Job summary
Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician
Department: Mortuary
Band 4: £26,530 - £29,114 per annum
Full-time 37.5 hours per week,all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate individual to join our Mortuary team as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician. This is an exciting opportunity to begin in a rewarding career supporting the delivery of high-quality mortuary services, including with post-mortem examinations and the care of the deceased.
You will work closely with experienced Anatomical Pathology Technologist, gaining hands-on experience and training in all aspects of mortuary practice. The role includes participation in an on-call rota, and full training will be provided.
We are looking for someone with:
- a strong interest in anatomical pathology and mortuary sciences
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work with sensitivity and discretion
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- A willingness to learn and develop professionall
Previous experience in a healthcare or laboratory setting is desirable but not essential.
This role offers a clear pathway for career progression, with opportunities to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Interview date: 30 and 31 July 2025
Main duties of the job
Working as part of a team within the mortuary to provide a professional and efficient mortuary service to the trust and H.M Coroner.
About us
"We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute"
"7.33 out of 10 support their team is compassionate and inclusive" (NHS Staff Survey 2024)
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Under supervision ensure the proper and dignified reception, labelling, safety and care of the deceased during normal working hours and out of hours as necessary in accordance with the HTA regulations and departmental procedures.
- Under supervision ensure the safe storage of the deceased.
- Under supervision participate in the provision of an effective mortuary service.
- Under supervision carries out daily recording of post-mortem examination details, and the maintenance of other databases and mortuary records, as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Under supervision ensure the proper and dignified reception, labelling, safety and care of the deceased during normal working hours and out of hours as necessary in accordance with the HTA regulations and departmental procedures.
- Under supervision ensure the safe storage of the deceased.
- Under supervision participate in the provision of an effective mortuary service.
- Under supervision carries out daily recording of post-mortem examination details, and the maintenance of other databases and mortuary records, as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- Research and understanding about the role of an APT including working towards level 3 diploma in anatomical pathology technology
Desirable
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
- Knowledge of the HTA codes and standards
- Understanding the role of the Coroner
Experience
Desirable
- Experience, Knowledge, and sensitivity to cultural needs
- Experience of dealing with the bereaved
- On call or out of hours work
Skills
Essential
- Copes well with responsibility
- To work in accordance with Departmental and Trust protocols
- Computer Literate
- To develop personal skills and knowledge
Personal and people development
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills and to be able to work well as part of a team
- Emotional stability and maturity
- To possess the ability to work alone and under pressure when needed
- To be flexible and accommodate the needs of the department and it users
- To respect issues of confidentiality
- Has desire to develop personal skills.
Desirable
- A desire to help develop and improve the service provided by the Mortuary
Communication
Essential
- Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- To perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliabilty and commitment
- To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
- Full driving licence with access to own transport
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- Research and understanding about the role of an APT including working towards level 3 diploma in anatomical pathology technology
Desirable
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
- Knowledge of the HTA codes and standards
- Understanding the role of the Coroner
Experience
Desirable
- Experience, Knowledge, and sensitivity to cultural needs
- Experience of dealing with the bereaved
- On call or out of hours work
Skills
Essential
- Copes well with responsibility
- To work in accordance with Departmental and Trust protocols
- Computer Literate
- To develop personal skills and knowledge
Personal and people development
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills and to be able to work well as part of a team
- Emotional stability and maturity
- To possess the ability to work alone and under pressure when needed
- To be flexible and accommodate the needs of the department and it users
- To respect issues of confidentiality
- Has desire to develop personal skills.
Desirable
- A desire to help develop and improve the service provided by the Mortuary
Communication
Essential
- Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- To perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Demonstrate reliabilty and commitment
- To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
- Full driving licence with access to own transport
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.
