Job Summary
Pathology provides a full microbiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology, blood transfusion, laboratory haemophilia, and cellular pathology service to the patients of EKUHFT, general practitioners, community healthcare and private hospitals in east Kent. Cellular pathology and mortuary services are based at William Harvey Hospital (WHH), Ashford, with cellular pathology (histology and cytology) exclusively centralised to WHH, including semen analysis. A satellite laboratory within dermatology at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (K&CH) is in operation once a week to support Mohs facial surgery at that location. Full mortuary facilities are also available at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, with additional body storage at K&CH.
The post holder must contribute generally to the delivery of mortuary services and promote across site working
The individual must carry out routine and specialised mortuary techniques to a high level of competence.
The post holder will be the deputy lead specialist responsible for a team of anatomical pathology technicians and support grades and will deliver a mortuary service to achieve the objectives of an efficient and effective care of the deceased with dignity maintained at all times, and resource management within the Trust.
Main duties of the job
Responsible for organisation, maintenance of work flow and in particular responsibilities associated with their designated sections. Responsible for the teaching and development of staff currently in East Kent mortuaries ensuring common practices and adherence to department standard operating policies and procedures. Maintain an up to date knowledge of best current working practice within the mortuary service.
Show clear understanding of the Trusts on going developing policies relating to Health and safety, Clinical Governance and other managerial policies. Show competency working independently out of hours, as well as within the working day, and work as an autonomous practitioner. In the absence of the lead Anatomical Pathology Technician to be in technical charge of, and be immediately responsible for, the activities within East Kent mortuaries deploying staff and resources as appropriate at all sites. Adhere to risk management policies . Be involved in the training of Junior Doctors in Mortuary techniques . Help ensure all mortuaries operate to the standards of service and quality set by the Head of Service and Head BMS for Cellular Pathology. Will act as the individual designate for the QEQMH mortuary.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with three acute hospitals and community sites serving a local population of around 700,000.We also provide specialist services for Kent and Medway.
We care about our patients and our people. We are focused on providing outstanding, safe patient care, and a positive working culture that benefits staff and patients alike. With our emphasis on staff training and development, a staff support scheme that’s second to none, and a healthy package of benefits, it’s easy to put down roots in East Kent Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Receive, identify and store in secure, safe and hygienic conditions all bodies sent to the mortuary/post-mortem room. Ensure the safe keeping of clothing, property and valuables of the deceased and keep records when required. Maintain accurate records of all deceased and ensure all necessary paperwork is highly organised.
Personally process case notes; pathology request forms; death certificates, release and other forms
Carry out the safety precautions for the post-mortem room and mortuary recommended in the Cod of Practice promulgated by the Department of Health.
Prepare bodies for post-mortem examinations according to standard operating procedures and instructions from the pathologists and assist the pathologists during post-mortem. Assess appropriate advanced dissection techniques e.g. in RTA, suicides; and infection risks.
Perform Dissection and reconstruction, including suturing, of bodies; evisceration of organs; scalpel use suturing for facial reconstruction/ corneal retrieval and enucleation of eyes. Reconstitute bodies after post-mortem examination. Obtain samples for diagnosis. Receive, store and transmit specimens taken for analysis and laboratory examination according to COSHH and Health and Safety regulations. Collect samples for national surveys, remove body parts for use in trials
Assist pathologists in the preparation of demonstrations of post-mortem tissues for teaching purposes
Develop a system for the safe receipt, storage and release of bodies as directed by the Head BMS and in accordance with standard operating procedures. Undertake the supervision of discharging of bodies to authorised funeral directors in accordance with departmental policies. Maintain accurate records.
Participate in the testing of new equipment as directed by HOS/Head BMS
Assist the Lead Anatomical Pathology Technician in Professionally leading the development of ATO/APT staff at each of the East Kent Trust mortuaries including supervising and training of junior staff.
Participate in the Trust bereavement training programme by providing lectures
Assist in the development of rotas for the deployment of mortuary staff in East Kent within the framework set by the Head BMS/Lead Anatomical Pathology Technician. Plan & organise work priorities. Responsible for work allocation and checking.
Participate in East Kent on-call rota assisting the Coroner, police and pathologists work outside normal working hours.
Participate in the review and any changes to e.g. trust bereavement policy. Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety policies and performance of work to Clinical Pathology Accreditation standards.
Ensure that mortuary premises and equipment are cleaned and disinfected daily and that each are adequately stocked with necessary consumables.
Manage the throughput of bodies at site mortuary, ensuring discharge targets set by the Head BMS are achieved and that each mortuary operates within capacity.
Maintain the dignity of the deceased at all times. Ensure that only accepted religious rites are observed in the mortuary as authorised.
Ensure adequate stocks of consumables in QEQMH mortuary through maintenance of a stock control system, standardization of consumables and requisitioning supplies when necessary.
Ensure that body viewing areas are kept clean and tidy.
Establish and maintain liaison with hospital staff, relatives, funeral directors, police and medical staff.
To deputise for the pathology quality manager as required, in conjunction with other discipline quality leads
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Level 3 & 4 RSPH Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent knowledge
Desirable
- European computer driving licence (ECDL)
Clinical skills and experience
Essential
- Advanced sensory skill, hand eye coordination
- Ability to identify and use relevant understanding, and skills to complete tasks
- Exercise autonomy and judgement within limited parameters
- Attention to detail, quality of presentation and accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Good computer literacy
- Must have at least 4 years experience post diploma in anatomical Pathology
- Experience with bereaved relatives.
- Experience handling deceased and relatives viewing for both adults and children
Personal/professional attributes
Essential
- Recognise the values of the NHS/Public Sector and appropriate code of conduct
- Strong understanding health & safety in the mortuary
- Strong understanding of different religious beliefs surrounding death
- Strong understanding of relevant regulatory bodies
- Relevant data handling knowledge
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 16 July 2024
