Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Mortuary Postmortem Service at Mid and South Essex NHS TRUST (MSEFT) for an Assistant Anatomical Pathology Technologist supporting the delivery of the postmortem service.
This Assistant Anatomical Pathology Technologist (AAPT) post would suit an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work alone and as part of our team. The duties associated with this role are physically and mentally demanding; an essential part is an empathetic approach with our bereaved families and to always support the dignity of the deceased patients.
In addition to a Postmortem Service, we provide a viewing service for bereaved relatives, run the body store and work with Funeral Directors and Bereavement Services to ensure an integrated service for our deceased patients and their relatives.
The Assistant Anatomical Pathology Technologist will undertake the daily administration and organisation of the work.
Main duties of the job
The role of Assistant Anatomical Pathology Technologist is integral to mortuary operations, including daily administration tasks and organisation of the work, and viewings. You will participate in the review and completion of audits, risk assessments and competencies. Particular attention must be paid to mortuary hygiene, and health and safety responsibilities. You will supervise porters and other non-mortuary staff entering the mortuary to ensure a safe and efficient working environment. and will be expected to work across sites when capacity and demand requires.
You will be required to support the APTs and Trainee APTs to ensure safe function of the mortuary and provide administrative assistance to maintain the HTA licence. You will perform a broad range of duties to support the mortuary team.
You will be providing a specialist safe, secure, effective and comprehensive mortuary service for the needs of Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, pathologists, HM Coroner and the community on the Broomfield Hospital site.
About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached Job Description, but some of the responsibilities include:
Ensuring good communications exist within the team to promote harmonious working relationships and safe working practices.
Have excellent communication skills and be confident using verbal and written methods to share information.
Communicate with and support families of the deceased in emotive situations.
Taking telephone enquiries.
Collating figures for the Mortuary Manager.
To generate and send mortuary capacity reports when requested.
Prior to the arrival of the Pathologist, make sure all paperwork is complete and documentation is ready for the Pathologist. All information is entered on EDEN system correctly and all paperwork made ready.
Assisting the APTs prior to postmortem, with documenting scars, logging, and safe custody of property. Recording clothing retained and/or disposed. Preparing postmortem examination blank templates on EDEN.
To enter details on the EPR Hospital computer system, with regards to the incoming and outgoing of deceased persons notes to maintain case note tracking if required.
To have knowledge of and abide by mortuary Standard Operating Procedures.
To participate in audits as required by the Human Tissue Authority and UKAS.
Ensure staff adherence to Trust and local policies and report any noncompliance or licencing breach to the relevant line manager.
Assist in ensuring and maintaining Human Tissue Authority standards in the Mortuary.
Ensuring that stock levels are maintained and reporting any shortages to Management staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached Job Description, but some of the responsibilities include:
Ensuring good communications exist within the team to promote harmonious working relationships and safe working practices.
Have excellent communication skills and be confident using verbal and written methods to share information.
Communicate with and support families of the deceased in emotive situations.
Taking telephone enquiries.
Collating figures for the Mortuary Manager.
To generate and send mortuary capacity reports when requested.
Prior to the arrival of the Pathologist, make sure all paperwork is complete and documentation is ready for the Pathologist. All information is entered on EDEN system correctly and all paperwork made ready.
Assisting the APTs prior to postmortem, with documenting scars, logging, and safe custody of property. Recording clothing retained and/or disposed. Preparing postmortem examination blank templates on EDEN.
To enter details on the EPR Hospital computer system, with regards to the incoming and outgoing of deceased persons notes to maintain case note tracking if required.
To have knowledge of and abide by mortuary Standard Operating Procedures.
To participate in audits as required by the Human Tissue Authority and UKAS.
Ensure staff adherence to Trust and local policies and report any noncompliance or licencing breach to the relevant line manager.
Assist in ensuring and maintaining Human Tissue Authority standards in the Mortuary.
Ensuring that stock levels are maintained and reporting any shortages to Management staff.
Person Specification
Communication Skills
Essential
- Able to work with initiative within a specialised team.
- Interpersonal skills when dealing with bereaved relatives and discussing sensitive matters with compassion.
Desirable
- Formal communications training
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- GCSE Grades in biology or another relevant scientific field or equivalent experience
- Acquired or working towards RSPH Level 2 Certificate in Mortuary Support
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Computer literate (including Microsoft Excel and Word) with data input accuracy
- Knowledge of Health and Safety issues and relative legislation
Desirable
- Formal IT qualification
- Broad knowledge of modern mortuary practice
Person Specification
Communication Skills
Essential
- Able to work with initiative within a specialised team.
- Interpersonal skills when dealing with bereaved relatives and discussing sensitive matters with compassion.
Desirable
- Formal communications training
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- GCSE Grades in biology or another relevant scientific field or equivalent experience
- Acquired or working towards RSPH Level 2 Certificate in Mortuary Support
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Computer literate (including Microsoft Excel and Word) with data input accuracy
- Knowledge of Health and Safety issues and relative legislation
Desirable
- Formal IT qualification
- Broad knowledge of modern mortuary practice
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.
