About this role
Job summary
Applications are invited for the post of Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist for the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Mortuary Service.
We are looking for a highly-motivated Trainee APT to join our enthusiastic team in maintaining and developing service quality.
Applicants must have excellent communication skills, be compassionate, display meticulous attention to detail and have a will to develop a detailed knowledge of Mortuary function and end-of-life care and a good understanding of mortuary services.
Our service is comprised of an HTA-licensed mortuary site providing hospital and Coronial services for South Devon. We look after approximately 2000 deceased patients and carry out around 550 Coronial Post Mortems annually.
Applicants should make themselves aware of HTA licensing requirements. The successful candidate will have a desire to develop a detailed understanding of working with community partners, The Coroner's Office and Bereavement services, with an innate empathic approach towards the bereaved and a supportive attitude to colleagues in an emotionally and physically demanding workplace.
The role will include participating in the 24/7 on-call service.
The successful applicant will be enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
We strongly encourage potential applicants to evaluate the practical elements of being available to respond to calls and be on site out-of-hours 1 week in 4 before applying
Main duties of the job
To provide a specialist safe, secure, and effective mortuary and post mortem service for the needs of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Pathologists, Coroner and the community. You will be required to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology. You will be trained and supervised to obtain theoretical and practical knowledge and experience. You will provide practical assistance to the Pathologist whilst in attendance and ensure that safe practices and standard operating procedures are adhered to in every aspect of the departments' work. They will contribute to the efficient day to day running of the department, being responsible for essential user maintenance and excellent standards of cleanliness and sterilisation of mortuary equipment as directed. You will be trained to apply appropriate techniques when preparing for and assisting in post mortem examinations and identify potential hazards to health and take measures to minimise or eliminate risks in the Mortuary You will be responsible for ensuring that you apply knowledge of the laws and codes of practice relating to the Mortuary and all aspects of its function including those in relation to the deceased and ensure dignity is maintained at all times.
About us
We are a small close knit team within the Mortuary that support each other in what can, at times, be an incredibly challenging role. We pride ourselves on how we care for peoples loved ones and believe that care does not stop when a patient dies.
We are always looking to develop and improve the service that we provide the Hospital and the Community, and welcome all ideas in helping us to do so. We are currently undertaking a project to improve our tissue retrieval rates within the Trust, so would welcome applications from individuals who also feel strongly about this.
Why work with us
Job description Job responsibilities
Communication and Working RelationshipsThere is a considerable amount of liaison with members of the team, other hospital staff and users of the service. It is essential that a friendly, courteous and professional manner is promoted at all times. Strong communication skills are required within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.
To communicate effectively with:
Funeral directors in all aspects of service provision. Coroners officer, Police and ambulance service for the receipt, identification and release of deceased and personal effects. Bereaved Families, on request of and viewing their relatives Other Trust staff, in particular:- Trust Bereavement Officers, Medical Examiners Officers, Nursing staff, Medical staff, Portering and security, other Pathology disciplines, finance, personnel, estates, IT. Users of the service including clinical and nursing staff both within the Trust and Primary Care. Including participation in their staff education programmes. Contribute to regular team briefs and information as disseminated to colleagues.
Planning and Organisation To facilitate and lead the implementation of ideas for service improvement within the remit of the role. To minute meetings, as required. To work with the Departmental Manager & senior to plan the work day To take part in an on call roster and help provide cover where needed To plan effective study time and complete training modules to work toward Diploma level 3 in Anatomical Pathology Technology
Policy and Service Responsibility
To follow Departmental Standard Operating Procedures, and assist in their implementation and continual review. To adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures To work in line with guidance from Human Tissue Authority
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources To maintain stock levels and inform senior staff when stock needs to be ordered To use equipment and clean according to local instructions
Information Technology and Administrative Duties Ensure all patients are booked in correctly on Eden. To accurately enter patient details onto Beaker To read and sign off SOPs on Q-Pulse as appropriate. Ensure all mandatory training is up to date.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
5 GCSE passes or equivalent (To include Maths, English and Biology) Driving licence
Desirable
Bereavement / counselling course Health & Safety training Conflict management training Manual Handling training
Experience Essential
Working with the public Keyboard & Computer skills
Desirable
Experience in a hospital or laboratory setting Direct patient experience or experience working in an allied end of life care setting Keyboard and computer skills qualification, such as ECDL
Specific Skills Essential
Good interpersonal skills Proven team worker Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Able to deal with emotionally distressing situations Able to react appropriately in emergency situations.
Desirable
Demonstratable experience working within a team under pressure
Working conditions Essential
Able to participate in out of hours working, evenings and weekend (1 in 4 on call) Able to undertake sustained periods of physical effort Able to undertake sustained periods of mental effort Able to withstand frequent exposure to unpleasant and upsetting situations.
Desirable
Previous experience dealing with unpleasant or upsetting situations Previous experience working nights or on call shifts
Attitude Essential
Empathic/sympathetic approach Able to deal with a work pattern within the department which is unpredictable and able to re-prioritise tasks as different events unfold throughout the working day. Meticulous and conscientious
Desirable
Demonstrate willingness to learn and adapt
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).
Employer details Employer name Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)