Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT)

Job summary

Mortuary Services at the Whittington hospital incorporates a busy hospital mortuary as well as a public mortuary for the London Borough of Islington. The mortuary is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority, the UK regulatory body that oversees the use, storage and disposal of human tissue. An autopsy service of the highest standard is provided both for the hospital and H.M Coroner, Inner North London District.

The mortuary also offers a CT scan autopsy service to the police and wider community.

An opportunity has arisen within this mortuary for a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join our team. The individual must hold the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent. They must be motivated, enthusiastic and flexible and able to work in a challenging and sensitive environment with a calm and professional attitude. Frequent exposure to emotional and distressing situations is required to carry out this role.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will also contribute to supporting the hospital Medical Examiner (ME) system.This involves the administration of documentation pertaining to patients that die within the hospital and local community.

The candidate will carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager. They will assist the mortuary manager in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.

The candidate will display good organisational skills, whilst carrying out varied and complex tasks.

The candidate will also be required to assist with the arrangement of 'Public Health' funerals' on behalf of London Borough of Islington.

Close liaison with a variety of other professions including Coroner's officers, police, doctors, nursing staff and funeral directors is therefore an essential function, as is communication with bereaved family and friends.

The candidate will be required to participate in the 'Out of Hours' on call system.

The Whittington mortuary is open 8am - 4pm Monday to Friday but these times will be flexible dependent on the autopsy schedule which often begins before 6am.

Candidates must have a reliable means of commuting to ensure consistent punctuality for the early morning shifts. Please note there is no parking on site

About us

We have an excellent reputation for being innovative, responsive and flexible to the changing clinical needs of the local population. We are treating more patients than ever before and are dedicated to improving services to deliver the best for our patients.Our missionHelping local people live longer, healthier lives.Our visionProvide safe, personal, co-ordinated care for the community we serve.Our goalsWe have developed six key strategic goals to make sure we continue to support people to live longer, healthier lives.

• To secure the best possible health and wellbeing for all our community
• To integrate and coordinate care in person-centred teams
• To deliver consistent, high quality, safe services
• To support our patients and users in being active partners in their care
• To be recognised as a leader in the fields of medical and multi-professional education, and population-based clinical research
• To innovate and continuously improve the quality of our services to deliver the best outcomes for our local population

Job responsibilities

To carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager. To assist the mortuary manager in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.

To deputise for the mortuary manager during periods of annual leave.

To complete audits as required by the mortuary manager and to have close liaison with the Designated Individual and attend regular governance meetings.

To contribute to the promotion and adherence to Health and Safety within the department by carrying out relevant training and attending appropriate courses suitable for the role.

To liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.

To have, or be able to develop, good communication and interpersonal skills.

To have a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends

To strictly adhere to departmental standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant Trust and departmental policies.

To ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.

Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent

Desirable

• Working in a mortuary that acts dually as a bereavement office

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Management, organisation and control of work within a mortuary environment encompassing multiple disciplines. These include the autopsy workload, Medical Examiner system, contract funerals, procurement and general administration.

Desirable

• Management, organisation and control of work within a mortuary environment encompassing multiple disciplines. These include the autopsy workload, Medical Examiner system, contract funerals, procurement and general administration.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Good literacy skills
• Be able to communicate clearly and effectively
• Remain calm and assured in a pressurised environment
• Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines
• Excellent knowledge of licensing requirements i.e. Human Tissue Authority Codes of Practice
• Excellent knowledge of Health and Safety

Desirable

• Knowledge of the procedures surrounding the issuing of documentation pertaining to a death
• Knowledge of the Coroner's and Justice Act 2009
• Knowledge of audits and quality management
• Knowledge of the Medical Examiner system

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with a wide variety of people under very emotional circumstances.
• Able to be flexible with working hours

Other

Essential

• Be within easy commuting distance in order to participate in the early morning autopsy rota