Anatomical Pathology Technologist

We are Looking for **Anatomical Pathology Technologist **in **Croydon, Greater London**. Full driving licence with access to own transport and to drive mortuary transport vehicle.

**Pay: £15 per Hour + Weekly Holiday Pay**

**Contract: Temporary 2 Months**

**Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week**

**Start: ASAP**

**Job Summary**:

- To run a safe, secure, effective and comprehensive mortuary and post mortem service.
- Ensure all deceased are treated with respect and dignity at all times.
- To engage in all aspects of the technical work of the autopsy room as requested by the pathologist on duty including, post mortem provisions, reconstructions, etc.
- To set up and operate a range of mortuary equipment.
- To participate in regular manual handling procedures.
- The transfer of deceased across the hospital site.
- To input data in to the Cerner computer system and mortuary database.
- Maintain consent forms and other documentations to a high standard.
- To help maintain accurate records.
- To prepare the deceased for formal identification and viewing by relatives.
- To dispose of clinical waste.
- To engage in general mortuary cleaning, maintaining scrupulous cleanliness, and good hygiene in the mortuary and refrigeration areas.
- To work as part of the team, which may include covering other members of Mortuary Staff
- To participate in the on-call rota.

**Technical Duties**:

- Responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with the protocols for the correct identification of bodies for autopsy. This will include obtaining the correct authority to carry out the autopsy, should it be a hospital, Coroners, Forensic, Defence, Private or Limited autopsy. Transfer of deceased to post mortem suites and the removal, storage and logging of clothing and property. Making adjustments to procedures for obese deceased persons.
- Before the arrival of the Pathologist - carrying out of a full external examination of body prior to preparation, noting of scars, distinguishing marks and reporting any potential signs of foul play.
- Prior to arrival of the Pathologist, the preparation and evisceration of bodies in line with Standard Operating Procedures and subsequent reconstitution. To include varied operational procedures should the case be infectious.
- Assisting the Consultant Histopathologic at autopsies in all cases whether it due to a normal death, suicide, road traffic accident, infectious, decomposed, accidental or any other mode not mentioned.
- Assisting Forensic Pathologists, Police Officers and Scenes of Crime Officers at autopsies on suspicious deaths and murder cases. These are to be carried out as a matter of urgency on any day of the week and at any time of day or night (out of hours is part of the on-call duties).
- To carry out any extra special dissection procedures as requested by a Pathologist at any autopsy (such as spinal cord removal, femur removal, middle ear exposure etc.)
- To carry out high risk post mortems for the local surrounding boroughs.
- Assist various visiting Pathologists at second defence autopsies, plus any other Forensic Specialists as required.
- Ensuring that property of the deceased is recorded properly, held in a safe custody and subsequently returned to the next of kin. Property includes patient valuables.
- The presentation of deceased for viewing/identification purposes in a respectful and dignified manner, taking into account cultural backgrounds and religious requirements. Carry out facial reconstruction and cleansing where needed for the above and provide comfort, support and advice where asked to bereaved relatives.
- Ensure the correct identification and release of the deceased with the handling of Coroner’s and hospital relevant release paperwork, along with any remaining property to a Funeral Director or person appointed for the purpose with appropriate authority. Provide assistance to those appointed with manual handling of the deceased, using manual handling aids where needed and ensuring the Bariatric procedure is followed with obese cases.
- To record details in the foetal register and dispatch for cremation in accordance with the Trust’s Non-viable Management Policy. To look after the safe custody and disposal of placentas from maternity.
- Maintaining the mortuary database to ensure data is accurate and up to date and entering details on the Cerner hospital computer system with regards to the incoming and outgoing of deceased persons notes as to maintain case note tracking. Also enter demographic details of the deceased undergoing autopsy onto the mortuary database.
- Support the department, trust and community during the event of a disaster or pandemic, preparing for higher numbers of deceased, working out of hours and added pressures.

**Communication Skills**:

- To communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues and service users.
- To ensure effective resolution of enquiries and direct enquiries to senior manager or consultant where appropriate.