Anatomical Pathology Technician/Trainee - Annex 21 Pathology (Mortuary)

NHS Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Study bursaries

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is seeking an Anatomical Pathology Technician (or Trainee) to join the Mortuary Services team at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The role covers autopsy work, specimen handling, and liaison with families and funeral directors, across adult and paediatric post‑mortem services.

The post involves maintaining facilities, documenting activities, and working under pathologists with a strong emphasis on accuracy, confidentiality, and compassionate care.

Qualifications

• RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or demonstrable equivalent knowledge.
• Substantial experience in autopsy techniques and reconstruction.
• Experience handling decomposed, mutilated and paediatric deceased individuals.
• Experience in post‑mortem procedures including neuropathology, homicide and paediatric examinations.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD and familiarity with data protection requirements.
• General IT literacy and familiarity with hospital/lab systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists in adult and paediatric post‑mortem examinations, including evisceration and labelling.
• Prepare and reconstruct the deceased following examination.
• Receive, transfer and release deceased individuals; perform mortuary administration and record‑keeping.
• Undertake X‑ray work under instruction; maintain high cleanliness and infection control standards.
• Support bereaved relatives, liaise with funeral directors and Procurator Fiscal's Office; ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Anatomical pathology knowledge

Autopsy techniques

Compassionate communication

Interpersonal skills

Data protection knowledge

IT systems awareness

Education

RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology

RSPH Level 3 Diploma ( Trainee entry )

Tools

IT systems

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

We are seeking an Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) or Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician to join the Mortuary Services team. The post holder will assist in delivering a safe, secure, effective, and comprehensive mortuary service across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGG&C), supporting the needs of the health service, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and the wider community. The role involves a wide range of mortuary duties including autopsy work, handling and transfer of deceased persons, liaison with funeral directors, supporting bereaved families, maintaining mortuary facilities and equipment, and ensuring all documentation is completed accurately. Staff are required to work across adult and paediatric post‑mortem services and collaborate closely with pathologists, mortuary colleagues, hospital staff, and visitors.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Permanent Role
• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• 36 Hours Per Week (08.30 - 16.30)

Key responsibilities:

Working as part of a team of Anatomical Pathology Technicians, the post holder will assist Pathologists in the performance of adult and paediatric post‑mortem examinations, including evisceration, specimen collection and labelling, preparation and reconstruction of the deceased following examination, and ensuring post‑mortem facilities are appropriately equipped and maintained. The role also includes receiving, transferring and releasing deceased individuals, carrying out mortuary administration and record‑keeping, undertaking x‑rays of deceased individuals under instruction, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infection control, supporting enquiries from relatives, funeral directors and the Procurator Fiscal's Office, conducting viewings in a respectful and compassionate manner, and contributing to the training and development of colleagues. The post holder will ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Data Protection, and departmental standard operating procedures.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

Qualified APT Applicants

• Royal Institute of Public Health (RSPH) Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology, or demonstrable equivalent knowledge.
• Substantial experience in autopsy techniques and high‑quality reconstruction techniques.
• Experience handling decomposed, mutilated and paediatric deceased individuals.
• Experience in specialist post‑mortem procedures including neuropathology, homicide and paediatric examinations.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• General knowledge of IT systems and laboratory/hospital computer systems.
• Knowledge of Data Protection legislation, departmental protocols, relevant codes of practice and standard operating procedures.

Trainee APT Applicants

• Eligible for entry onto the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
• NHSGG&C entry requirement of 3 Highers at Grade C or above, HNC/SVQ Level 3, or equivalent qualification.
• Willingness to undertake a comprehensive trainee programme across QEUH and satellite mortuaries.
• Commitment to completing the RSPH Level 3 Diploma and progressing to the RSPH Level 4 Diploma upon qualification.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to communicate sensitive and complex information compassionately and professionally.
• Understanding of confidentiality and Data Protection requirements.
• Experience of working with the public, preferably within a healthcare environment.
• Experience of supporting bereaved relatives in sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.
• Experience of working with deceased individuals is desirable.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e‑learning and classroom‑based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

For an informal discussion, please contact: Permjeet Gandhi, Interim Mortuary Manager, 0141 451 5815, [e-mail]

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises the importance of work‑life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full‑time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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