Anatomical Pathology Technician

Job Overview

An opportunity has arisen at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals for a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT). The role is based across the Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk mortuaries and involves performing post‑mortem examinations, maintaining mortuary workflow and supporting coroners, pathologists, police and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure duties comply with the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) codes of practice.
• Carry out procedures related to the receipt, storage and release of the deceased, completing all required documentation in line with current policies.
• Identify and appropriately handle unidentified deceased once identity has been established.
• Liaise with the Trust Bereavement Officers to support bereaved families.
• Assist Coroner’s Officers and carry out their instructions regarding deceased bodies.
• Assist with hospital post‑mortems on the instruction of Consultant Histopathologists or other medical staff.
• Assist with post‑mortems directed by HM Coroner under arrangements with the Trust.
• Perform, under the supervision of the Consultant Pathologist, relevant post‑mortem procedures for patients in an advanced state of mechanical disruption or decomposition.
• Prepare deceased for viewing in a sensitive and respectful manner, respecting religious requirements.
• Carry out surgical evisceration, and patient reconstruction processes in the post‑mortem suite in accordance with mortuary policies to enable identification for police, viewings for relatives and dignified collection from funeral directors.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Anatomical Pathology (RIPHH) or equivalent.
• Trained to Diploma level in Anatomical Pathology (RIPHH).
• Completion of NHSBT Eye Retrieval Training manual.
• Bereavement training.

Experience

• Experience in anatomical techniques.
• Experience in infection control/forensic procedures.
• Experience of autopsy reconstruction techniques.
• Experience of laboratory computer systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements including COSHH regulations and assessment.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Skills

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload with proven multitasking.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Person Specification

• We are Kind.
• We are Open.
• We are Inclusive.

Benefits

• Pension scheme.
• 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata).
• Unsocial hours pay where applicable.
• Access to NHS discounts.
• Staff health and wellbeing programme.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, and in particular those from under‑represented groups. As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.

The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details, is shared with the recruiting manager. No equality information is shared at any time during the recruitment process with the recruiting manager or other people involved in the decision‑making process.