The post holder will provide mortuary services for the Trust, including technical assistance to Pathologists during post mortem examination of deceased and will liaise sensitively with relatives of deceased. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
To supervise staff and provide training and support for any Trainee APT staff.
The post holder will be required to participate in the out of hour’s rota.
Main duties of the job
- Assist with preparing a deceased for post mortem examination including evisceration as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Perform a range of specialist and routine post mortems and PMCT preparation techniques autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease process under investigation.
- Reconstruction of the deceased following a post mortem examination as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Provide technical assistance during forensic autopsies and undertake additional specialised technical duties associated with forensic autopsy service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Governance
- Participate in audit processes as required.
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities.
- Attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department
Management
- To assist with the development of Mortuary protocols.
- To deal with and try to resolve technical problems as they arise and report them to senior mortuary staff.
- Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
- To assist in the supervision of qualified and unqualified staff.
Education and Development
- Continue learning and development as an ongoing process.
- Ensure that technical competencies are maintained.
- Undertake training and supervision of Trainee APT and APT1 staff.
- Demonstrate the work of the Department to medical, nursing staff, students and other visitors.
Clinical
- Clerical duties, including use of computers, data entry, telephone enquiries, faxing and handling of mail.
- Check and complete all documentation in accordance with Standard Operational Procedures.
- Receive deceased from the hospital and community in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
- When necessary surgically remove pacemaker from the deceased prior to release for cremation.
- Assist with preparing a deceased for post mortem examination including evisceration as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Perform a range of specialist and routine post mortems and PMCT preparation techniques autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease process under investigation.
- Reconstruction of the deceased following a post mortem examination as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Provide technical assistance during forensic autopsies and undertake additional specialised technical duties associated with forensic autopsy service.
- Perform the procedure for decontamination of the post mortem room following a post mortem examination in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
- Use and maintenance of manual and automated equipment.
- Transfer biological samples to other departments for testing.
- Participate in audit processes.
- Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Arrange viewings for relatives and police, prepare deceased for viewings in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure and accompany bereaved relatives whilst viewing the deceased.
- Release of deceased to funeral directors or other authorised person in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
- Check and complete documentation and prepare foetal remains for transfer to Crematorium in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
- Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with HTA guidelines.
Health and Safety
The post holder must not wilfully endanger him/herself or others while at work. Safe working practices and safety precautions must be adhered to. Protective clothing and equipment must be used where appropriate.
All accidents must be reported to your line manager and you are asked to participate in accident prevention by reporting potential hazards.
Security
The post holder has a responsibility to ensure the preservation of NHS property and resources.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in all aspects of work.
Smoking
The Trust operates a no smoking policy which applies to all staff, patients and visitors and extends to the hospital grounds as well as internal areas.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Cert/ Diploma or level 3&4
- Post Qualification Experience
- Good knowledge of routine and forensic post mortems
- Understanding of HTA codes of practice
- Experience in the statutory process surrounding death and the medical examiners service
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.
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: 02 February 2025
