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Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist
NHS AfC: Band 7
Main area Anatomical Pathology Technologist Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (On call Rota) Job ref 374-ED1020-G
Site Conquest (EDGH rotation) Town St Leonards-on-sea Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 15/10/2026 23:59
We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Deputy Head of Mortuary & APT to assist the Mortuary Manager in the delivery of safe, dignified, and efficient mortuary services within our NHS Trust. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the mortuary, you will oversee a team of skilled staff, providing leadership, training, and support to maintain the highest standards of care for the deceased and their families. You will liaise closely with bereavement & medical examiners services, coroners, funeral directors, and external agencies to ensure smooth processes and sensitive communication. The role requires an experienced, enthusiastic training officer who is passionate about the profession.
Main duties of the job
The Deputy Head of Mortuary will oversee the safe, respectful, and efficient operation of the hospital mortuary, ensuring compliance with all legal, professional, and Trust requirements. You will manage post-mortem arrangements, maintain accurate records, and ensure the facility, equipment, and processes meet the highest standards. Leading a team of mortuary staff, you will provide compassionate leadership, foster professional development, and uphold dignity in all aspects of care for the deceased and their families. The role also involves close liaison with pathologists, coroners, bereavement services, and external agencies, alongside contributing to service improvements and ensuring robust health, safety, and infection control practices.
Consideration will be taken into account for those that currently hold a Senior APT position of at least 4 years and are seeking to take the next step in their career.
Working for our organisation
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Certificate and Diploma or Level 3 and level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
- Registration with the Academy of Healthcare Scientists or Science Council
- Counselling experience.
Experience
- Extensive mortuary experience
- Working with high risk cases
- Working with paediatric & maternity cases
- Training of junior staff and APT’s
- Creating training plans
- Competency assessments
- Creating competency frameworks
- Working with the bereaved
- Quality management
- Health and Safety
- Rota management
- At least 3 years’ experience at senior level within a mortuary, including experience of recruitment
- Experience of practical training for trainee pathologists.
- Experience of working with Forensic teams in the post mortem room.
- Experience of Bereavement Management.
Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
Our vision is to be:
- The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.
Our mission is to:
- Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.
Our strategic objectives are to:
- Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
- Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients’ experiences.
- Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.
Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:
- Safe
- Effective
- Caring
- Responsive and
- Well led
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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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Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist in St Leonards employer: ESHT
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Clinical Support Workers at the Bexhill Irvine Unit. With a strong focus on staff development and a commitment to high-quality rehabilitation services, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a friendly team atmosphere that fosters personal and professional growth. Working in this dynamic setting not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care but also ensures that no two days are ever the same.
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We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist in St Leonards
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
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When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like ESHT often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at ESHT
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at ESHT. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at ESHT.
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In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at ESHT.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at ESHT.
