Locum Anatomical Pathology Technician (Social and Healthcare Qualified)

TN United Kingdom; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a dedicated Mortuary Technician to assist in providing high-quality mortuary services. This role involves managing body registration processes, supporting pathologists in autopsy work, and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills to provide comfort to bereaved families while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Join a supportive team that values personal and professional development, and contribute to essential services that make a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience in mortuary services and post-mortem procedures.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Assist in high-quality mortuary service provision and body registration.
• Support pathologists during autopsy work and manage documentation.
• Supervise mortuary staff and maintain instrument hygiene.

Skills

Body registration and release procedures

Post-mortem procedures

Handling high-risk cases

Instrument maintenance and sterilization

Communication and support for bereaved families

Education

Relevant healthcare qualification

Job description

Job Description:

Assist the Mortuaries Manager in ensuring the provision of a high-quality mortuary service in line with national and organisational protocols.

Provide and monitor efficient and effective body registration and release procedures, ensuring the correct recording of all information and documentation involving the body, including completion of the mortuary register, release forms, cremation forms, burial orders, and property receipts as required by statute.

Ensure all relevant documentation, including medical notes, are present for post-mortem procedures. Assist Consultant Pathologists and visiting Forensic Pathologists with all aspects of autopsy work.

Assist in handling all aspects of "High Risk" cases (Hazard group 3 and 4), e.g., HIV, Hepatitis C, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Carry out reconstruction of the body after post-mortem examination. May be required to photograph foreign objects for legal cases and organise X-rays for post-mortems when appropriate.

Carry out removal of cardiac pacemakers, radioactive implants, and the deactivation and removal of defibrillators prior to cremation.

Maintain post-mortem instruments and equipment in good condition and working order. Ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation of instruments.

Prepare bodies for viewing and official identification, enabling bereaved relatives to view their loved ones as required, offering advice, comfort, and support.

Organise and provide containers and fixatives for tissue/fluids studies and arrange transportation of tissues to other hospitals when needed.

Be familiar with current health and safety protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, and all other departmental protocols. Ensure the security of the mortuary is maintained at all times. Participate in training for personal and professional development.

Participate in an on-call rota system to provide full cover outside normal working hours and support Her Majesty's Coroner when required.

Assist in the day-to-day supervision of mortuary staff, including work allocation, in conjunction with the Mortuaries Manager. Ensure sufficient stock levels through stock control and ordering systems.

Maintain professional liaison with individuals and organisations involved with mortuary work, such as coroner's officers, police, undertakers, Regional Tissue Bank, bereavement officers, and faith representatives. Notify funeral directors of infectious hazards when known or suspected.

Ensure all relatives visiting the mortuary are treated with care and sympathy, respecting their cultural and religious needs.

Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information and report any concerns regarding data use to your manager.

Undertake any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Laboratory Service Manager or Clinical Head of Department.