At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dedicated team to manage mortuary services and support post-mortem examinations.
- Company: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, a leading teaching Trust in the UK.
- Benefits: Access to learning opportunities, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a vital healthcare role while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma in APT and practical mortuary experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple sites with a focus on equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and experienced full time Band 5 Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join our hardworking and friendly team. Applications from those working towards completion of the RSPH level 4 diploma are also welcome. If you are still working towards the RSPH level 4 diploma, you would work as a band 4 pending completion if successfully appointed. Upon completion you would progress to a band 5 position.
The department currently provides a service as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services, dealing with both Hospital and Community deaths across Coventry and Warwickshire. The service covers three mortuaries, University Hospital Coventry NHS Trust, Rugby St Cross and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust conducting hospital, coronial, high risk and forensic post mortem examinations.
Please note that a job share will be considered if service requirements are met. Applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.
Individuals should be motivated, be able to maintain confidentiality, have excellent communication/interpersonal skills, be well organised, be able to present to clinical staff and be able to lead a highly skilled team. The candidate must hold the Diploma in APT and have significant current practical mortuary experience. Experience and knowledge of all practices including all types of PM examinations is essential. The department is UKAS accredited and holds HTA licences and encourages all staff to be UKDVI and AHCS registered.
Out of hours cover is provided via an on‑call system and the successful candidate will be expected to assist in the provision of this service.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the duties of running the mortuary predominately at UHCW however cover of Warwick and Rugby Hospital when service needs require.
- UHCW is the West Midlands Forensic Centre and Designated Disaster Mortuary so the candidate will be expected to understand and partake in the out of hours provisions.
- To keep accurate and complete records and ensure that the mortuary registers are kept up to date.
- To supervise the daily mortuary activities as part of the team.
- To work alone when necessary to facilitate the Coroner's work and the routine mortuary duties.
- To be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the mortuary on multiple sites following Trust policies.
- To ensure that all deceased are admitted and registered following Trust policy.
- To ensure that all deceased are released from the mortuary following Trust policy.
- To attend meetings and training sessions as directed by the manager.
- To participate in training sessions for service users, internal and external.
- To arrange and prepare viewings/IDs in the viewing room.
- To accompany families to the viewing room as needed.
- To liaise with next of kin in a professional, sympathetic but practical manner.
- To arrange official identifications on behalf of Her Majesty's Coroner and when necessary act as Identifying Officer.
- To follow the guidelines set out by the HTA when handling specimens.
- To ensure secure postage of any specimens leaving the department, preparing specimens for transport appropriately.
- To have an ability to work flexibly across multiple sites within our network.
Qualifications
- Hold the Diploma in APT.
- Significant current practical mortuary experience.
- Knowledge of all types of PM examinations.
- UKAS accredited, UKDVI and AHCS registered encouraged.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Benefits
By joining our exciting journey you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The Trust has a reputation for research and innovation and is recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Contact
For further details of the job role please see attached job description.
Contact Detail:
UHCW NHS Trust Recruiting Team
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Anatomical Pathology Technician / Trainee Senior APT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Anatomical Pathology Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in mortuary practices and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your journey towards the RSPH level 4 diploma if you're still working on it.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your interpersonal skills in your application. Whether it's through examples in your CV or your cover letter, we want to see how you connect with others, especially in sensitive situations.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The job advert will close as soon as we have enough applications, so get yours in early through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UHCW NHS Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of anatomical pathology and the specific types of post-mortem examinations. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices and guidelines, especially those related to UKAS accreditation and HTA regulations. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your practical mortuary experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed mortuary activities or dealt with sensitive situations. Highlight your ability to work independently and as part of a team, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be liaising with families and clinical staff, practice how you communicate complex information clearly and compassionately. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to ensure you can handle difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the department. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the department handles challenging cases. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.