Anatomical Pathology Technician / Trainee | University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

UHCW NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Coventry is seeking an Anatomical Pathology Technician. Responsibilities include supervising mortuary activities, keeping records, and supporting families during viewings. Candidates should have experience in a mortuary and be computer literate. A full driving license is desirable for working across multiple sites. Join a dedicated team committed to high standards in patient care.

Qualifications

• Qualified to perform technical work activities in a mortuary.
• Experience in record-keeping and supervision of mortuary activities.
• Full driving license and access to own transport desirable.

Responsibilities

• Keep accurate mortuary records and supervise daily activities.
• Assist in the day-to-day running of the mortuary.
• Liaise with next of kin in a professional manner.

Skills

Microsoft packages

Good communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Overview

The Network of Mortuaries at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire currently have vacancies in the Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) team. Trainee APTs that are currently undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in APT are also encouraged to apply. Other candidates with mortuary experience who have not yet commenced an APT diploma may be considered for interview should no suitably qualified persons be appointed and will be paid at band 3 until their qualification is complete.

Our Mortuary network cares for over 4,000 patients per year. We are the busiest forensic department in the region serving West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwick Police forces, with over 1,000 patients each year. We undertake a variety of work including forensic work and we are expanding our mortuary capacity as we strive to continually improve our services.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trust’s mortuaries, performing a broad range of technical work activities to ensure an efficient service that is in accordance with Trust, Coroner’s and Department of Health regulations and requirements.

To participate in the on call service for the forensic services (including out of hours) and be available whenever possible for any hospital enquiries, working across all 3 sites.

We expect the candidate to be computer literate as the role involves the use of Microsoft packages.

A full driving licence with access to own transport is desirable; we operate over 3 sites – University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation Trust and Rugby St Cross Hospital – and you are expected to help support all sites.

You will be required to have good communication and keyboard skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

At UHCW we follow national, departmental and trust standards and protocols including the HTA codes of practice and adhere to UKAS, CQC, RCPath guidelines. We prepare for our HTA and UKAS inspections by maintaining high standards of quality by conducting audits, formulating risk assessments/SOPs and investigating incidents in which you will be required to co-ordinate the team.

Closing Date: This job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can if interested.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Responsibilities

• Keep accurate and complete records and ensure that the mortuary registers are kept up to date.
• To supervise the daily mortuary activities as part of the team.
• To work alone when necessary to facilitate the Coroner's work and the routine mortuary duties.
• To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trust’s mortuaries.
• To ensure that all deceased are admitted and registered following Trust policy.
• To ensure that all deceased are released from the mortuary following Trust policy.
• To arrange and prepare viewings/IDs in the viewing room.
• To accompany families to the viewing room as needed.
• To liaise with next of kin in a professional, sympathetic but practical manner.
• To arrange official identifications on behalf of Her Majesty’s Coroner and when necessary act as Identifying Officer.

For further details please see the attached job description.

This advert closes on Thursday 30 Oct 2025