Job requirements
Essential
11 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Working with confidential and sensitive information, always maintaining professionalism and discretion. • . • .
- Experience
Experience of following policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures
- Experience
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively with colleagues and external agencies
- Experience
Experience of using IT systems for record keeping and administrative duties
- Experience
Demonstrate an understanding of customer care when liaising with the public on the telephone, electronic and / or face to face
- Experience
Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
- Experience
Ability to lift and manoeuvre deceased patients
- Experience
Dealing with bereaved and confrontational persons, either in person or over the telephone
- Qualifications
GCSE English /Math’s and science
- Qualifications
Willing to work towards RSPH level 3
- Qualifications
Educated to NVQ 3 level
Desirable
6 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Bereavement training
- Experience
Experience within a mortuary, pathology, laboratory, funeral service, healthcare support, or bereavement setting
- Experience
Experience of maintaining accurate records and audit documentation
- Experience
Awareness of Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, and Manual Handling procedures
- Qualifications
Biology, or Forensic Qualification
- Qualifications
Bereavement qualification
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Great Western Hospital Mortuary and Bereavement Service for Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT).
The successful candidates will join a small, multi-skilled team and undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to become a qualified APT. Working under the supervision of trained and experienced APT staff, the post holder will support the delivery of a safe, secure, effective and compassionate mortuary and bereavement service.
The post holder will assist in ensuring that deceased patients and their families are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity at all times, in accordance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards, Trust policies and relevant legislation.
Main duties of the job
Support the Mortuary and Bereavement Service in delivering a professional and compassionate service to bereaved families, hospital staff and external agencies. Assist with the admission, identification, dignity and respect, storage and release of deceased patients under supervision. Facilitate the legal documentation, infection status declarations, and other statutory paperwork associated with death certification. Provide support and guidance to bereaved families regarding procedures following a death in hospital or the community. Liaise with clinical teams, the Medical Examiner Service, Coroner's Officers and Funeral Directors as required.
Arrange, prepare, and assist with viewings and formal identifications, ensuring that privacy, dignity, and respect are maintained at all times.
Assist trained APTs with post-mortem examinations and other mortuary procedures as part of the training programme. Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with Trust and HTA requirements. Participate in training, competency assessments and continuing professional development to achieve APT qualification.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work under the supervision of qualified Anatomical Pathology Technicians (APTs) to support the delivery of a safe, effective, dignified and compassionate Mortuary and Bereavement Service, in accordance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards, Trust policies and relevant legislation.
Please see attached job description for full details.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon, England. It is listed as a Anatomical pathology technologist role. The advertised salary is £25760.00 to £31157.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Oct 2026.
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