervical Cytology or equivalent
• 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above to include Maths and English.
• Evidence of screening experience for the Hologic thin prep system.
• Experience in screening HPV positive Hologic thin prep slides
• Record of consistently acceptable screening sensitivity figures.
• Use of LIMS e.g. Winpath Enterprise to include accessing patient results and data entry.
• Evidence of successful participation in the NHSCSP cervical screening EQA scheme.
• Evidence of CPD through attendance of regular update courses and participation in laboratory based activities.

Desirable

• Experience of routine Cytology specimen processing techniques
• Evidence of H&S, COSHH, Information governance and manual handling training.
• Experience and evidence of continuing professional development equivalent to degree level in this specialized field.
• Competent in infertility and post vasectomy techniques.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 323-HS8930-ED
Closing date: 17 November 2026

For questions about the job, contact:
Deputy Lead BMS, Edgar Mupawaenda, e.mupawaenda@nhs.net, 01932723542

Apply through our website.