REGIONAL FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST - POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Details:
Title:
Regional Forensic Pathologist (RFP)
Department: National Forensic Pathology Service, (NFPS) Auckland District Health Board
Reports to:
Service Manager / Clinical Director partnership, National Forensic Pathology Service
Purpose of Position:
The purpose of this position is to provide a consultative national forensic pathology service for the NZ
Police and Coroners and other persons or organisations associated with deaths that have been referred
to the Coroner under the Coroners Act.
Key Accountabilities:
Clinical
 To provide, promote and assist the organisation and activities of the National Forensic Pathology
Service in a climate of cooperation, team work, respectful behaviour and collegiality.

To perform and report coronial autopsies referred to the service by the NZ Police and the Coroner.

To participate in a regional on-call roster (if applicable) to perform coronial autopsies (including those
authorised for urgent release on the basis of cultural grounds) as determined in consultation with the
Clinical Director of the National Forensic Pathology Service. Note that there is no RMO backup for
this roster.

To participate in a regional and national on-call roster for complex and/or infectious deaths,
suspicious deaths and homicides as determined in consultation with the Clinical Director of the
National Forensic Pathology Service. This is in order to provide on-call specialist forensic
pathological support for other regional forensic centres as required to cover for absences of the
Regional Forensic Pathologist due to annual leave, sick leave, continuing medical education etc.
Note that there is no RMO backup for this roster.

To provide consultative and advisory forensic pathology services to the NZ Police, Coroners, Crown,
ESR, Funeral Directors, Next-of Kin, and associated medical and clinical staff. This may be done
either informally or more formally through meetings, cases presentations, clinico-pathological
conferences, and/or directly with regard to individual cases.

To provide a second opinion to Legal Counsel (Defence), subject to the agreement and availability of
the RFP. This may be considered as part of private practice of the RFP and invoiced for accordingly.

To provide a forensic pathological consultative/advisory service to other pathologists, both within and
outside NZ, who perform and report coronial autopsies. Subject to availability of the RFP.
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
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To provide a consultative forensic medical service to the NZ Police and Crown as required and
subject to availability of the RFP. Forensic medical opinions for Legal Counsel (Defence) and
Families/Individuals may be considered as part of private practice of the RFP and invoiced for
accordingly.

To appear as an expert forensic witness (for prosecution) at District Court, High Court, Commissions
of Inquiry, Medical Disciplinary Hearing and Coronial Inquests as required.

To appear as an expert forensic witness (for defence) at District Court, High Court, Commissions of
Inquiry, Medical Disciplinary Hearing and Coronial Inquests as available and subject to the
agreement of the RFP. This may be considered as part of private practice of the RFP and invoiced
for accordingly.

To liaise with other medical experts e.g. Paediatricians, Surgeons and Radiologists as required.

To liaise with other appropriate authorities as required e.g. Medical Officer of Health.

To provide life extinct and infectious-free certification as required.

To fulfil any other provisions of the National Forensic Pathology Service specifications as set in
Schedule A (A2.0) of the Agreement for the Provision of a National Forensic Pathology Service
between the ADHB and the Ministry of Justice.

To participate in the performing and reporting of adult hospital (non-coronial) autopsies. However in
regions where there is a sole RFP the performance, reporting and/or supervision of adult hospital
(non-coronial) autopsies by the RFP will only be undertaken after discussion with and agreement of
the RFP. This agreement is subject to the demands of the forensic pathology service and the
availability of the RFP. The RFP has the option of supervising the performance and reporting of the
non-coronial adult autopsy by an anatomical pathology registrar. Subject to availability, the noncoronial adult autopsy may instead be performed and reported by a forensic pathology fellow.

To be available to assist with forensic expertise in a national/regional mass disaster incident.
(Subject to the regional on-call commitments and demands of the service).

The RFP is required to undertake their clinical responsibilities and conduct themselves in all matters
relating to their employment, in accordance with best practice and relevant ethical and professional
standards and guidelines as determined by:
 New Zealand Medical Association’s Code of Ethics
 Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (or RCPath if applicable)
 Code of Practice and Performance Standards for Forensic and Coronial Pathologists
 Health and Disability Commissioner
 Policies and procedures of Auckland District Health Board

To be responsible to the Clinical Director of the National Forensic Pathology Service for all duties
and undertake duties that may be required by the Clinical Director.
Workload
 Average hours of work per week to be agreed with Clinical Director and consistent with tenths
employed.
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
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On-call duties as per roster and in consultation with Clinical Director.
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The workload for a full-time forensic pathologist is 250 full autopsies per annum. This includes a
mixture of sudden natural deaths, accidents, suicides, suspicious deaths and homicides. It also
includes cases requiring supervision
Non-Clinical Duties
To participate regularly in non-clinical duties which may include:
 CME and professional self development
 Audit and quality assurance, and improvement activities
 Grand Rounds
 Research
 Teaching
 Supervision and oversight of others
 Service and oversight administration
 Planning meetings
 Credentialing
Standards and Medical Audit
 To perform all autopsies to a standard as outlined by the Code of Practice.

To participate in the Continuing Professional Development Programme of the Royal College of
Pathologists of Australasia.

To participate in quality assurance and audit programmes where relevant to the practice of Pathology
in the area of work.

To be appropriately credentialed
Teaching / Training
Note: In regions where there is a sole RFP the contribution and commitment of the RFP to training and
teaching of any medical professional, laboratory or allied forensic group is dependent upon the workload
demands of the National Forensic Pathology Service. However the commitment of the RFP to teaching
and training of certain professional groups such as anatomical pathology registrars and especially,
forensic pathology fellows, is considered a high priority but not to the detriment of the service.

To assist with the training of anatomical pathology registrars in accordance with the requirements of
the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Clinical Training Agency.

To assist with the training of Forensic Pathology fellows in accordance with the requirements of the
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.

To assist with the training of laboratory and mortuary technical staff, subject to availability and
agreement of the RFP.

To teach other hospital members/groups and pathologists, subject to availability and agreement of
the RFP.
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
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To assist with the teaching of tertiary students as requested and agreed to, and subject to the
demands of the service. Any regular teaching commitment at any University or other Institution that
has been requested of the RFP, or any position at such an Institution offered to the RFP must first be
discussed with and approved by both the Manager and Clinical Director of the National Forensic
Pathology Service. The RFP may accept an academic position at a University or similar but the
requirements of the National Forensic Pathology Service take priority.

To assist with the training and teaching of NZ Police and allied medical services e.g. ambulance
staff, nurses, subject to availability and agreement of the RFP.
Research and Development
The National Forensic Pathology Service encourages research and development in the field of forensic
pathology. The Service also recognises the daily demands of the normal workload of a RFP and for this
reason the participation in research by RFPs is not considered a co-requisite of the role of RFP. If the
RFP chooses to undertake any form of research or development then the following bullet points apply.
The requirements of the National Forensic Pathology service take precedence over any research or
development programme.

To participate in relevant research and development activities and present findings at appropriate
venues and subject to ethical approval and funding.

To assist with the development of techniques (in conjunction with technical staff).

To foster an environment conducive to research and development within the department and to
assist such approved activities undertaken by department staff and other outside parties.

To use departmental material appropriately for approved research and development.
Career Development and Continuing Education
 To continue self-education through attendance at relevant conferences/seminars/courses and by
appropriate reading to meet all RCPA CPDP requirements.

To use CME funding appropriately as allocated.

To participate actively in local education and review meetings.

To maintain and expand current knowledge of medico-legal issues.
Strategy / Business Planning
 Initiate, promote and facilitate teaching, research and development activities.


Develop and consolidate links to enhance and advance the NFPS services including links with the
ESR and Universities.
Contribute to the operation, business planning and capital expenditure planning of the NFPS.
Financial
Ensure that the resources are used effectively and efficiently.
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
Operational Performance
 Undertake clinical duties as agreed with the Clinical Director, including teaching (subject to demands
of service)

Comply with policies and procedures of the National Forensic Pathology Service, ADHB and
department.

Participate in the operational management of the NFPS

Foster and maintain close links with colleagues to ensure a coordinated service provision of service

Participate in the information service planning in the NFPS

Review and redesign processes and services to meet the changing needs of customers and to
achieve expenditure savings through operational efficiency

Ensure scientific and clinical effectiveness of the NFPS

Contribute to appropriate professional activities

Notify the Clinical Head of any operational or personal issues or events that may affect or impact on
the National Forensic Pathology Service.
Health, and Safety & Quality
 Ensure effectiveness and efficiency through the development and implementation of, and adherence
to appropriate Health, and Safety and Quality systems and standards.

To comply with all occupational health and safety procedures and policies of the National Forensic
Pathology Service and the department within which the forensic pathologist is based.
Self Management and professional development by:
 Participating in service programmes

Establishing annual goals, objectives, performance targets and strategies to meet these

Attending educational opportunities/conferences relevant to the role and scope of practice

Participating in relevant research activities (subject to demands of service).

Seeking and taking opportunities to develop personal skills.
Communication
 Maintain appropriate communication with others as specified in the relationships below.
Authorities:
Direct Reports: Clinical Director
Budget Accountability (if applicable):
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Clinical Director and Service Manager
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
Relationships:
External
 NZ Police
 Chief Coroner and Coroners
 ESR
 Crown
 Coronial Service/Min of
Justice
 Dentists
 Funeral Directors
 Tertiary Institutions
 Families
 Tissue Transplant Service
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Education & Qualifications
Professional
Work Experience
Internal
 NFPS staff
 Mortuary Technical staff
 Lab staff & Management
 Clinical Staff in the areas of
work
 Other Pathologists
Committees/Groups
 Relevant committees e.g.
Forensic Advisory Com.
 National Coronial Advisory
Group
 Forensic Governance Group
 Professional bodies
Essential
 Medical degree recognised
by the NZMC
 FRCPA or equivalent,
registered or registrable with
the NZMC and vocational
registration appropriate for a
forensic pathology service.
Desired
Postgraduate qualification in
Forensic Pathology e.g.
Dip.Forens.Path or DMJ (Path)


Previous experience.
Previous training
Evidence of ongoing
professional and personal
development.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
Competency
Description
Clinical
To be advised by Clinical Director
Medical Audit
To be advised by Clinical Director
Teaching and Research
To be advised by Clinical Director
Health and Safety & Quality
Understand, contribute to and comply with national and internal
health and safety quality policies and international professional
standards.
Self management and
professional development
Establishes a plan of action and achieves priority goals.
Manages workload flow.
Recognises and addresses barriers and takes account of changing
priorities.
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
Copes with stress and understands personal limitations.
Is proactive and displays initiative.
Communication
Expresses information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Adjust language and style to recipients and be considerate of their
frame of reference.
Communicates effectively with colleagues and service manager to
ensure relevant information about the service and any issues are
understood and notified in an effective manner.
Professional
Maintains an overall understanding of current best practice and new
developments in the relevant field.
WORKING FOR ADHB – EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEES
CITIZENSHIP
All employees are expected to contribute to the innovation and improvement of Auckland District Health
Board as an organisation. This means:
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Using resources responsibly
Models ADHB values in all interactions
Maintaining standards of ethical behaviour and practice
Meeting ADHB’s performance standards
Participating in organisation development and performance improvement initiatives
Helping to develop and maintain Maori capability in ADHB, including developing our understanding of
the Treaty of Waitangi and ways in which it applies in our work
Raising and addressing issues of concern promptly
THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP
We have a shared responsibility for maintaining good employer/employee relationships. This means:
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Acting to ensure a safe and healthy working environment at all times
Focusing our best efforts on achieving ADHB’s objectives
A performance agreement will be reached between the employee and their direct manager and/or
professional leader containing specific expectations.
CONSUMER/CUSTOMER/STAKEHOLDER COMMITMENT
All employees are responsible for striving to continuously improve service quality and performance. This
means:
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Taking the initiative to meet the needs of the consumer/customer/stakeholder
Addressing our obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi
Involving the consumer/customer/stakeholder in defining expectations around the nature of the
services to be delivered and the timeframe
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Position Description for Regional Forensic Pathologist
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Keeping the consumer/stakeholder informed of progress
Following through on actions and queries
Following up with the consumer/customer/stakeholder on their satisfaction with the services
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As the business of ADHB develops, the responsibilities and functions of positions may change. All staff
are expected to contribute and adapt to change by:
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Undertaking professional development
Applying skills to a number of long and short term projects across different parts of the organisation
Undertaking such development opportunities as ADHB may reasonably require
This position description may be reviewed and if need be modified at any time but only in full
consultation with all the RFPs, Clinical Head and Service Manager.
Simon Stables
Clinical Director – NFPS
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