Care After Death and Mortuary Services Directorate Support Manager: Sponsorship Available

Job Summary

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is seeking a highly motivated, organised and proactive individual to undertake the role of Care After Death and Mortuary Services (Directorate Support) Manager.

The post holder will lead on the full implementation and embedding of the transformation agenda for the Mortuary and Care After Death (CAD) Services and be responsible for effective and efficient delivery of these services. The individual will act as ‘person designated’ and work closely with the ‘designated individual’ for the mortuary, playing a key role in ensuring compliance with the 72 HTA Standards. Through audit and assurance, they will ensure the services align with national, regulatory and locally agreed standards. The successful candidate will communicate empathetically and professionally with bereaved families, always ensuring clarity and kindness and lead the services with a positive and collaborative approach.

The successful candidate will require excellent communication skills to build key working-relationships with stakeholders including the Coroner’s office, Medical Examiner’s office and Police force, to ultimately drive a culture of continual improvement and innovation for CAD and Mortuary services. The post holder must have experience in developing standard operating procedures, policies and writing high quality reports and be prepared that once the transformation agenda is embedded, the role may expand to other areas within pathology within an appropriate remit.

Main duties of the job

• Assume lead responsibility for the continuous review of the Care After Death and Mortuary Service.
• Work with the Designated Individual to disseminate HTA legislation and ensure robust and prompt audits are undertaken as part of the Mortuary and CAD Audit Schedule.
• Be an advocate for the service, raising awareness and enhancing the profile of the department in both public and professional arenas.
• Develop a culture of engagement and build supportive relationships with people across and outside their own department/organisation.
• Liaise with the Medical Examiner, Coroners Officer and Funeral Directors to facilitate release of deceased patients.
• Supporting the development and implementation of plans for health pandemics, excess death and mass fatalities.
• Support the investigation of accidents, DATIX incidents and complaints.
• Lead in the investigation and resolution of any concerns about levels of care or incidents involving patients escalating to the Health Board ‘Designated Individual’.
• Liaise with the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Designated Individual in reporting and investigating HTA Reportable Incidents (HTARIs).
• Undertake document reviews of the Pathology Quality Management systems in conjunction with the Quality manager.
• The post holder will be responsible for the analysis of turnaround times for Medical Examiner work and performance related KPIs.
• Delegated responsibility for Budget Management ensuring that the service is delivered within the agreed budget.