Anatomical Pathology Technician
We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
Job overview
The post holder will provide mortuary services for the Trust, including technical assistance to Pathologists during post mortem examination of deceased and will liaise sensitively with relatives of deceased. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
To supervise staff and provide training and support for any Trainee APT staff.
The post holder will be required to participate in the out of hour’s rota.
Consideration will be given to an applicant who is currently working towards their level 3 qualification and has a reasonable level of mortuary experience. Or someone willing to train towards a level 3 qualification.
Main duties of the job- Assist with preparing a deceased for post mortem examination including evisceration as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Perform a range of specialist and routine post mortems and PMCT preparation techniques autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease process under investigation.
- Reconstruction of the deceased following a post mortem examination as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Provide technical assistance during forensic autopsies and undertake additional specialised technical duties associated with forensic autopsy service.
Working for our organisation
Able to deliver a safe effective service as required by the division and Trust.
Be polite and professional at all times.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical Governance- Participate in audit processes as required.
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities.
- Attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department
- To assist with the development of Mortuary protocols.
- To deal with and try to resolve technical problems as they arise and report them to senior mortuary staff.
- Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
- To assist in the supervision of qualified and unqualified staff.
- Continue learning and development as an ongoing process.
- Ensure that technical competencies are maintained.
- Undertake training and supervision of Trainee APT and APT1 staff.
- Demonstrate the work of the Department to medical, nursing staff, students and other visitors.
- Clerical duties, including use of computers, data entry, telephone enquiries, faxing and handling of mail.
- Check and complete all documentation in accordance with Standard Operational Procedures.
- Receive deceased from the hospital and community in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
- When necessary surgically remove pacemaker from the deceased prior to release for cremation.
- Assist with preparing a deceased for post mortem examination including evisceration as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Perform a range of specialist and routine post mortems and PMCT preparation techniques autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease process under investigation.
- Reconstruction of the deceased following a post mortem examination as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
- Provide technical assistance during forensic autopsies and undertake additional specialised technical duties associated with forensic autopsy service.
- Perform the procedure for decontamination of the post mortem room following a post mortem examination in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
- Use and maintenance of manual and automated equipment.
- Transfer biological samples to other departments for testing.
- Participate in audit processes.
- Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Arrange viewings for relatives and police, prepare deceased for viewings in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure and accompany bereaved relatives whilst viewing the deceased.
- Release of deceased to funeral directors or other authorised person in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
- Check and complete documentation and prepare foetal remains for transfer to Crematorium in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
- Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with HTA guidelines.
- Work in a safe manner in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Health and Safety
The post holder must not wilfully endanger him/herself or others while at work. Safe working practices and safety precautions must be adhered to. Protective clothing and equipment must be used where appropriate.
All accidents must be reported to your line manager and you are asked to participate in accident prevention by reporting potential hazards.
Security
The post holder has a responsibility to ensure the preservation of NHS property and resources.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in all aspects of work.
Smoking
The Trust operates a no smoking policy which applies to all staff, patients and visitors and extends to the hospital grounds as well as internal areas.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- 3 A ‘levels including English, and science
- Experience in bereavement services within the funeral sector or the NHS.
- Cert/ Diploma or level 3&4
- Post Qualification Experience
- Good knowledge of routine and forensic post mortems
- Understanding of HTA codes of practice
- Experience in the statutory process surrounding death and the medical examiners service
It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
- This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
- Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)
If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained.
The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary.However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed.
The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.
This cost is not applicable for a Volunteer post
The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.
We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background.
We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible. By telephone 01254 732075 or email [email protected] or write to Employment Services, Parkview Offices, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HH