At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assist in mortuary and histology tasks, ensuring respectful care for the deceased.
- Company: Be part of County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse team welcoming applications from all backgrounds, with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in healthcare while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 in Health or equivalent, with a background in science or maths.
The predicted salary is between 25760 - 27476 £ per year.
We are seeking a self‑motivated Mortuary Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Cellular Pathology team in the mortuary and histology department. The successful candidate will work closely with Anatomical Pathology Technicians, Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners. Following training, the role is based primarily within the Mortuary at University Hospital North Durham and occasionally the Histology Lab. Rotational work within the mortuary at Darlington Memorial Hospital may also be required. The ability to travel across sites is essential.
Responsibilities
- Receipt and registration of deceased patients and laboratory samples.
- Release of deceased patients to funeral directors.
- Entering patient details onto the laboratory computer system and inputting the correct tests, maintaining all required logs.
- Answering reception and telephone queries and liaising with other Trust staff and the public.
- Preparing bodies for relative viewings and police identification.
- Organising referral work, packaging and sending of samples to other Trust sites and nationwide.
- Stock control including receiving and receipting deliveries, documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verification tasks.
- Perform support duties during dissection of different samples within histology.
- Prepare cases for discussion at Multi‑disciplinary Team Meetings.
- Loading and unloading tissue processor machines.
- Cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas.
- Demonstrating duties to other staff.
- Error logging and troubleshooting.
- Potential participation in an on‑call rota.
About the Team
Our team provides hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham – and covers a range of community and specialist settings. You may work across these sites and would be part of integrated pathology services. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates as they are currently under‑represented.
Qualifications
- NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent.
- Science and/or Maths GCSE or above.
- Science A Levels.
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Follow protocols and instructions accurately.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Knowledge of procedures for viewing the deceased.
Experience
- Previous laboratory or mortuary experience.
- Interaction with external users such as funeral directors.
Special Requirements
- Able to handle tissue and body fluid samples.
- Able to work flexibly and across sites.
- Willing to participate in shift working, weekend working, bank holidays as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Criminal Records Hold check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Employer Information
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year, pro rata.
Mortuary Medical Lab Assistant employer: CDDFT Charity
At County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development. Our Mortuary Medical Lab Assistants benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for training and advancement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through our integrated pathology services across multiple sites. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued, and you can grow within a dedicated healthcare environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mortuary Medical Lab Assistant
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Mortuary Medical Lab Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at CDDFT Charity.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at CDDFT Charity.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to CDDFT Charity. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at CDDFT Charity. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research CDDFT Charity’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
