Job overview
Whittington Mortuary Services include a busy hospital mortuary and a public mortuary for the London Borough of Islington. The mortuary is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. An autopsy service of the highest standard is provided both for the hospital and H.M Coroner, Inner North London District.
The mortuary also offers a CT scan autopsy service to the police and wider community.
An opportunity has arisen for a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician to join our team. The individual must hold the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent. They must be motivated, enthusiastic and flexible and able to work in a challenging and sensitive environment with a calm and professional attitude. Frequent exposure to emotional and distressing situations is required to carry out this role.
The candidate will support the hospital Medical Examiner (ME) system, involving the administration of documentation pertaining to patients that die within the hospital and local community.
The candidate will carry out the technical work of the department, including the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager and senior APT. They will assist the mortuary management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.
The candidate will be required to assist with the arrangement of ‘Public Health’ funerals’ on behalf of the borough of Islington.
Main duties of the job
Carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager, working with the management team in the monitoring and control of work and supervision/training of junior staff.
Deputise for the mortuary manager & Senior APT during periods of leave.
Complete audits as required & attend regular meetings.
Contribute to the promotion and adherence to Health and Safety within the department by carrying out relevant training and attending appropriate courses suitable for the role.
Liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.
Maintain a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends
Close liaison with a variety of professions including Coroner’s officers, police, doctors, nursing staff and funeral directors is an essential function, as is communication with bereaved family and friends.
Strictly adhere to departmental operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant policies and ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.
There is a requirement to participate in the ‘Out of Hours’ on call system.
The Whittington mortuary is open 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday but these times will be flexible dependent on the autopsy schedule which often begins before 6am.
Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview
Working for our organisation
We have an excellent reputation for being innovative, responsive and flexible to the changing clinical needs of the local population. We are treating more patients than ever before and are dedicated to improving services to deliver the best for our patients.
Our mission
Helping local people live longer, healthier lives.
Our vision
Provide safe, personal, co-ordinated care for the community we serve.
Our goals
We have developed six key strategic goals to make sure we continue to support people to live longer, healthier lives.
1. To secure the best possible health and wellbeing for all our community
2. To integrate and coordinate care in person-centred teams
3. To deliver consistent, high quality, safe services
4. To support our patients and users in being active partners in their care
5. To be recognised as a leader in the fields of medical and multi-professional education, and population-based clinical research
6. To innovate and continuously improve the quality of our services to deliver the best outcomes for our local population
Our values underpin everything we do. Our staff are committed to delivering the following values in everything they do.
Our ICARE values have been created by our staff and are embedded in our appraisal and planning processes and form part of our staff excellence awards.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager. To assist the mortuary manager in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.
To deputise for the mortuary manager and Senior APT during periods of annual leave.
The candidate will display good organisational skills, whilst carrying out varied and complex tasks.
To complete audits as required by the mortuary manager and Senior APT, to have close liaison with the Designated Individual and attend regular governance meetings.
To contribute to the promotion and adherence to Health and Safety within the department by carrying out relevant training and attending appropriate courses suitable for the role.
To liaise with pathologists, hospital personnel, H.M. Coroner, funeral directors, police, members of the public etc.
To have, or be able to develop, good communication and interpersonal skills.
To have a sensitive and caring attitude towards bereaved family and friends
To strictly adhere to departmental standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and other relevant Trust and departmental policies.
To ensure Health and Safety standards are followed and maintained.
Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit prior to interview
Person specification
Education and qualifications
Essential criteria
7. Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical pathology Technology or equivalent
Skills and abilities
Essential criteria
8. Management, organisation and control of work within a mortuary environment encompassing multiple disciplines e.g. General administration, autopsy workload, contract funerals, procurement, Medical Examiner service
Desirable criteria
9. Working with the public in a hospital environment particularly in difficult and stressful situations
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
10. Minimum of 1 year post qualification working in a mortuary with a busy workload
11. Excellent knowledge of Licensing requirements i.e. Human Tissue Authority Codes of Practice
12. Knowledge of the Coroner’s and justice Act 2009
Desirable criteria
13. Working in a mortuary that acts dually as a Bereavement Office
14. Knowledge of the Medical Examiner system
15. Knowledge of audits and quality management
Personal qualities
Essential criteria
16. Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in stressful and emotional situations
17. Good Literacy skills
18. Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines
19. Remain calm in a pressurised environment
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS
To comply with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols. All individual members of staff (paid or unpaid) have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults This will require you to:
20. Ensure you are familiar with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
21. Ensure you are familiar and comply with the London Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan London Procedures.
22. Ensure you are familiar and comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
23. Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
24. Participate in required training and supervision.
25. Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct
Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.