Anatomical Pathology Technologist APT Northampton, England
Job description
At Northampton General Hospital we are looking for an experienced and appropriately qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join our small mortuary team.
The successful candidate will be an integral part of developing and delivering a high quality and effective Mortuary and Post Mortem Service.
The post holder will be involved with all aspects of dealing with deceased patients including their admission & release and safeguarding of their property & valuables. Prepare & conduct viewings, post mortem evisceration and reconstruction of varying complexities along with day-to-day running of the department.
The candidate will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries, assisting in the training of staff, implementation of policies and procedures & providing support to the hospital & HM Coroner, while adhering to Human Tissue Authority regulations.
This challenging and busy role requires high levels of sensitivity, excellent communication skills, a high degree of organisation and time management, alongside the ability to work closely with multiple small teams.
Due to the nature of the role, previous mortuary experience is essential, along with the Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma, or ‘RSPH Diploma’ in Anatomical Pathology Technology. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in a practical assessment interview stage.
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Admit, release and care for the deceased patients, of varying ages and gestations, along with their property/valuables, from both the hospital and community; ensuring dignity and respect is maintained at all times.
Prepare deceased for post mortem examination and assist the pathologists in all aspects of examinations, in line with HTA guidelines. Including high risk, embalmed or traumatic cases, using specialist techniques including, but not limited to, spinal cord & pituitary gland removal. Remove samples, tissues, or organs, for further examination or analysis, preserving in formalin if required. Remove, record, and dispose of implants appropriately.
Reconstruct the deceased after any examination
Provide advice on handling deceased that are contaminated by way of infection, infestation, radiation
Maintain accurate and complete records of all HTA licensable activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Identify the range of people likely to be involved in any communication, any potential communication differences, and relevance.
Ensure the smooth running of the department in relation to maintenance of equipment, facilities and estate, reporting to mortuary manager as required. Perform routine decontamination procedures. Support in stock ordering and rotation.
Communicate empathetically, and in a pleasant and helpful manner when dealing with bereaved relatives, staff, and visitors to the department.
Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation, policies, and procedures.
Recognise, reflect, and feedback appropriately on communication barriers.
Deal with enquiries and provide information regarding tissue fate/ retention.
Meet with and support recently bereaved relatives when required ensuring their needs are met in a sensitive, empathetic and caring manner, throughout viewings and identifications.
Communicate with Management staff, consultant pathologists, Clinicians, H.M. Coroner, Coroner’s Officers, Bereavement Officers, Medical Examiner Officers, Bereavement midwives, police and other mortuary staff.
Maintain good work relations with all members of staff and promote effective teamwork.
Fulfil ‘on call duties’, out of office hours & actively participate in the planning of the rota.
Be fully conversant with all departmental standard operating procedures.
Attend meetings to represent the department if required.
Actively participate in the improvement, maintenance and implementation of all Quality management systems, including QPulse, Datix, risk assessments, competencies, training and audits.
Support and mentor trainee anatomical pathology technologist(s) in their training & competencies.
Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
Treat everyone associated with Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust with dignity, courtesy and respect.
