Trainee Mortuary and Bereavement Support Assistant

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for motivated and resilient individual to join the Mortuary & Bereavement service at Bedfordshire hospitals.

Successful candidates will assist in all routine activities with the mortuary and bereavement service. In house training will be given and opportunities to develop the skills required to provide a high quality service to deceased patients and bereaved families in the community.

This post is cross site at Bedfordshire hospitals. Successful candidates will be required to work to a rota covering both sites; Bedford hospital and The Luton & Dunstable hospital.

Successful candidates that meet agreed targets with the 12 month contract will have the opportunity attain the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.

Main duties of the job

Assisting the Mortuary & Bereavement Office Team in co-ordinating the day to day functions of the Mortuary & Bereavement Service.  This will involve:

Carrying out the administrative procedures required in relation to patient deaths, including reception duties, admission/discharge of deceased patients.

Assist in providing correct, informative, support and advice to bereaved relatives.

Assists with preparing deceased for Post Mortem, viewings and identifications

Contribute to maintaining a high quality service through evaluation and monitoring.

Assist the Mortuary & Bereavement Office Team in developing the service in response to Trust requirements and national initiatives.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities

Provide comprehensive and clear information, advice and practical support to patients, bereaved families, friends and staff about procedures following death. Where required assist with locating and distribution of patient property.

Ensure that there is effective two-way communication between the Mortuary & Bereavement Service and external agencies such as His Majesty’s Coroner’s Office, The Registry Office, provide data for the office of National Statistics, crematoria and cemeteries locally, Funeral Directors, Local Council and the Police as required.

Support the Mortuary & Bereavement Office Team in ensuring that documentation used by the service is consistent and of a high quality.

To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.

Ensure the Deceased Patient Check List is completed, appropriately, signed and dated.