Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Anatomical Pathology Technologist

The closing date is 17 April 2026

Job summary

An exciting job opportunity has arisen at GWH Mortuary & Bereavement Services

We are looking for a compassionate, skilled professional to support the delivery of a safe, effective and dignified service for deceased patients and their families. Working as part of a multi-skilled team, you will contribute to the smooth running of the mortuary, ensuring high standards of care and compliance at all times.

A solid understanding of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) regulations is essential, as you will play a key role in maintaining regulatory standards and supporting best practice across the service.

Main duties of the job

  • Supporting the day-to-day operation of the mortuary
  • Ensuring respectful and lawful care of the deceased
  • Assisting with post-mortem procedures as required
  • Liaising with families, clinical teams, funeral directors and partner organisations
  • Upholding HTA standards and contributing to audits and quality improvement
  • Working collaboratively within a supportive, professional team

About us

We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7578462-3

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlbrough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

The Mortuary & Bereavement Services team at Great Western Hospital is committed to providing a professional, compassionate and supportive service to families and colleagues. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards and continuously improving the care we provide.

You will be joining a team that values respect, professionalism and teamwork, and where your contribution will make a meaningful difference.

Who Were Looking For:

  • Qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist
  • Knowledge and understanding of HTA regulations
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work sensitively and professionally in emotionally challenging situations
  • Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement

Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

The Mortuary & Bereavement Services team at Great Western Hospital is committed to providing a professional, compassionate and supportive service to families and colleagues. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards and continuously improving the care we provide.

You will be joining a team that values respect, professionalism and teamwork, and where your contribution will make a meaningful difference.

Who Were Looking For:

  • Qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist
  • Knowledge and understanding of HTA regulations
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work sensitively and professionally in emotionally challenging situations
  • Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE English, Maths and Science
  • Hold Level 3 or diploma in RSPH
  • Willing to work towards RSPH level 4
  • Informed Consent HTA qualification

Desirable

  • Biology, or Forensic qualification
  • Bereavement qualification
  • MEO training 26 Modles RCpath

Experience (please see attached JD for further info)

Essential

  • Experience working in a Mortuary and hold a level 3 qualification in RSPH
  • Demonstrate an understanding of customer care when liaising with the public on the telephone, electronic and / or face to face.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
  • Able to explain complex medical conditions
  • Ability to lift and manoeuvre deceased patients
  • Dealing with bereaved and confrontational persons, either in person or over the telephone.
  • Experience of team working within the Mortuary, bereavement and medical examiner office

Desirable

  • Bereavement training
  • Working with Medical Examiner and Bereavement teams
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE English, Maths and Science
  • Hold Level 3 or diploma in RSPH
  • Willing to work towards RSPH level 4
  • Informed Consent HTA qualification

Desirable

  • Biology, or Forensic qualification
  • Bereavement qualification
  • MEO training 26 Modles RCpath

Experience (please see attached JD for further info)

Essential

  • Experience working in a Mortuary and hold a level 3 qualification in RSPH
  • Demonstrate an understanding of customer care when liaising with the public on the telephone, electronic and / or face to face.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
  • Able to explain complex medical conditions
  • Ability to lift and manoeuvre deceased patients
  • Dealing with bereaved and confrontational persons, either in person or over the telephone.
  • Experience of team working within the Mortuary, bereavement and medical examiner office

Desirable

  • Bereavement training
  • Working with Medical Examiner and Bereavement teams

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).

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.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlbrough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlbrough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Service Manager

Samantha Cunningham

samantha.cunningham3@nhs.net

01793604392

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7578462-3

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlbrough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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