Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Bereavement Support Officer to join our Pathology Department. The role provides comprehensive administrative support for the bereavement service, guiding relatives, doctors, GPs, and mortuary staff while ensuring accurate, timely paperwork.
Responsibilities
The key duties include:
* Identify and liaise with hospital and mortuary staff on daily deaths.
* Accurately complete medical certificates of death.
* Prepare cremation forms and coordinate with funeral directors.
* Verify and process all death registration documents for families.
* Manage referrals to Coroners Officers and inform GP surgeries of death details.
* Promote effective departmental flows, cover leave, and maintain office smoothness.
* Review and update working practices and procedures with managers.
* Coordinate hospital funerals with relevant stakeholders.
* Process notifications of death and maintain the death register.
* Compile monthly and annual statistics for internal and external use.
* Utilise computer systems, report faults, correct data, and maintain security.
* Support new doctors during induction, providing information on Bereavement Service requirements.
* Investigate and respond to complaints within set deadlines.
* Maintain confidentiality, exhibit empathy, and communicate effectively at all times.
* Adapt flexibly to changing Trust policies and practices.
Qualifications & Experience
* Good level of general education, literacy and basic numeracy skills.
* Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
* Excellent telephone manner and customer skills.
* Able to work as part of a team and manage/ prioritise own workload.
* Maintain confidentiality at all times and comply with Trust policies.
* Optional: Word processing/computer skills, experience in a clerical capacity, previous NHS experience, data entry, experience working with the general public.
Compensation & Benefits
Band 3; Salary £24,937 to £26,598 per annum pro‑rata; Permanent contract; Part‑time working pattern; Post locations Southport Hospital, Town Lane Kew, PR8 6PN.
About the Trust
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves over 600,000 people across 21 sites.
Services include:
* Acute Care – emergency, maternity, and surgical specialties.
* Primary Care – Marshalls Cross Medical Centre.
* Community Services – adult community services and urgent care.
* Specialist Regional Services – Burns & Plastic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Unit.
Achievements:
* Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018.
* Top 100 places to work in the NHS.
* National Preceptorship Accreditation 2023 for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Contact
Employer: Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Southport Hospital, Town Lane Kew, PR8 6PN
Website: https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/
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