About this role
Job summary
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.
About us
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people.
We are creating a health and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Job description Job 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE English /Math's and science Willing to work towards RSPH level 3 Educated to NVQ 3 level
Desirable
Biology, or Forensic Qualification Bereavement qualification
Experience Essential
Working with confidential and sensitive information, always maintaining professionalism and discretion. ? . ? . Experience of following policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively with colleagues and external agencies Experience of using IT systems for record keeping and administrative duties Demonstrate an understanding of customer care when liaising with the public on the telephone, electronic and / or face to face Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively Ability to lift and manoeuvre deceased patients Dealing with bereaved and confrontational persons, either in person or over the telephone
Desirable
Bereavement training Experience within a mortuary, pathology, laboratory, funeral service, healthcare support, or bereavement setting Experience of maintaining accurate records and audit documentation Awareness of Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, and Manual Handling procedures
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 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Great Western Hospital
Marlbrough Rd
Swindon
SN3 6BB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)