Mortuary Technician

NHS; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An opportunity at a leading NHS trust, involving comprehensive support to the Mortuary Service. Responsibilities include assisting with post-mortem examinations, maintaining accurate records, and providing compassionate support to bereaved families. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in handling sensitive situations.

Benefits

Access to Learning & Development opportunities

Flexible shifts and well-being resources

Paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Bereavement training or relevant experience is desirable.
• Working knowledge of Human Tissue Authority regulations is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Assist in post-mortem examinations and manage deceased patients' records.
• Coordinate with teams for efficient mortuary operations and handle specimens for testing.
• Support bereaved families with sensitivity and care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Compassionate support

Education

Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience

Level 3 or Level 4 APT course completion

Job description

To provide comprehensive support to the Mortuary Service in meeting the needs of the East & North Herts NHS Teaching Trust Hospitals, HM Coroner, and the wider community. Take an active role in daily office administration and accurate record-keeping. Manage the admission and discharge of deceased patients from the mortuary, ensuring adherence to departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

Main duties of the job

Assist in the preparation of deceased patients for viewings under the supervision of qualified Mortuary staff and support Anatomical Pathology Technologists (APTs) during post-mortem procedures, including the receipt and release of deceased individuals. Perform general cleaning and disinfection of mortuary areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Coordinate the cross-site transfer of deceased patients for post-mortem examinations or storage, ensuring timely, respectful, and compliant handling. Accurately complete all relevant documentation related to the post-mortem process and maintain effective communication with funeral companies, HM Coroners Officers, police, doctors, and Trust staff. Provide compassionate support to relatives or their representatives attending viewings, offering guidance and reassurance throughout the process.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Job responsibilities

• To liaise with clinical, technical, and administrative teams to coordinate smooth mortuary operations across hospital departments
• To assist in post-mortem examinations and ensure respectful preparation and reconstruction of deceased patients
• To preserve and transport specimens for histological, toxicological, and biological testing in line with SOPs and legal requirements
• To clean and maintain mortuary areas and equipment to meet hygiene and safety standards, including chemical handling procedures
• To maintain accurate records related to deceased patients, property, and consent while adhering to confidentiality and legal frameworks
• To communicate sensitively with bereaved families and professionals, demonstrating cultural awareness and excellent interpersonal skills

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience.
• Bereavement Training or relevant experience.
• Desirable: Eden and able to speak with the bereaved
• Mandatory: Level 3 or Level 4 APT course completion (qualified APT)
• Mandatory: Working knowledge of Human Tissue Authority regulations
• Mandatory computer and telephone skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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