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
About us
We have an excellent reputation for being innovative, responsive and flexible to the changing clinical needs of the local population. We are treating more patients than ever before and are dedicated to improving services to deliver the best for our patients.Our missionHelping local people live longer, healthier lives.Our visionProvide safe, personal, co-ordinated care for the community we serve.Our goalsWe have developed six key strategic goals to make sure we continue to support people to live longer, healthier lives.
- To secure the best possible health and wellbeing for all our community
- To integrate and coordinate care in person-centred teams
- To deliver consistent, high quality, safe services
- To support our patients and users in being active partners in their care
- To be recognised as a leader in the fields of medical and multi-professional education, and population-based clinical research
- To innovate and continuously improve the quality of our services to deliver the best outcomes for our local population
Our values underpin everything we do. Our staff are committed to delivering the following values in everything they do.
Our ICARE values have been created by our staff and are embedded in our appraisal and planning processes and form part of our staff excellence awards.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To 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. To assist the mortuary manager in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.
To deputise for the mortuary manager and Senior APT during periods of annual leave.
The candidate will display good organisational skills, whilst carrying out varied and complex tasks.
To complete audits as required by the mortuary manager and Senior APT, to have close liaison with the Designated Individual and attend regular governance meetings.
To 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.
To liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.
To have, or be able to develop, good communication and interpersonal skills.
To have a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends
To strictly adhere to departmental standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant Trust and departmental policies.
To ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.
Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview
Job description
Job responsibilities
To 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. To assist the mortuary manager in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.
To deputise for the mortuary manager and Senior APT during periods of annual leave.
The candidate will display good organisational skills, whilst carrying out varied and complex tasks.
To complete audits as required by the mortuary manager and Senior APT, to have close liaison with the Designated Individual and attend regular governance meetings.
To 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.
To liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.
To have, or be able to develop, good communication and interpersonal skills.
To have a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends
To strictly adhere to departmental standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant Trust and departmental policies.
To ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.
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
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.
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).
Additional information
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).
