Overview
Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) to work in the Mortuary. The post requires a RSPH Diploma in APT or equivalent, with experience; ideally, the candidate will have achieved the RSPH Level 3 Diploma. The successful applicant will demonstrate strong technical knowledge of mortuary policy, procedure, human anatomy, health and safety legislation, and working in compliance with HTA guidelines.
The Mortuary services managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board operate across four sites in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, performing more than 450 post mortem examinations per year at the instruction of HM Coroner. The department is fully HTA accredited.
Main duties
The role involves 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. Where a fully qualified individual is not appointed, a trainee position may be considered under All Wales Annex 21 rules. As a trainee, the expectation is attainment of the RSPH Level 3 Diploma and registration with the Science Council on a PSA-accredited register within 3 years.
Responsibilities and training
* Progression through a development plan; first year at 65% of the top rate of Band 5 pay, second year 70%, third year 75%; upon successful qualification, pay at Band 5 (minimum point).
* Support and supervision to develop to Band 5; failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies within the designated timeframe could result in redeployment.
* If academic criteria are not met, a performance review will be undertaken in line with Health Board policy and capability procedures. Annex 21 provisions indicate no financial penalty for applicants where pay reduction would occur; local protection will be implemented until pay catches up.
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
* RSPH (Pre 2015) Certificate and/or Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or RSPH Level 3 and/or 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology)
* IT literate
Desirable
* Professional registration (e.g., AHCS, Science Council); CPD portfolio expected within 12 months if not already registered
* Membership with AAPT
* HTA Consent Training
Experience
Essential
* Knowledge of post mortem examinations of varying complexities and specialist techniques, including reconstruction and infection control
* Extensive Mortuary experience
* Experience working within guidelines/protocols
* Supervisory experience and involvement in training other staff
* Experience with direct patient and family contact and managing complex, emotionally challenging situations
* In-depth understanding of Human Tissue Authority regulations and codes of practice pertaining to Mortuary
Desirable
* Experience in NHS Mortuary
* Knowledge of Death Certification processes and current UK legislation
* Experience in a training environment and out-of-hours on-call rota
* Experience deputising for senior staff; Mortuary software (e.g., LIMS); major incident experience; HTA/UKAS (ISO) inspections
Language and Welsh Provisions
* Desirable: Welsh language skills (Level 1) with support to meet minimal desirable requirements during employment
On-call and Additional Details
Participation in an on-call rota is mandatory and paid in line with AFC. The post-holder may be required to provide Mortuary cover on other Hywel Dda sites and, as part of an agreement, may provide cover at Swansea Bay University Health Board. The post-holder will participate in out-of-hours Mortuary service. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not essential; applicants who are English and/or Welsh-speaking are welcome to apply. Interviews are scheduled for 01/10/2025. A full job description and person specification are attached in supporting documents.
Welsh and Sponsorship Information
The Health Board supports bilingualism to improve patient and service user experiences. Welsh speakers are welcome. If Welsh language requirements are not met, options and support are available to help meet minimal desirable requirements during employment. This post requires current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Glangwili General Hospital, Dolgwili Road, Carmarthen, SA31 3AF
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/
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