Anatomical Pathology Technician

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Mortuary Post Mortem Service at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) for an Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) supporting the delivery of the post mortem service for ABUHB and the Gwent Coroner (Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly).

The Mortuary Post Mortem Service moved into a brand new facility within The Grange University Hospital in Llanfrechfa. In addition to the Post Mortem Service, we provide a viewing service for bereaved relatives, run the body store at the critical care centre and work with Funeral Directors and Bereavement Services to ensure an integrated service for our deceased patients and their relatives.

This APT 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 successful candidate would need to have the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology and will be expected to participate in the mortuary on call service.

We would also consider a trainee Band 5 on Annex 21

Informal visits are encouraged.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

This role is physically and mentally demanding; an essential part is an empathetic approach with our bereaved families and to support the dignity of the deceased patients at all times. Physical exertion is routine with participation in post mortem activities, moving deceased patients, preparing and facilitating family viewings and cleaning of post mortem room and equipment being core to the roles.

v To work with Pathologists, Clinicians, Bereavement Services and families to uphold thequality of the service.

v To undertake post-mortems within the mortuary, facilitate viewings and identificationsfor families and the police and be responsible for the admission and release of thedeceased.

v To be responsible for ensuring that the performance for PM procedures meet the standards in the quality management system.

v To be responsible for the receipt of written authorisation (by fax) from the Coroner's Office to proceed to post mortem examination, following confirmation with the Consultant Pathologist, and to liase with the Consultant Pathologist regarding the daily post mortem workload.

v To participate in the day to day operation of the department.

v To be responsible for the receipt, recording and discharge of the deceased.

v To follow the procedures for handling pathology specimens including toxicology andunfixed tissue.

v To be responsible for decontamination of post mortem instruments, tables and rooms.

About us

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.

We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.

Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. This includes the Grange University Hospital which provides specialist and critical care and is the newest addition to the clinical futures strategy opening in November 2020. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.