Job responsibilities
1. To deputise in the absence of the Mortuary Manager the SAPT must proactively, effectively, and calmly lead the team in all aspects of Mortuary provision. Support colleagues, facilitate, check, review, record and maintain current processes e.g., recording of cleaning regimes, body condition, location, infection control etc. To undertake supervision/management of staff as and when required.
2. Oversee and update all paper-based and electronic systems as required. In the event of any deviation from process implement corrective action plans with the MM / DI and assist with the updating of all documented applicable processes, including mortuary response to mass fatality and excess deaths incidents.
3. The post holder will be a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) to RSPH Diploma level 3 standard and APT Diploma level 4, be a flexible team player and ommitted to assisting colleagues and Pathologist to deliver mortuary provision to the highest standards. Post holder must be proficient and competent with evisceration of the deceased for routine, forensic and specialist post-mortems including all general duties, the removal of organs, pacemakers, reconstruction, and all associated tasks.
4. Lead the team, promote, plan and deliver mortuary awareness sessions, participate in research projects and assist with the development working groups. Complete reports and gather statistical information and data to aid management of capacity, RBG emergency planning / excess death protocols and reporting statistical information to colleagues and external organisations for pandemic planning etc as requested by MM/ DI.
5. Responsible for the duties relating to the admission, identification, viewing, appropriatestorage and release of bodies. Pay attention to the handover of personal valuables and closely monitor the conduct of persons visiting, delivering, or collecting bodies. Able to attend out of hours and participate in the on call / out of hours rota when requested. Ensure no unauthorised access to the facility is always maintained.
6. Under the direction of the MM and / or DI, as a SAPT / Person designated you will be responsible and accountable for your daily actions and ensure you and the mortuary practices carried out by others comply with the Human Tissue Act 2004, all subsequent updates, all health and safety policies / procedures including the Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments, and all other relevant legislation, guiding principles and codes of practice.
7. Under the direction of the MM be responsible and accountable for your actions whilst caring for and preparing bodies for Post-Mortem (PM) examination in accordance with Coroner instruction, HTA regulations whilst maintaining good working relations with all stakeholders. Assist the Pathologists, Police / Forensic teams and promote effective teamwork. Clearly communicate with all interested parties in a professional, respectful, and caring manner.
8. Highly skilled to carry out the evisceration of the deceased, and advanced techniques as required. Undertake routine, forensic and specialist technical autopsy work and advanced techniques as required in the presence of the Pathologist. Able to take direction from the Pathologist and support as requested. Attend call-outs as required and assist forensic, special and defence post-mortem examinations.
9. Inspect and be accountable for patient ID is correct prior to any evisceration. Always check the patients ID, Coroners instruction / paperwork, with a colleague and prepare of the deceased ready for coronial post-mortem examination. Always share relevant information for post-mortem examinations with applicable colleagues and ensure the postmortem schedule has been approved and agreed before evisceration.
10. Responsible for supporting, mentoring, and supervising trainees, junior staff, graduates, apprentices etc as requested and confirm competency standards if applicable to aid completion of courses / career development of others.
11. Accountable and responsible for the accurate labelling, storage and collection of all specimens / samples / histology and forwarding the samples and applicable paperwork to the appropriate persons / laboratory and obtaining receipt / confirmation of safe delivery.
12. Responsible and accountable for site security, overseeing visitor access to mortuary areas, be a key Holder and attend callouts on a rota basis as agreed with the MM / DI.
13. In accordance with RBG policies and procedures, ensure that standards of work and conduct are consistently maintained to a high standard by identifying and managing day to day staff performance, health and safety, wellbeing, development, conduct and sickness absence issues, taking appropriate early informal action, and consulting with the MM/ DI on any necessary formal procedures. For example, giving feedback to staff on their performance, coaching staff, issuing informal oral and written warnings, carrying out Return to Work Interviews. Remain flexible to cover all operational staff absence as and when required to ensure service demands are met.
14. Always maintain the dignity of the deceased of all patients, ensure they are suitably prepared, covered and stored correctly. Obtain the consent form, assist with viewings and identifications, ensuring all HTA and local guidance / operating procedures are adhered to.
15. Responsible for checking the condition and identity of the deceased patient prior to any process being carried out and maintain / update all paper-based and electronic systems accurately to ensure full traceability is available for each case.
16. To advise, liaise and co-operate with all stakeholders in a professional manner and participate in regular team meetings. Remain flexibility to attend early and late meetings/events/emergencies and deliver the Mortuary Service outside standard hours to ensure that services provided is responsive to customer/client needs.
17. To participate and maintain the cleaning and sterilisation regimes for all the areas, including post-mortem rooms, fridge areas, prep area, instruments, apparatus and equipment to manage infection control and ensure it is kept in a safe, hygienic and ready to use condition in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and HTA requirements. This includes access to the external storage units.
18. Ensure all foul / infectious bodies are dealt with in accordance with current Risk Assessments, SOPs, HTA recommendations, use the applicable PPE and always maintain very high hygiene / infection control standards and use appropriate signage to warn others of potential hazards.
19. Responsible and accountable for regular monitoring, auditing and recording of all mortuary practices to maintain HTA compliance including, but not limited to the recording of cleaning regimes, body condition, location, infection control and keep all paper-based and electronic records / registers are updated.
20. Ensure the disposal and safe packaging of all clinical waste and contaminated sharps are disposed of in accordance with current Waste and Environment Regulations and procedures.
21. To carry out and keep a record of periodic checks of mechanical equipment and make recommendations in relation to the maintenance and safety of all the equipment. Closelymonitor all the refrigerated storage temperatures, maintain records and act accordingly to protect the deceased, inform all colleagues and Manager of any issues.
22. To fully participate in staff meetings and training to ensure you are adequately briefed, trained and fully understand relevant matters, statutory legalisation, industry related codes of practice, guiding principles and PDCs scheme as required.
23. To monitor, manage and notify colleagues of stock levels of all supplies used in the Mortuary building and recommend changes in cleaning materials and procedures as necessary. Refer to product guidance prior and COSHH assessments for the safe use and storage of all products.
24. Read and understand the reporting and investigation of incidents procedures and assist with accidents/incidents, including the summoning of emergency services as necessary; Support the attendance of other colleagues and agencies to deal with the buildings emergency activation as a designated disaster mortuary (DDM).
25. Ensure all general enquiries are dealt with in a courteous, empathetic, professional and caring manner specifically reporting any complaints to the senior officers.
26. Responsible for keeping up to date with all applicable training needs and HTA changes. Actively support, review and assist with all policies and procedures for the mortuary service and measure performance against published standards / KPIs to ensure all activities meet all regulatory and legislative requirements. (HTA, SOPs, RA, Health, safety and mental well-being policies). Member of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technicians is recommended.
27. To monitor and ensure that appropriate levels of emergency planning and business continuity management preparedness are in place for the service, and that your teams are appropriately briefed on their roles in an emergency.
28. To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of deceased patient and other laboratory information including the cross referencing of patient information with a request for an identification. Understand all patient information holds complex and sensitive data that must be accurate as it may have legal implications.
29. Undertake heavy manual handling daily using a safe system of work employing equipment as needed; pat slides and mechanised equipment: electro-hydraulic lifting equipment. Always assess the load and seek assistance from colleagues when needed, e.g. lateral transfers, rolling and manoeuvring equipment. Be aware of the appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals to minimise the risk to staff and the public.
