Anatomical Pathology Technician

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for an Anatomical Pathology Technician to join the Mortuary department. The post involves working across all Trust sites, supporting Post mortem services and ensuring dignified care for the deceased.

The role may include an apprentice pathway with progression from Band 3 to higher bands, and requires empathy and teamwork in a sensitive environment. HTA licensing and CPD are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Holds Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent (Royal Society of Public Health).
• Holds Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent (Royal Society of Public Health).
• HTA Consent Training.

Responsibilities

• Please see the full job description and person specification document for main responsibilities.

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

HTA Consent Training

Job description

Go back South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Anatomical Pathology Technician

The closing date is 28 September 2026

Mortuary services at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are provided collaboratively between the two Trusts and there is a requirement for the post holder to work across all Trust sites.

The service provides both Coronal and Forensic post-mortems. Post mortems are undertaken primarily at The James Cook University Hospital site and body storage facilities are available at all four hospital sites.

We pride ourselves on delivering a high quality service which ensures the dignity, respect and care for the deceased and bereaved and are looking to recruit a candidate who shares these values.

The department is licensed by HTA. CPD is actively encouraged.

An opportunity exists for an Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) to join the Mortuary department. The post holder will be part of a cross site team providing a high quality, flexible, efficient and coordinated mortuary service to the Trusts and Coroner's Service.

Main duties of the job

Applicants for the Band 5 position must hold the L4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology awarded by The Royal Society of Public Health and be trained in Mortuary APT functions.

Applications are welcome from candidates holding the L3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology awarded by The Royal Society of Public Health. You would be recruited at Band 4 and required to complete the L4 qualification prior to progressing to Band 5.

Applications are welcome from candidates wishing to join as an apprentice. You must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to apply including being 18 years or older and a UK resident for at least 3 years.

As an apprentice, you would be recruited at Band 3 and be required to complete the L3 qualification prior to progressing to Band 4 and the L4 qualification prior to progressing to band 5.

The nature of the job is such that it demands high standards of integrity. You must be able to work as part of a team or alone. Physical aspects require preparation of patients for autopsy, moving patients and family viewings. It is essential that you have good interpersonal skills with the ability to show empathy and deal sensitively with bereaved families.

About us

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations. Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience. We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development. We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Job responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Holds Level 3 a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent (Royal Society of Public Health and Hygiene Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology)
• Holds Level 4 a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent (Royal Society of Public Health and Hygiene Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology)
• HTA Consent Training

Experience

• Has supervised and been involved with the training of other staff
• Can demonstrate experience of working within guidelines/protocols
• Extensive mortuary experience
• Participated in out of hours on-call system
• Worked in NHS mortuary

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of routine and specialised dissection and reconstruction techniques
• Extensive level of anatomy and physiology knowledge to effectively support pathologists in conducting post mortem examinations.
• Extensive level of gross pathology and ability to identify key findings during post mortem examinations
• Clear understanding of Human Tissue Authority Codes of Practice relating to the post mortem sector.
• Knowledge of UKAS system and standards
• Literate in laboratory computerised and PC office applications

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£32,073 to £39,043 a yearper annum (pro rata)