Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join a committed and compassionate team providing a safe, secure and high-quality mortuary and post-mortem service for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, the Coroner and our wider community. In this vital role, you will use your Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology to deliver skilled, professional support across the full range of mortuary activities, working both independently and alongside experienced colleagues.



You will play an active part in post-mortem provision, quality management, audits, health and safety, SOP development and compliance with HTA and CPA standards. Your contribution will help ensure our service remains efficient, respectful and centred on dignity at every stage. You will also support resource monitoring and assist in the training and development of junior staff, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.



Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will engage with clinical and non-clinical staff, HM Coroner's officers, Police, Funeral Directors and Consultant Histopathologists to maintain a seamless and professional service. Based at University Hospital Lewisham, you will also provide cross-site cover when required, contributing to a resilient and exceptional mortuary service that supports our local communities with compassion and care.

PLEASE NOTE:

We may not be able to offer sponsorship for this post



To provide a safe, secure, effective and comprehensive mortuary and post mortem service for the needs of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, Coroner and the Community.



The post holder will be required to hold the Diploma (level 4 or level 3 with significant demonstrable experience) in Anatomical Pathology Technology and perform a broad range of duties, with or without direct supervision of a trained member of Technical Staff.



The post holder will assist in all aspects of the department including post mortem provision, audits, quality management, SOPs, training, health and safety, incident reporting and HTA and CPA compliance.



They will assist in the monitoring of resources (equipment, consumables and other premises), to achieve optimum quality and efficiency. They will contribute to the training of junior staff. They will communicate and liaise with clinical and non-clinical Trust staff, HMCo's, Police, Funeral Directors and Consultant Histopathologists to ensure delivery of a professional and efficient mortuary service.



Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:



Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development



Widening access (anchor institution) and employability



Improving the experience of staff with disability



Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development



Making equalities mainstream



OPERATIONAL DUTIES



Record deceased details in the Mortuary Register and keep accurate records of deceased property/valuables in line with the trust policy.

Return deceased property to bereaved relatives if they request removal of items

To liaise with funeral directors or authorised persons. To be responsible for the release of deceased in line with departmental, Trust and HTA policies, ensuring all appropriate documentation is received/given as appropriate



Maintain appropriate records within the department - mortuary register, post mortem register, equipment servicing, fridge/freezer temperatures, cleaning etc, ensuring compliance with HTA regulations and CPA compliance

To report any problems, both with the functioning of the mortuary and any unusual occurrences which may have happened out of normal working hours, to the Mortuary Manager

Complete adverse incident form on line for any accidents, incidents or near misses

Adhere to departmental SOPs

Liaise with external agencies including the Coroner's office, Police and GPs.

Liaise with bereavement, chaplaincy, women's health counsellors, nursing and clerical staff across both sites.

Ensure all Mortuary equipment, such as Hydraulic Lift etc, are kept clean and maintaining of appropriate cleaning/maintenance records i n conjunction with Infection Control Standards

To give mortuary induction training to nursing and portering staff.



To suitably prepare and place deceased adults, children, infants or fetuses for viewing in the Chapel of Rest, special attention given to individual and cultural religious beliefs. To meet and bring family to the mortuary. To accompany family into the viewing room.

To help with the collection of notes and paperwork from wards and departments for post mortem examinations.

To show deceased to Drs for medical papers to be completed.

To take an active role in Health and Safety ensuring safe, and appropriate, working practices within the department for self, employees or other third parties visiting the department or general areas of the Trust

To be aware of cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased/relatives and respect these, within reason, at all times

Assists in H&S inspections within the department.

Actively participate in monthly departmental meetings.

To maintain confidentiality pertaining to deceased and all trust business.



To assist external tissue retrieval teams

To oversee completion of hospital post mortem consent forms by medical and surgical staff and to answer any questions from the bereaved relating to the form.

Arrange deactivation and/or removal of defibrillators and pacemakers and appropriate disposal.



The collation and distribution of the certificates required for disposal and cremation in liaison with the Bereavement Officers and Coroner's Office. Locating and collecting pre-transfused blood samples on behalf of HM Coroner Receiving payment from funeral directors in cash or cheque form. Paying Doctors cremation fees. Liaising with funeral directors, raising cremation forms, free from infection forms and out of England paperwork.

Assist the bereavement office, if required, such as contacting clinicians, overseeing documentation completed by clinicians such as cremation forms, medical cause of death certificates and free from infection forms.

To meet and greet bereaved relatives/carers in a sensitive manner.



SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL



Prepare the post mortem room and equipment prior to an autopsy. To assist the medical staff with routine post mortem examinations, Check the authorisation and extent of the post mortem examination. Liaise with staff likely to be present during the examination. Prepare the deceased for examination, under supervision if required . Assist with post-mortem examinations. To record organ weights and measurements as required.

To repair/reconstruct bodies following a post mortem

To ensure all organs, tissue, blood and other samples are appropriately labelled, recorded and tracked and disposal records maintained

To disinfect all tools and surfaces once examinations are complete.



INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY



To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other mortuary information.

To use the mortuary IT equipment according to the authorised protocols, HTA and CPA standards. This would include consultation with staff and promoting new ways of working, implementing new policies and procedures etc.



GENERAL



Physical skills



Possible exposure to body tissue and fluids, some of which may be of high risk

(i.e. Category 3).

Exposed to COSHH regulated chemicals.

Technical tasks require periods of intense physical activity and the need to maintain concentration for long periods.

Work in this area requires frequent exposure to highly distressing and emotive situations.



Freedom to act



The post holder will organise and prioritise one's own work load without direct supervision. However, a line manager will be available for reference.

Any issues or problems should be resolved with Supervisor



Physical effort



Physical effort will be frequently required to handle deceased and move them around.

Equipment is available and should be used where possible



Mental effort



There is frequent requirement for concentration for extended periods of time

Absolute accuracy and the need for attention to detail require ability to focus and analyse problems.



Emotional effort



Organising and assisting at viewings for families can be very distressing

Organising respectful disposal of babies is a difficult and emotional process

Bereaved relatives can often be difficult and demanding.



Working conditions



There may be a requirement to work in extremes of heat and cold

Exposure to unpleasant smells

Deal with chemical spills

Exposure to bodily fluids

Contact with infected bodies