Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT): Sponsorship Available

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Job Summary

Whittington Mortuary Services include a busy hospital mortuary and a public mortuary for the London Borough of Islington. The mortuary is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. An autopsy service of the highest standard is provided both for the hospital and H.M Coroner, Inner North London District.

The mortuary also offers a CT scan autopsy service to the police and wider community.

An opportunity has arisen for a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician to join our team. The individual must hold the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent. They must be motivated, enthusiastic and flexible and able to work in a challenging and sensitive environment with a calm and professional attitude. Frequent exposure to emotional and distressing situations is required to carry out this role.

The candidate will support the hospital Medical Examiner (ME) system, involving the administration of documentation pertaining to patients that die within the hospital and local community.

The candidate will carry out the technical work of the department, including the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager and senior APT. They will assist the mortuary management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.

The candidate will be required to assist with the arrangement of ‘Public Health’ funerals’ on behalf of the borough of Islington.

 

Main duties of the job

Carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager, working with the management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision/training of junior staff.

Deputise for the mortuary manager & Senior APT during periods of leave.

Complete audits as required & attend regular meetings.

Contribute to the promotion and adherence to Health and Safety within the department by carrying out relevant training and attending appropriate courses suitable for the role.

Liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.

Maintain a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends

Close liaison with a variety of professions including Coroner’s officers, police, doctors, nursing staff and funeral directors is an essential function, as is communication with bereaved family and friends.

Strictly adhere to departmental operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant policies andensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.

There is a requirement to participate in the ‘Out of Hours’ on call system.

The Whittington mortuary is open 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday but these times will be flexible dependent on the autopsy schedule which often begins before 6am.

Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

  • Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical pathology Technology or equivalent

Skills and abilities

Essential

  • Management, organisation and control of work within a mortuary environment encompassing multiple disciplines e.g. General administration, autopsy workload, contract funerals, procurement, Medical Examiner service

Desirable

  • Working with the public in a hospital environment particularly in difficult and stressful situations

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Minimum of 1 year post qualification working in a mortuary with a busy workload
  • Excellent knowledge of Licensing requirements i.e. Human Tissue Authority Codes of Practice
  • Knowledge of the Coroner’s and justice Act 2009

Desirable

  • Working in a mortuary that acts dually as a Bereavement Office
  • Knowledge of the Medical Examiner system
  • Knowledge of audits and quality management

Personal qualities

Essential

  • Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in stressful and emotional situations
  • Good Literacy skills
  • Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines
  • Remain calm in a pressurised environment

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 13 May 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.