Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT)

Job overview

Whittington Mortuary Services include a busy hospital mortuary and a public mortuary for the London Borough of Islington. The mortuary is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority.  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 for a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician 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.

The candidate will support the hospital Medical Examiner (ME) system, involving 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, including the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager and senior APT.  They will assist the mortuary management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.

The candidate will be required to assist with the arrangement of ‘Public Health’ funerals’ on behalf of the borough of Islington.

Main duties of the job

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, working with the management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision/training of junior staff.

Deputise for the mortuary manager & Senior APT during periods of leave.

Complete audits as required & attend regular meetings.

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.

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

Maintain a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends

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

Strictly adhere to departmental operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant policies and ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.

There is a requirement 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.

Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview

Detailed job description and main 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 and Senior APT during periods of annual leave.

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

To complete audits as required by the mortuary manager and Senior APT, 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