Anatomical Pathology Technician

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a qualified Mortuary Anatomical Pathology Technician. This role involves working closely with Pathologists and other technicians during post mortem procedures. Candidates must hold a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology and have experience in a mortuary setting. Strong interpersonal skills and manual dexterity are essential, along with the ability to travel across sites. The position includes on-call duties and a training program across multiple Trust locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar or larger establishment as an APT or mortuary attendant.
• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the post requirements.
• Hold a valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Post mortem work, including forensic post mortems.
• Preparing bodies for relative viewings and police identification.
• Providing supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.

Skills

Knowledge of post mortem dissection techniques including advanced reconstruction and infection control measures

Able to prioritize and meet deadlines

Interpersonal skills

Manual dexterity

Computer proficiency

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to appoint a fully qualified mortuary anatomical pathology technician to join our Cellular Pathology team. The successful candidate will work closely with anatomical pathology technicians, mortuary assistants and Pathologists during post mortem procedures and will spend time in all areas of the mortuary. Following training, you will work from Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital North Durham as needed. Part of the training will be provided from neighbouring NHS Trusts. You will also take part in the on‑call rota. The ability to travel across sites is essential.

Please refer to the Job Description and Personal Specification for full details.

Main duties of the job

• Post mortem work, including forensic post mortems (may be in a neighbouring NHS Trust).
• Receipt and registration of deceased patients.
• Release of deceased patients to funeral directors.
• Entering patient details onto the laboratory computer system and inputting the correct tests; maintaining all required logs.
• Answering reception and telephone queries and liaising with other Trust staff and the public.
• Preparing bodies for relative viewings and police identification.
• Organising referral work, packaging and sending of samples to other Trust sites and to other Trusts nationwide.
• Stock control including receiving and receipting deliveries, documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verification tasks.
• Cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas.
• Demonstrating duties to other staff.
• Error logging and troubleshooting.

Please refer to the Job Description and Personal Specification 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 as 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 settings and 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.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants – You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criterion and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job description

Job responsibilities

This APT role involves working closely with Pathologists, Anatomical Pathology Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants. You will follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as required. Upon completion of training and gaining competency, you will rotate throughout the specialist areas of the mortuary. You will perform duties in accordance with local policy to a high standard while conforming to health and safety requirements. This includes working in the post mortem room, body store and viewing room of the mortuary. You will use a variety of specialist laboratory equipment and are responsible for the maintenance of equipment and completion of maintenance documentation (including temperature and formalin monitoring).

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

Stock is managed by all staff, including monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goods, unpacking, verifying where appropriate and ensuring paperwork is complete before storage in an orderly manner.

Provide supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.

To perform daily tasks effectively, the APT role requires the ability to focus for long periods, strong attention to detail and the ability to organise tasks by priority. Computer literacy is expected, including use of spreadsheets, LIMS, SOPs and audits as needed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology from the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH)
• Additional training to fulfil the role

Desirable

• Bereavement counselling skills
• Conflict management
• Eye/Corneal Retrieval Training
• First aid certificate
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Experience

Essential

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

Desirable

• Interaction with external users (e.g., funeral directors)

Statutory Registration

Desirable

• Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology

Special Requirements

Essential

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the post requirements
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call rota
• Hold a valid driving licence
• Physically fit to lift, carry and manoeuvre

Special Skills and 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 skills
• Keyboard and computer proficiency
• Numeracy and statistical understanding
• Basic quality control and 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 skills (Word, Excel)
• Aware of the healthcare system
• Understanding of health and safety
• Experience of training and staff development
• Experience of forensic external examination and Home Office post mortems
• Knowledge of HTA guidance and legislation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check via the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.

Employer details

Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address
University Hospital Of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW

Employer's website
[not provided]