Head of Pathology Systems

Integrated Care System; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Head of Pathology Systems to provide operational leadership in Milton Keynes. The role involves managing IT systems, ensuring 24/7 access to data for essential pathology services, and collaborating across the healthcare network. Ideal candidates will possess a degree and significant experience in Pathology IT, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. The position is full-time with a flexible working option.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Free tea and coffee

Discounted gym membership

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Pathology IT Systems.
• Knowledge of NHS/Pathology business functions.
• In depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of IT systems throughout Pathology.
• Liaise with Trust IT to meet the Trust IT strategy.
• Prepare and present reports at Pathology meetings.

Skills

Complex data extraction and presentation

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work without direct supervision

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree or relevant experience

Masters or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Winpath

Job description

Go back Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Head of Pathology Systems

The closing date is 11 August 2025

Full-time 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working.

A new opportunity has become available in MKUHPathology services, we areseeking an engaging and enthusiastic individual to provide operational leadership for the Head of Pathology IT systems working in collaboration across the South Four (S4) network. If you think this opportunity is for you, call us for an informal chat or visit. For more information, please contact Nazia Hussain, Pathology Services Manager at [e-mail]

Interview date: 19.08.2025

Main duties of the job

The key aim of this role is to ensure the laboratory has 24/7 access to the data and information needed to provide essential services which meets the needs and requirements of the pathology users in a timely manner.

• providing first line specialist Pathology IT support, installation of relevant hardware and software, or the escalation of these needs to the Trust IT team where appropriate.
• pathology first line support Winpath Enterprise, ICE Desktop, eCare and Microsoft 365 suite, Q-Pulse and other systems.

About us

"With high scores in Team Working and Line Management, our teams collaborate, communicate and care for one another - because we know we're stronger together"(NHS Staff Survey 2025)

You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:

• Free on-site parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great flexible workingopportunities
• Discounted gym membership
• Lease car scheme
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Job responsibilities

• Managers of all aspects of IT systems throughout Pathology, including their procurement, monitoring of the assets and their costs, business IT cost improvement plans, identification of cost pressures and identification of assets requiring replacement.
• Liaising with Trust IT to ensure the pathology infrastructure meets the Trust IT strategy, responsible for evaluating and scoring new IT systems for functionality and cost effectiveness.
• As a member of the Pathology Management Team required to write and present System Manager reports at the monthly Pathology Operational & Clinical Meeting and the Pathology Quality and Health & safety meetings.
• To perform the Pathology HR role of lead investigator as directed by the Pathology Services Manager. Required to provide reports for the Information Governance Team investigations.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further details.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices. We promote an inclusive workforce and encourage applications from applicants from all backgrounds.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.

By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.

Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• Degree or relevant experience and knowledge.
• Masters or equivalent experience
• Significant experience in Pathology IT Systems
• Knowledge of NHS / Pathology business functions able to demonstrate understanding of Pathology and NHS terminology.
• Expert in complex data extraction and presentation using Excel, or Access, or Business Objects.
• In depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of change control processes.
• Windows/Cisco certifications.
• A good understanding and knowledge of the Prince2 (or equivalent) project management metholodology.
• A good understanding of education, training & improvement theory and methodologies.

Experience

• Experience in devising and delivering training sessions.
• Experience of achieving system compliance with ISO 15189 , BSQR and HTA.
• The post holder must have a good knowledge of both national and local IMT application developments in Acute Healthcare setting.
• Experience in the evaluation and introduction of new technologies and techniques
• Experienced with Pathology laboratory Information Management systems, preferably Winpath.
• Experience working in Pathology laboratory.

Skills

• Able to work without direct supervision.
• Able to communicate difficult and often complex information in a concise and sympathetic manner.
• Ability to liaise with all levels of staff across an NHS Acute Healthcare Organisation.
• Have a good eye for detail and be well organized.
• Ability to concentrate in a busy environment, with frequent interruptions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex IT laboratory issues.
• In depth understanding of configuration requirements for Pathology IT systems.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex data/results/concepts.
• Strategic planning
• Ability to construct test scripts and record outcomes of tests on software releases.
• Ability to produce training and educational materials for all Trust staff and where required be able to deliver and educate staff in the usage of applications and best practice.

Personal and people development

• Self-motivated and able to work to tight deadlines with a flexible approach to work.
• Ability to establish personal credibility with clinical and other staff.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high pressure situations
• Willing to develop own skills and knowledge
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Form good working relationships with staff in the Trust as well as other partner organisations.

Communication

• The post holder will need to communicate complex and difficult IT systems to non IT literate staff, often to large groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively to both clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels throughout the organization.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent communication with service users external to the Trust.

Specific requirements

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
• Frequent prolonged concentration required to produce bespoke training materials
• The post holder must be able to advise the stake holder community on best systems practices without reference to senior management.

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.

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust