JOB PURPOSE To perform routine day to day tasks of the mortuary To carry out routine and advanced post mortem procedures To prepare bodies for viewing and communicate with bereaved relatives. To train and supervise other AP Technicians (APT's). To communicate with colleagues, clinicians, undertakers, HM Coroner, and HM Coroners Officers. To assist in the general management requirements of the department KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied for a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RIPHH). In addition you will have wide experience within the speciality, including a thorough understanding of the range of working practices relating to advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. You will have developed a range of competencies and specialist knowledge within the discipline through wide practical experience, in house training and structured study and will continue to develop your skills and knowledge. You may be required to assist in the general management of the department. Any training required for this will be provided. In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS In order to work effectively in the role you as the jobholder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes and abilities. These will include: - to gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes - to be a leading member of a team providing a clinical technical service - to train others and demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate - to work independently when and as required by the service, for instance when working on-call. - to communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically - to plan, and prioritise, the workload of the section in the absence of the Chief APT or Senior APT Site lead - to work with precision and follow accurately the documented standard operating procedures - to operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently - to perform routine, infectious and advanced post mortem procedures - to prepare bodies for viewing - to comply with the Health and Safety requirements of the mortuary service - to maintain accurate and confidential records relating to patient information - to input, manage, extract and interpret patient data using the departmental computer system - to contribute actively towards the improvement of general service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members and leaders of other sections within the speciality - to remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills subject to the requirements of the service - to undertake tasks that contribute to the general management of the speciality - to take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING As the jobholder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to: - Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the mortuary in the absence of the Chief APT or Senior APT Site Lead. - Perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures including advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. These procedures will include the safe and effective use of highly complex laboratory equipment. Your level of knowledge and understanding of these procedures will be consistent with that to allow you to recognise system failures and errors. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures. - Teach and train other anatomical pathology technicians. Demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate. - Communicate and liaise with staff within the Department and with pathologists, clinical staff, bereavement nurses, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, police officers, funeral directors and bereaved relatives. - Handle property belonging to the deceased in a secure manner. Maintain stock control and requisition items as required. - Have knowledge and understanding of current national legislation and guidelines relevant to the speciality - Have knowledge and understanding of the Human Tissue Act and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and its impact on the Mortuary Services - Understand the Trusts HTA Pathology Licence structure and your responsibilities - Participate actively in departmental quality assurance activities. Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met together with the ability to recommend appropriate improvements. - Participate in performing audits for UKAS and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Licensing requirements - Participate in maintaining external accreditation compliance, by UKAS and the Human Tissue Authority. - Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, breaches of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials. - Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care. - Observe the requirements of departmental policies relating to service provision, for example sample labeling and adverse event reporting. - Observe the requirements of Trust policies relating to clinical and people governance. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY - To perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures including advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. These are highly developed physical skills where accuracy is important. Eg dissection and reconstruction of bodies (including facial reconstruction), suturing, evisceration of organs. - Assist in dealing with all aspects of "High Risk" cases Hazard group 3 eg. HIV, Hepatitis C, Creutzfeldt-Jacob - To perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. - To plan the day-to-day activities within the mortuary in the absence of the Chief APT or Senior APT Site Lead, and to provide cover on other sites as required. - To give professional advice, and to communicate accurately sensitive and / or complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. (Examples of users are: pathologists, clinical staff, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, police officers, funeral directors and bereavement nurses). - To give professional advice to undertakers and bereaved relatives. - To communicate with bereaved relatives regarding sensitive situations, and where there may be barriers to understanding. - To enter, manage, retrieve and interpret complex patient information using the laboratory computer system. - To provide body registration and release using manual backup procedures when necessary using the correct paperwork - To participate in equipment testing and adaptation as a function of service development - To provide training to support and technical staff - To ensure the security of the mortuaries is maintained at all times - To undertake training that may be deemed appropriate for personal and professional development within the post - To contribute to general departmental management by performing, subject to consultation, such tasks as delegated by the Mortuary Manager This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS The jobholder will have frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions eg frequent exposure, in controlled conditions, to body fluids, contaminated tissues and fluids (infection risks), and handling decomposed bodies. The nature of this work is highly distressing and highly emotional eg dealing with child and infant deaths, disfigured bodies and communicating with bereaved relatives. This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision eg dissection technique and reconstitution of bodies. This job may require the holder to participate in stock control, including movement of goods, and the movement of bodies, some of which will require the use of lifting equipment. This will require frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg, and occasionally heavy loads. As a general requirement of this job, the holder will be expected to carry out a number of specialist technical procedures, where concentration is required. These periods of concentration will be daily and prolonged. Occasional exposure to physical aggressive behaviour eg when dealing with bereaved relatives. Occasional exposure to verbal aggression via the telephone can occur. The service is delivered from a two different sites and you will be required, to work on either site on rotation and may be required, to travel between sites at short notice. You will be required to participate in the On-Call Rota for provision of mortuary services.