Anatomical Pathology Technician-Higher (Cellular Pathology-Mortuaries)

Anatomical Pathology Technician Higher (Cellular Pathology Mortuaries) Applications are invited from candidates who hold the RSPH Certificate and Diploma/Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology for a full time permanent post in the Mortuaries.

Applications may be considered from candidates with relevant mortuary experience who are willing to complete the necessary qualifications for a trainee role. These candidates would be employed under annex 21 until completion of their qualification.

The post is suitable for someone who is highly motivated, enthusiastic and a good team worker. This is a challenging and varied role in a busy and sometimes distressing environment. The postholder will be required to demonstrate high levels of sensitivity and confidentiality, good verbal and written communication skills, a high degree of organisation and time management, and the ability to work closely with the Mortuary team on a daily basis for the benefit of the community we serve. You must be able to work flexibly and adapt to the changing demands within the team.

The position will include rotation, working between the LGI & SJUH mortuaries.

The department operates an out of hours On call rota for evenings, bank holidays and weekends, participation in the rota will be required.

The department is well equipped, fully computerised and HTA and UKAS accredited.

Main duties of the job As an Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) you will be a member of a team of staff working in the mortuary. You will be required to perform the day to day tasks of the mortuary including routine and increased risk cases and advanced post mortem procedures for both adult and paediatric patients. You will also be required to work alone and independently, for example when working on call or when performing highly specialised tasks. You will be a competent member of the department having the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to perform a wide range of specialist techniques that contribute towards the provision of the mortuary service to the Trust and to HM Coroner.

You will assist in the implementation of policies and procedures including SOPs:

• Relevant to the mortuary service which operates on two sites
• Relevant to service changes which impact externally i.e. portering services and funeral directors

You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to complex and sometimes emotive situations e.g., assessing infection risk and patient conditions. You will be required to communicate information to colleagues, clinicians, funeral directors, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, Police and other external hospital and mortuary staff. You will demonstrate empathetic skills when communicating with bereaved relatives.

Subject to consultation you may be required to undertake additional tasks.

About us The department provides the Mortuary and Postmortem services for the Trust and H.M. Coroner for Leeds from the mortuaries at the LGI and SJUH hospitals as well as providing Histopathology, Non Gynae Cytology, Andrology, Muscle, Nerve, Immunohistochemistry, and Molecular services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

We are a well equipped and innovative department. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 3,000 andrology cases, 1,200 autopsy cases and 6,000 non gynaecological cytology cases per annum.

We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital we serve to expand the knowledge and skill of all grades of staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved in, and further development is encouraged.

We endeavour to follow 'The Leeds Way' at all times, and our focus is to put the patient first at all times.

Job responsibilities JOB PURPOSE

• Perform routine day to day tasks of the mortuary.
• Carry out routine and advanced post mortem procedures on both adult and paediatric patients.
• Prepare and facilitate visits for deceased patients and communicate with bereaved relatives.
• Train and supervise other AP Technicians (APT's) and Mortuary support workers (MSWs).
• Communicate with colleagues, clinicians, funeral directors, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, Police and other external hospital and mortuary staff.
• Assist in the general management requirements of the department, the compliance of the audit schedule, cleaning and maintenance etc.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

• In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you need to have successfully studied for a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RIPHH).
• In addition, you will need to 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 need to 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.
• Basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

Core behaviours and skills

• Gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes.
• Be a leading member of a team providing a clinical technical service.
• Train others and demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate.
• Work independently when and as required by the service, for instance when working on call.
• Communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically.
• Plan, and prioritise, the workload of the section in the absence of the Mortuary Manager or Senior APT Site lead.
• Work with precision and follow accurately the documented standard operating procedures.
• Operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine, infectious and advanced post mortem procedures.
• Prepare patients for visits.
• Comply with the Health and Safety requirements of the mortuary service.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records relating to patient information.
• Input, manage, extract and interpret patient data using the departmental computer system.
• 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.
• Remain competent in established procedures and develop new skills subject to the requirements of the service.
• Undertake tasks that contribute to the general management of the speciality.
• Take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work.

Core knowledge and understanding

• Coordinate the day to day activities of the mortuary in the absence of the Senior APT Site Lead.
• Perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures on both adult and paediatric patients, 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, mortuary support workers and assist with the teaching of trainee pathologists. 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 Trust's 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.
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