Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist

The Mortuary and Bereavement Service based at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill are looking for an enthusiastic, committed individual to join them as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist. The successful applicant will actively participate in the provision of an efficient, professional mortuary service on the Denmark Hill site. The Denmark Hill site mortuary performs around 130 post mortems per year for inpatient deaths. Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

• This post is for a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist who is willing to participate in the in-house training scheme, and enrol to complete the Level three diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
• The post holder will participate in the provision of a quality service for hospital and Coroners’ post mortem examinations and the storage of deceased prior to release for burial, ensuring that all work is compliant with Mortuary standard operating procedures and performed to accredited standards.
• He/she will assist pathologists in carrying out post mortems.
• He/she will be involved in the smooth running of the office, post mortem room and body store.
• The post holder will need to liaise with various grades of staff including pathologists, clinicians, funeral directors, coroner’s officers, police, laboratory staff, medical staff and other healthcare professionals both internal and external to the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• To participate in the daily workload of the mortuary, including the post mortem room, fridge room and the office, adhering to departmental protocols.
• To keep accurate records of any valuables that may accompany patients.
• To ensure that all records are maintained accurately and securely within the standards.
• To be responsible for the release, receipt and transfer of deceased, including appropriate accompanying paperwork such as cremation certificates, FFI or NFFI forms.
• To arrange official identification on behalf of HM Coroner, acting as identifying officer when necessary.
• To ensure the smooth running of the mortuary office on a daily basis.
• To participate in the out of hours service (when trained).
• To assist the medical staff with routine post mortem examinations.
• To prepare patients for post mortem examination.
• To perform eviscerations as per the pathologist’s instructions (supervised until trained).
• To obtain and treat appropriately any relevant samples as directed by the pathologist.
• To photograph images of patients and specimens.
• To assist the pathologist with specimen dissection following post mortem.
• To assist in specialist techniques as instructed by the pathologist.
• To act as first point of contact for all users of the Mortuary Service, dealing with telephone calls and enquiries promptly, efficiently and sensitively, following mortuary procedures.
• To liaise with internal users, including pathologists, clinicians, students, nursing and administrative staff, laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals.
• To liaise with external institutions regarding referrals, funeral directors, Coroner’s Officers, Police, other healthcare professionals and occasionally enquiries from relatives of deceased patients.
• To liaise with medical staff regarding completion of cremation certificates.
• To attend mortuary meetings and bring relevant issues and problems to the attention of the Service Lead.
• To liaise with all staff, students and others who are present at post mortem examination.
• To arrange and assist visits for relatives (when trained).

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Maths, English and Science GCSE
• EDCL or equivalent
• MS Office Computer Literacy and ability to use common software
• Willing to enrol and complete the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
• A Level or Degree qualification
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience of working in a small team
• Previous NHS experience
• Working knowledge of the Human Tissue Act
• Experience of working in a mortuary setting
• Experience of viewing or handling human tissues or bodies

Skills and Competencies

• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, negotiating and writing skills
• Ability to liaise with a wide range of levels of staff
• Good interpersonal and team working abilities
• Ability to develop good working relationships
• Effective at managing own time
• Ability to prioritise work
• Ability to adapt to change of planned work
• Ability to ensure clear handover of information between staff and departments
• Ability to handle distressing situations including anger and aggression
• Generally fit and active
• Ability to deal sensitively with bereaved relatives

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.