Trainee / Anatomical Pathology Technologist

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire; Coventry; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is seeking Anatomical Pathology Technicians (APT) to support the mortuary network across three sites: University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation Trust, and Rugby St Cross Hospital.

The role involves on-call duties, post-mortem and forensic-related tasks, with emphasis on accuracy, sensitivity to bereaved families, and compliance with statutory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Good communication and keyboard skills.
• Computer literate; able to use Microsoft packages.
• Full driving license with access to own transport; travel across three sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist Network Mortuary Manager and Senior APTs in daily mortuary operations.
• Participate in on-call service, including out-of-hours, across three sites.
• Ensure compliance with HTA, UKAS, CQC and RCPath guidelines; assist with audits and risk assessments.
• Coordinate the team to maintain high standards and investigate incidents.
• Support bereavement team and liaise with the public with sensitivity.
• Prepare for inspections and contribute to SOP development.

Skills

Communication

Keyboard skills

Microsoft Office

Driving license

On-call readiness

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Job description

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 ensuring that the provision of 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 license with access to own transport is disirable, we operate over 3 sites- University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation rust 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.

Our department of 14 staff work across the sites of UHCW, South Warwick and Rugby St Cross Hospitals. As a trained APT you will be required to have an understanding of current mortuary practice and have knowledge of routine hospital post mortems, high risk cases, Coroner's cases, forensic work and paediatrics, including the documentation and legislation associated with death and organ retention. Previous experience of dealing with the public and being sensitive to cultural needs and dealing with the bereaved is required. All members of our team support the bereavement team.

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 suitable 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 to include forensic work and we are in the process of expanding our mortuary capacity as we strive to continually improve our services., 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.