Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist

Planning and Organisational Duties Work alongside APTs to receive deceased into the mortuary from the community on behalf of HM Coroner. Including train deaths and deceased that may have been RIP for several weeks /months Work alongside APTs in discharging of deceased patients from the mortuary and across site storage facilities to designated Funeral Directors ensuring dignity and respect is maintained at all times. Work in partnership with HM Coroners office and associated staff, Funeral Directors, Coroners Removal Service, Trust personnel Informs Bereavement Office / MEO office of any additional deaths during the working day preventing a delay in the issuing of relevant paperwork. Work alongside APTs carrying out dignity checks of deceased patients under the care of the mortuary including identification and pacemaker checks.

Inputs and retrieves patient information onto the Mortuary & Bereavement database recording essential information creating individual records for deceased cared for in the mortuary including uploading of documentation. Work alongside APTs preparing post-mortem room i.e. setting up instrument packs, necropsy saw etc. Assists Pathologists with external examinations of deceased carrying out ID checks and recording of marks and scars.

Work under the supervision of qualified APTs to become competent in routine post mortem evisceration procedures. Weighs organs and records the information on behalf of the Pathologist. Acts as an internal circulator when required for qualified APTs and Pathologist for the recording of information during specialised post mortem examinations. Work under supervision of qualified APTs to become competent with the full reconstruction of deceased patients following post mortem examinations.

Works alongside APTs washing, cleaning and wrapping of deceased in a dignified manner to ensure a high standard of presentation for viewings and transfer to Funeral Directors. Completes documentation and prepares appropriate containers for the storage of specimens requiring further examination e.g. histology and toxicology in line with HTA Guidelines. Delivers and collects histology samples to/from the trust laboratory.

Works with APTs carrying out full cleaning and decontaminating all patient areas in the mortuary. Notifies external transport agencies when samples are prepared for transportation on behalf of HM Coroner. Assists with the preparation of deceased patients for viewing and identification ensuring they are presented in a dignified manner for any visitors to the mortuary i.e. relatives, Police coroners officers.

Supports bereaved relatives over the phone or face to face providing them with relevant information and support around the death of their loved one. Communicates with Funeral Directors when all documentation has been prepared and ready for the deceased to be transferred into their care. Ensure awareness and compliance of patient confidentiality. Assists in the delivery of a quality service to customers within agreed timescales.

Displays empathy and a pleasant helpful manner when dealing with bereaved relatives, visitors and staff. Schedule visits for trust medical staff and GPs regarding death certification and cremation purposes. Works alongside APTs undressing the deceased where appropriate. Daily use of appropriate equipment and manual handling techniques trolleys, pat slide etc.

Collaborates with all other users of the mortuaries to ensure all Health and Safety regulations are complied with. Facilitates NHSBT with preparation of deceased prior to donation including assisting with the identification process. Records statistical government figures in relation to patients who have died with contagious infections. To assist under supervision with the handling of bodies contaminated by way of infection, infestation or radiation.

Records and maintains foetal loss register. Assists in the release of foetal tissue / still births as per mortuary and HTA guidelines for burial or cremation. Assists with arranging transportation of babies and foetus to designated paediatric mortuary facilities for postmortem examination. Communications and Key Working Relationships HM Coroner and associated staff.

Trust Personnel External pathologists Bereavement staff. NHSB Responsibility for Finance Assists in the receipt and recording of cheques from funeral directors for collection of completed cremation forms. Ensure stock is kept at appropriate levels reporting deficiencies to senior staff. Shares responsibility for the recording and safe storage of patient valuables that remain on a deceased patient in the mortuary.

Shares responsibility for the security and care of deceased, buildings, and equipment Responsibility for Human Resources Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time. Undertake mandatory training according to Trust and departmental guidelines. Participate in the Trust Personal Development review. Comply with trust and depart