Anatomical Pathology Technologist

The Mortuary and Bereavement Service consists of APTs, Bereavement Officers, a Mortuary Assistant and administrative staff, working closely with Consultant and Junior Histopathologists from Cellular Pathology.

This department sits within the Directorate of Haematology, Cellular Pathology and Supporting Services.. The Cellular Pathology laboratories and its scientific staff are managed independently. There are two mortuaries, one at Guy’s and another at St Thomas’ Hospital. St Thomas’ acts as the main mortuary and is the site for all post-mortem examinations and related activity.

This is a post for an experienced Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) who holds both the Certificate & Diploma of Anatomical Pathology Technology or the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology technology. As an APT in the Mortuary and Bereavement Service (MBS) the post holder is expected to support both junior and senior staff, work as part of a team on a rotational basis within all specialities of Mortuary and Bereavement work and rotate between Guy’s and St Thomas’, and be able to assist in specialist post mortems, including paediatrics and high risk cases.

Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust are looking for an Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join our team in the heart of central London. Our hospitals could not be in a better location to enjoy the city and are within walking distance of all that London has to offer. GSTT has a reputation for being an employer of choice, with development opportunities, central London accommodation and an ever dynamic working environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Scientific and Technical
- To assist the pathology staff with post-mortem examinations (adult, paediatric & perinatal),Including High-Risk and Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRNe) cases. i.e. Hydrogen Cyanide poisoning
- Gather all notes, x-rays and information for the pathologist.
- To reconstruct patients to high standard (adult, paediatric and perinatal) following a post-mortem examination.Including High-Risk cases and Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRNe).
- To assist in the basic & advanced training of junior staff, both practical and theoretical.
- To oversee and assist the junior staff on a day-to-day basis
- To take, process and store digital images (photographic and radiology) as part of the post-mortem examination
- To ensure the post-mortem room and equipment is prepared for all types of post-mortem examinations.
- To ensure patients are accurately received, identified, registered, weighed, measured and labelled.
- To assist the pathologist during histological cut up sessions following fixation of tissue samples after the post-mortem examination.
- To assist and ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of all tools and surfaces in the PM rooms after the day’s examinations are complete.
- To deliver or arrange delivery of samples taken at post-mortem examination.
- To maintain equipment on a day-to-day basis in accordance with department policies/procedures and in accordance with manufactures guidelines.
- To be responsible for the release and transfer of patients from the unit to the authorised person for collection

Clinical & Clerical
- To book viewings and, when necessary, accompany and assist the bereaved in the Mortuary visitors room.
- To prepare and layout patients for viewing, including high-risk cases.
- To carry out any cleaning and dressing of patients as required.
- To accompany visitors and facilitate official identifications on behalf of HM Coroner.
- To ensure that the bereaved are supported and treated with courtesy and consideration at all times.
- To ensure accurate records of patients property are maintained
- To assist the Mortuary and Bereavement Service Manager plan work schedules and staff allocation to tasks.
- To give both basic and specialist lectures to groups who attend the Mortuary and Bereavement Service and throughout the hospital.

Informatics
- To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices for the standards of the HTA Codes of Practice.
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other Mortuary information.
- To use the departments information databases according to the authorised protocols.
- To maintain the integrity and accuracy of IT systems, written MBS records and databases

Procurement
- To ensure staff maintain adequate stocks of consumables and chemicals for MBS.
- To maintain adequate stocks of consumables for MBS Major Incident store.
- Monitor and purchase equipment and consumables for routine and specialist post-mortem work.
- Maintain adequate consumables for use with the cremation and burial of babies/POCs

Health and Safety
- To adhere to all departmental and Mortuary health and safety regulations and policies.
- To oversee and assist in regular review and change of p