Anatomical Pathology Technician

Job summary

PREVIOUS APPLICATION NEED NOT APPLY

We are seeking to appoint a fully qualified mortuary anatomicalpathology technician to join our Cellular Pathology team. The successfulcandidate will work closely with anatomical pathology technicians, mortuaryassitants and Pathologists during the making of a post mortem. Followingtraining, you will work from your base site at Darlington Memorial Hospital,with rotation to University Hospital North Durham as needed. You will also takepart in the on call rota. The ability to travel across sites is essential. Pleaserefer to the Job Description and Personal Specification for full details.

The ideal candidate will be a team player thatpossesses excellent communication skills, organisation and manual dexterityskills and have a keen eye for detail. Manual handling is a core part of therole. You will also have the ability to concentrate for long periods of timeand have a keen interest in pathology. You should be able to demonstrate goodkeyboard skills and be computer literate. Previous experience of working in anNHS mortuary is desirable.

Main duties of the job

Main tasks include:

Post mortem work, including forensic.

Receipt and registration of deceased patients.

Release of deceased patients to funeral directors.

Entering patient details onto the laboratory computer systemand inputting the correct tests, maintaining all required logs.

Answering reception and telephone queries and liaising withother Trust staff and the general public.

Preparing bodies for the purpose of relative viewings andpolice identification.

Organising referral work, packaging and sending of samplesto other Trust sites and to other Trusts nationwide.

Stock control including receiving and receipting deliveries,documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verificationtasks.

Cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas.

Demonstrating duties to other staff.

Error logging and trouble shooting.

Please refer to the Job Description and PersonalSpecification for full details.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary, If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and personalspecification for full details.

This APT role involves working closely with Pathologists, AnatomicalPathology Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants. You will follow thelaboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevantquality documentation as required.

Upon completion of training and gaining competency, you willrotate throughout the specialist areas of the mortuary. Performing duties inaccordance to local policy to a high degree of standards whilst conforming tohealth and safety requirements. This includes working in the post mortem room, bodystore, and viewing room of the mortuary. Using a variety of specialistlaboratory equipment to perform tasks and are responsible for the maintenanceof equipment and completing maintenance documentation. This includestemperature and formalin monitoring.

The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissuesamples which can be of a sensitive nature. Work within the mortuary can oftenbe upsetting. Manual handling is required daily.

Stock is managed by all staff. This includes monitoringstock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goodsdelivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork iscomplete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organisedmanner.

Provide supervision, training and leadership to juniorstaff.

In order to perform daily tasks effectively, theAPT role requires the ability to focus for long periods of time, have greatattention to detail and possess the ability to organise tasks in priorityorder. Requires computer literacy skills as they are expected to usespreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform audits as needed.

Person Specification

Special Requirements

Essential

Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post Participate in 24/7 oncall rota. Hold a valid Drivers License Physically fit able to lift, carry and manoeuvre

Experience

Essential

Experience in a similar or larger establishment as an APT Experience of dealing with bereaved relatives

Desirable

Interaction of hospital services with external users ie. funeral directors

Qualifications

Essential

Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) or equivalent relevant experience. Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) Additional training acquired to fulfil the role

Desirable

Bereavement counselling skills Conflict management Eye Corneal Retrieval Training First aid certificate Evidence of Continual Professional development

Statutory Registration

Desirable

Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of Post Mortem dissection techniques including advanced reconstruction and infection control measures. Able to prioritise and meet deadlines. Manual dexterity Automation in Mortuary settings Interpersonal Keyboard and mouse Numeracy-Statistical & mathematics Interpretation Basic quality Control & assurance awareness Medical Scientific terminology Able to deal with emotionally distressing situations, in a sympathetic and professional manner Able to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Desirable

Basic IT, Word, Excel etc. Aware of Health care system Understanding of Health & safety Experience of Training & Staff development. Experience of Forensic external examination and home office Post mortems. Knowledge of HTA guidance and legislation

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