Job Description

The post holder will act as an qualified APT within the mortuary and hold a RSPH Diploma in APT or its equivalent with experience. Ideally candidates for this role will have achieved the RSPH Level 3 Diploma. They will be able to demonstrate good technical knowledge of mortuary policy, procedure, and human anatomy, as well as a good understanding of health and safety legislation and working in compliance with HTA guidelines.



The Mortuary services managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board spans 4 sites cross Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Counties and perform in excess of 450 post mortem examinations per year at the instruction of HM Coroner. The department is fully HTA accredited.



The role will involve performing a number of tasks including receipt and appropriate storage of the deceased, preparation for Post Mortem examination and release of the deceased in line with departmental policy, best practice and the Human Tissue Act, and in support of the Coroner, Pathologists and Police.



However, where a fully qualified individual is not appointed, a trainee position may be considered for appointment under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. As a trainee the expectation will be attainment of the RSPH Level 3 Diploma and once successfully qualified, registration with the Science Council on a PSA accredited register within 3 years.



This means they will be supported by a development plan. ( During the first year payment will be 65% of the top rate of band 5 pay, the second year 70% and during the third year 75%) and following successful completion of the qualification the post holder will then be paid at Band 5 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 5 role. Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.



If unable to meet academic criteria, a performance review will be undertaken in line with the Health Board policy and capability procedures. As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.



Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.



We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.



We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

Four main hospitals:

Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest

Five community hospitals:

Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire

Two integrated care centres:

Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings



47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers



Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services



Participation in an on call rota is mandatory, this will be paid inline with AFC.



We are looking for a professional, enthusiastic, self motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work alone or as part of a team.



Essential quality is being able to demonstrate empathy towards the bereaved. Within the role there will be regular contact with external agencies such as Coroner services, Dyfed-Powys Police and Funeral Directors. Current working knowledge of Home Office & Coronial post mortem requirements and the Human Tissue Authority Standards is also required.



You will be required to provide Mortuary cover on other sites within Hywel Dda University Health Board and as part of a memorandum of agreement asked to provide cover at Swansea Bay University Health Board.



The post-holder will participate in the "out of hours" Mortuary service.



The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not essential for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.



Interviews to be held on 01/10/2025.



You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.



The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.



The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.