Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a
trainee or entry level Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join the mortuary
team at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
The successful candidate will either
hold the level 3 diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology/RSPH Certificate or
willing to work towards gaining this.
Candidates that already hold the
qualification will be permanent and salaried at band 4. Trainees either currently studying or
embarking on the qualification will be fixed term for 2 -3 years (becoming
permanent on successful completion of the level 3) and salaried at Trainee AXU
75% of band 4.
Applications are invited
from passionate and hardworking candidates for a Trainee Anatomical Pathology
Technologist to join our small, busy mortuary team. Ideally you will have
relevant experience, such as healthcare or funeral director. The successful applicant should hold 5
GCSEs (or equivalent), including English, Maths and science at a grade C or
above and will undertake in-house training and courses as appropriate to obtain
the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology over the course of
2-3 years. This post will be reviewed on successful completion of the Level 3
Diploma, with a view to becoming a permanent position.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be trained in all aspects of
mortuary and bereavement work, including advising families, arranging contract
funerals, preparing deceased for viewing and accompanying families, post mortem
evisceration, reconstruction, release and receipt of deceased patients.
You will assist with the completion of legal paperwork following a
death and be required to record information accurately on the mortuary software
system (Eden).
The role will require the successful candidate to contribute to
excellent cleaning standards on a daily basis, advising bereaved families,
liaising with other organisations,under supervision, and contribute to maintaining a high-quality service.
Our service, which is licensed by the Human Tissue Authority, currently cares for approximately 2000 deceased patients a year and provides a comprehensive range of mortuary services, including accompanying bereaved families at viewings, high standard of care of the deceased, coronial and forensic post mortem examinations.
The successful candidate will be compassionate have excellent communication, IT, interpersonal, practical and organisational skills. You will have a flexible approach to working hours and duties, work well in a team and be able to show an ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
About us
#BeKnown
at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to
more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for,
treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community
settings.
The
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care
services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery
unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+
beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult
and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk
Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing
temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We
do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our
values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we
work and behave as a team.
With
nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation
a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be
the best you can be.
We
promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you
can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join
us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see supporting information for full Job Description.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
Under supervision participates in the provision of an effective service (technical and administrative), as appropriate, to the requirements of the Mortuary department.
Under supervision prepare deceased (Primary autopsy opening and block dissection), and assist the Consultant Histopathologists and Home Office Pathologists during post mortem examinations.
Under supervision carries out daily recording of post mortem examination details, and the maintenance of other databases and mortuary records, as required.
Receive first calls form families following a death and provide guidance on practical procedures.
Under supervision assists in receiving deceased in strict accordance with mortuary procedures.
Under supervision carries out the identification, labelling and transfer of samples removed at post mortem to the histology laboratory and other laboratories.
Under supervision perform re-construction of deceased (including injuries) after post mortem examination, ensuring that deceased are in an acceptable state for release.
Under supervision carries out the discharge of the deceased in accordance with the law and departmental procedures.
Under supervision assists in taking photographic images in the post mortem room when required. Ensure images are respectful and that patient confidentiality is maintained.
Maintain the security of deceased belongings, valuables and any other personal items received into the Mortuary.
Under supervision prepares deceased for viewing by relatives. When necessary, provide assistance to relatives during viewing. Deal sympathetically with bereaved relatives by showing a caring and professional attitude at all times.
Ensure the decontamination of the post mortem room, and other designated dirty activity areas, decontaminating all equipment used during post mortem examinations in accordance with Department protocols.
Assist with the monthly woodland burial for non viable fetus (NVFs). Support the bereavement midwife and assist with the organisation of hospital contract funerals for stillborns/NVFs.
Any other duties appropriate to the post.
COMMUNICATION AND TEAM WORKING
Behave in a professional manner at all times.
Ensure excellent communication exists in the department and, with the service manager, promote a positive working environment and image of the mortuary.
Maintain good relations with the Coroners office, police, ambulance, funeral directors, Trust medical staff, Administrators, mortuary and pathology staff and department manager.
Liaise with the Coroners Officers to ensure the requirements of the Coroner are performed in a timely and efficient manner.
Liaise with the Histopathologists to ensure that post mortems are performed and the necessary documentation completed in accordance with department protocols
Follow procedures with respect to all visitors to the Mortuary, including Trust portering staff.
Attend and participate in departmental meetings.
Report any faulty equipment to senior staff with regard to safety, hygiene and functional efficiency.
CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL
Enroll on an approved Royal Society of Public Health & Hygiene training programme to attain the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Demonstrate a good working knowledge and understanding of the Human Tissue Act and, comply with the HTA regulations at all times.
- Assist, as required, in the production data for internal and external audit purposes.
Participate in internal quality control procedures and ensure that adequate and accurate records are kept.
- Maintain professional competency through attending relevant scientific meetings and courses. Maintain and record CPD activities.
- Other duties as appropriate to the post.
- Maintain a high level of personal hygiene and appearance at all times.
ADMINISTRATION
Ensure strict adherence to documentation protocols within the mortuary.
Under supervision receive and record details of deceased from both the Hospital and surrounding district (Local Authority deaths) under the jurisdiction of the coroner.
Under supervision record the transfer of deceased to authorised undertakers and the authorised receipt and despatch of both adult and paediatric deceased from and to other Trusts.
Under supervision liaise with other organisations to facilitate the collection of donated organs.
Assist the service manager/senior staff in the maintenance of standard operating procedures, risk assessments and COSHH assessments, as appropriate and if required.
POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
- Work within the policies and procedures adopted by the Trust, Pathology and the mortuary at all times.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Comply at all times with the Mortuary and Trust Health and Safety Policies.
To work under the Human Tissue Act, ensuring all legislation is adhered to.
To ensure relevant regulations are implemented in accordance with Trust Safety Policies.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see supporting information for full Job Description.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
Under supervision participates in the provision of an effective service (technical and administrative), as appropriate, to the requirements of the Mortuary department.
Under supervision prepare deceased (Primary autopsy opening and block dissection), and assist the Consultant Histopathologists and Home Office Pathologists during post mortem examinations.
Under supervision carries out daily recording of post mortem examination details, and the maintenance of other databases and mortuary records, as required.
Receive first calls form families following a death and provide guidance on practical procedures.
Under supervision assists in receiving deceased in strict accordance with mortuary procedures.
Under supervision carries out the identification, labelling and transfer of samples removed at post mortem to the histology laboratory and other laboratories.
Under supervision perform re-construction of deceased (including injuries) after post mortem examination, ensuring that deceased are in an acceptable state for release.
Under supervision carries out the discharge of the deceased in accordance with the law and departmental procedures.
Under supervision assists in taking photographic images in the post mortem room when required. Ensure images are respectful and that patient confidentiality is maintained.
Maintain the security of deceased belongings, valuables and any other personal items received into the Mortuary.
Under supervision prepares deceased for viewing by relatives. When necessary, provide assistance to relatives during viewing. Deal sympathetically with bereaved relatives by showing a caring and professional attitude at all times.
Ensure the decontamination of the post mortem room, and other designated dirty activity areas, decontaminating all equipment used during post mortem examinations in accordance with Department protocols.
Assist with the monthly woodland burial for non viable fetus (NVFs). Support the bereavement midwife and assist with the organisation of hospital contract funerals for stillborns/NVFs.
Any other duties appropriate to the post.
COMMUNICATION AND TEAM WORKING
Behave in a professional manner at all times.
Ensure excellent communication exists in the department and, with the service manager, promote a positive working environment and image of the mortuary.
Maintain good relations with the Coroners office, police, ambulance, funeral directors, Trust medical staff, Administrators, mortuary and pathology staff and department manager.
Liaise with the Coroners Officers to ensure the requirements of the Coroner are performed in a timely and efficient manner.
Liaise with the Histopathologists to ensure that post mortems are performed and the necessary documentation completed in accordance with department protocols
Follow procedures with respect to all visitors to the Mortuary, including Trust portering staff.
Attend and participate in departmental meetings.
Report any faulty equipment to senior staff with regard to safety, hygiene and functional efficiency.
CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL
Enroll on an approved Royal Society of Public Health & Hygiene training programme to attain the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Demonstrate a good working knowledge and understanding of the Human Tissue Act and, comply with the HTA regulations at all times.
- Assist, as required, in the production data for internal and external audit purposes.
Participate in internal quality control procedures and ensure that adequate and accurate records are kept.
- Maintain professional competency through attending relevant scientific meetings and courses. Maintain and record CPD activities.
- Other duties as appropriate to the post.
- Maintain a high level of personal hygiene and appearance at all times.
ADMINISTRATION
Ensure strict adherence to documentation protocols within the mortuary.
Under supervision receive and record details of deceased from both the Hospital and surrounding district (Local Authority deaths) under the jurisdiction of the coroner.
Under supervision record the transfer of deceased to authorised undertakers and the authorised receipt and despatch of both adult and paediatric deceased from and to other Trusts.
Under supervision liaise with other organisations to facilitate the collection of donated organs.
Assist the service manager/senior staff in the maintenance of standard operating procedures, risk assessments and COSHH assessments, as appropriate and if required.
POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
- Work within the policies and procedures adopted by the Trust, Pathology and the mortuary at all times.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Comply at all times with the Mortuary and Trust Health and Safety Policies.
To work under the Human Tissue Act, ensuring all legislation is adhered to.
To ensure relevant regulations are implemented in accordance with Trust Safety Policies.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Can demonstrate experience of team working.
Desirable
- Experience of working with the deceased.
- Experience of providing support for bereaved relatives.
- Experience of working in a medical / undertaker environment.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Basic knowledge of relevant sciences related to the mortuary.
- Key numeracy and literacy skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Ability to accurately process data and information.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with a range of different people, including all levels of Pathology/Hospital staff, Coroner and the community.
- Ability to communicate clearly and politely both in writing and verbally.
- Excellent customer care.
-
- Understands the importance of patient confidentiality.
- Can demonstrate an attention for detail working with accuracy and precision.
- Ability to follow established written standard operating procedures.
- Occupational Health Clearance to meet the needs of the role.
Desirable
- Basic understanding of the Coroners service.
- Basic understanding of the Human Tissue Act.
- Knowledge of GDPR.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability and desire to gain knowledge and skills in mortuary practices.
- Ability to work in a team-based environment.
- Ability to work independently within the limits of knowledge and experience.
- Flexible approach to working hours and duties to meet the needs of the service.
- Ability to work safely and effectively under pressure, without compromising the quality of work.
- Ability to stay focussed and not be distracted.
- Ability to deal with daily exposure to deceased patients, contained/uncontained infectious materials, body fluid and samples that may contain pathogenic micro-organisms.
- Able to speak and advise the bereaved in a calm, professional manner. Demonstrating empathy and providing answers or seeking further advice.
- Ability to undertake manual handling activities, such as moving deceased patients.
Desirable
- An understanding of health and safety issues that are applicable to the mortuary environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Must hold GCSE qualifications in Mathematics, English, Biology above a grade C and two further subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent).
- Must be able to undertake training and study to successfully complete the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Society of Public Health.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Can demonstrate experience of team working.
Desirable
- Experience of working with the deceased.
- Experience of providing support for bereaved relatives.
- Experience of working in a medical / undertaker environment.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Basic knowledge of relevant sciences related to the mortuary.
- Key numeracy and literacy skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Ability to accurately process data and information.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with a range of different people, including all levels of Pathology/Hospital staff, Coroner and the community.
- Ability to communicate clearly and politely both in writing and verbally.
- Excellent customer care.
-
- Understands the importance of patient confidentiality.
- Can demonstrate an attention for detail working with accuracy and precision.
- Ability to follow established written standard operating procedures.
- Occupational Health Clearance to meet the needs of the role.
Desirable
- Basic understanding of the Coroners service.
- Basic understanding of the Human Tissue Act.
- Knowledge of GDPR.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability and desire to gain knowledge and skills in mortuary practices.
- Ability to work in a team-based environment.
- Ability to work independently within the limits of knowledge and experience.
- Flexible approach to working hours and duties to meet the needs of the service.
- Ability to work safely and effectively under pressure, without compromising the quality of work.
- Ability to stay focussed and not be distracted.
- Ability to deal with daily exposure to deceased patients, contained/uncontained infectious materials, body fluid and samples that may contain pathogenic micro-organisms.
- Able to speak and advise the bereaved in a calm, professional manner. Demonstrating empathy and providing answers or seeking further advice.
- Ability to undertake manual handling activities, such as moving deceased patients.
Desirable
- An understanding of health and safety issues that are applicable to the mortuary environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Must hold GCSE qualifications in Mathematics, English, Biology above a grade C and two further subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent).
- Must be able to undertake training and study to successfully complete the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Society of Public Health.
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.
