Anatomical Pathology Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

• To assist in the undertaking of post-mortems within the mortuary, under the direction and guidance of the pathologist, facilitateviewings and identifications for families and the police and be responsible for the admission and release of the deceased.
• To participate in the pro-section and reconstruction of bodies at post mortem examination.
• Obtain samples for diagnosis as required.
• To accurately admit, monitor body condition of and release deceased patients.
• To plan and organise work priorities. Managing own workload to clearly defined policies and procedures.

To be responsible for ensuring that the performance for Post Mortem procedures meet the standards laid down in the qualitymanagement system.

To be responsible for the receipt of written authorisation from the Coroners Office to proceed to post mortem examination,following confirmation with the Consultant Pathologist, and to liaise with the Consultant Pathologist regarding the daily postmortem workload.

To liaise with clinical and ward staff when a hospital post mortem examination is requested.

To participate in new developments and the introduction of new methodology as required.

To participate in the day-to-day operation of the department and to be responsible for maintaining the rapid turnover of work.

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

To liaise with relatives of the deceased in a professional, sensitive and sympathetic manner.

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

To monitor and maintain body condition of the deceased following departmental protocol.

To make judgements involving a range of facts or situations, some of which require analysis i.e., Decisions on appropriateadvanced dissection techniques, e.g. in RTA, suicides; assess infection risks.

To participate in specialised removal of organs and implants as directed, including dissection and reconstruction suturing,evisceration of organs; scalpel use.

To liaise with forensic pathologists as required.

To follow the procedures for handling pathology specimens including toxicology and unfixed tissue.

To be conversant with the procedures for the use of high-risk chemicals and reagents.

To assist in the supervision and training of trainee APTs for the certificate and diploma examinations in Anatomical Pathology Technology as set by the Royal Institute of Public Health.To undertake departmental duties in a cost-effective manner.

To be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures and to operate according to each procedure paying particular attentionto Health and Safety and any other regulations that are appropriate.

To undertake routine maintenance of mortuary equipment.

To use equipment in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

To assist in the assessment of new equipment prior to service introduction.

To maintain accurate records of the work of the department.

To undertake basic fault finding and remedial action as appropriate.

To work within the Health and Safety standards of the department and the Health Board.

To implement departmental standard operating policies and procedures.

To maintain the mortuarys standard of accuracy in the recording and handling of all cases and specimens.

To participate in the review and ongoing development of the quality management system, including document control, riskassessment and incident reporting. Maintains quality management systems to meet the UKAS ISO15189 standards and HTACodes of Practice.

To operate and record relevant computerised data in accordance with the general work of the department.

Provide relevant information as authorised.

To establish good working relationships at all times with colleagues, medical staff and others as required within the Dignity atWork policy.

To ensure Health Board regulations regarding sickness, annual leave, special leave, study leave etc are followed.

The job-holder would be expected to actively participate in personal development goals that will be identified at personal review.

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

Essential

• Diploma level in Anatomical Pathology Technology as set by the Royal Society of Public Health
• Knowledge - health and safety awareness
• Application of learnt knowledge from formal qualification

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further qualification

Experience

Essential

• Evisceration and reconstruction at post mortem examination
• Setting up for viewings and meeting families
• Admission, care of and release of deceased patients

Desirable

• Experience of working within a quality management system
• Experience of HTA inspection
• Out of hours working

Skills and attributes

Essential

• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use multiple IT packages
• Able to work autonomously 'out of hours'

Desirable

• Welsh language skills are desirable (levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing)

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Address

Grange University Hospital

Caerleon Road

Cwmbran

NP44 8YN

Employer's website

https://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)