Job Summary
We are seeking an Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) with an RSPH Level 3 Diploma (or currently working towards it) to join our Mortuary and Bereavement Services team at Wye Valley NHS Trust.
This role involves delivering high standards of care to the deceased and providing compassionate support to bereaved families.
The successful candidate will assist in post-mortem examinations, ensure full compliance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards, and contribute to the smooth, respectful operation of mortuary and bereavement services.
Main duties of the job
- Assist the pathologist in adult post-mortems, including high-risk and complex cases.
- Take and label histology and toxicology samples, maintaining tissue traceability.
- Admit, store, and release deceased individuals in line with HTA guidance and Trust policy.
- Coordinate and support viewings and identifications for families and the police.
- Provide administrative support for bereavement processes.
- Maintain cleanliness and infection control standards in the mortuary.
- Participate in training, audits, and continuous professional development.
- Communicate sensitively with bereaved families and external partners.
- Maintenance, organisation and storage of accurate patient data and record keeping
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a qualified APT, you will work under minimal supervision to deliver a high standard of care to the deceased and their families. You will assist in post-mortem examinations, prepare and manage samples in accordance with legal and HTA standards, and maintain accurate records. You will also support the bereavement team, acting as a key liaison with families and ensuring timely and correct documentation for cremations, burials, and hospital funerals.
The role involves direct communication with a range of professionals including pathologists, coroners, police officers, chaplains, and funeral directors. You will be expected to maintain professional conduct in distressing or emotional circumstances and demonstrate compassion, accountability, and respect in all aspects of your work.
You will also support audits, governance improvements, SOP reviews, and the development of best practices within the department. Regular participation in training and supporting junior staff or trainees is expected.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RSPH Level 3 diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Good standard of Education demonstrated by GCSE grades A-C in Maths, English and a Science subject
Desirable
- Science Council registration
- AAPT professional Membership
Experiance
Essential
- Dealing with the deceased
- Experience of working in a mortuary or funeral director
Desirable
- Experience communicating and dealing with the bereaved
- Experience of working within a healthcare setting or other professional experience
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Essential
- Awareness of Health and Safety matters
- Have knowledge and awareness of the HTA.
- To have intermediate and accurate IT skills
- Good telephone manner and written communication skills
Personal Atributes
Essential
- Adaptability and flexibility of changing work environment
- High level of interpersonal and communication skills
- Effective organisational skills
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: 13 June 2025
