At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
Job overview
The post holder will provide mortuary services for the Trust, including technical assistance to Pathologists during post mortem examination of deceased and will liaise sensitively with relatives of deceased. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
To supervise staff and provide training and support for any Trainee APT staff.
The post holder will be required to participate in the out of hour's rota.
Main duties of the job
* Assist with preparing a deceased for post mortem examination including evisceration as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
* Perform a range of specialist and routine post mortems and PMCT preparation techniques autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease process under investigation.
* Reconstruction of the deceased following a post mortem examination as requested and with the authority of the Pathologist.
* Provide technical assistance during forensic autopsies and undertake additional specialised technical duties associated with forensic autopsy service.
Working for our organisation
* Able to deliver a safe effective service as required by the division and Trust.
* Be polite and professional at all times.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical Governance
* Participate in audit processes as required.
* Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities.
* Attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
Management
* To assist with the development of Mortuary protocols.
* To deal with and try to resolve technical problems as they arise and report them to senior mortuary staff.
* Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
* To assist in the supervision of qualified and unqualified staff.
Education and Development
* Continue learning and development as an ongoing process.
* Ensure that technical competencies are maintained.
* Undertake training and supervision of Trainee APT and APT1 staff.
* Demonstrate the work of the Department to medical, nursing staff, students and other visitors.
Clinical
* Clerical duties, including use of computers, data entry, telephone enquiries, faxing and handling of mail.
* Check and complete all documentation in accordance with Standard Operational Procedures.
* Receive deceased from the hospital and community in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
* When necessary surgically remove pacemaker from the deceased prior to release for cremation.
* Perform the procedure for decontamination of the post mortem room following a post mortem examination in accordance with the Standard Operational Procedure.
* Use and maintenance of manual and automated equipment.
* Transfer biological samples to other departments for testing.
* Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels.
* Arrange viewings for relatives and police, prepare deceased for viewings in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure and accompany bereaved relatives whilst viewing the deceased.
* Release of deceased to funeral directors or other authorised person in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
* Check and complete documentation and prepare foetal remains for transfer to Crematorium in accordance with Standard Operational Procedure.
* Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with HTA guidelines.
* Work in a safe manner in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Health and Safety
The post holder must not wilfully endanger him/herself or others while at work. Safe working practices and safety precautions must be adhered to. Protective clothing and equipment must be used where appropriate.
All accidents must be reported to your line manager and you are asked to participate in accident prevention by reporting potential hazards.
Security
The post holder has a responsibility to ensure the preservation of NHS property and resources.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in all aspects of work.
Smoking
The Trust operates a no smoking policy which applies to all staff, patients and visitors and extends to the hospital grounds as well as internal areas.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Cert/ Diploma or level 3&4
* Post Qualification Experience
* Good knowledge of routine and forensic post mortems
* Understanding of HTA codes of practice
* Experience in the statutory process surrounding death and the medical examiners service
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)
If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained.
The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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