Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT)

Mortuary Services at the Whittington Hospital

Mortuary Services at the Whittington hospital incorporates a busy hospital mortuary as well as a public mortuary for the London Borough of Islington. The mortuary is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority, the UK regulatory body that oversees the use, storage and disposal of human tissue. An autopsy service of the highest standard is provided both for the hospital and H.M Coroner, Inner North London District.

The mortuary also offers a CT scan autopsy service to the police and wider community.

An opportunity has arisen within this mortuary for a newly qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician to join our team. The individual must hold the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent. They must be motivated, enthusiastic and flexible and able to work in a challenging and sensitive environment with a calm and professional attitude. Frequent exposure to emotional and distressing situations is required to carry out this role.

Role Responsibilities:

• Contribute to supporting the hospital Medical Examiner (ME) system.
• Administration of documentation pertaining to patients that die within the hospital and local community.
• Carry out the technical work of the department with particular reference to the management of the autopsy suite and body handling area as required by the mortuary manager and senior APT.
• Assist the mortuary manager and Senior APT in the monitoring and control of work and supervision and training of junior staff.
• Display good organisational skills, whilst carrying out varied and complex tasks.
• Assist with the arrangement of ‘Public Health’ funerals’ on behalf of London Borough of Islington.
• Close liaison with a variety of other professions including Coroner’s officers, police, doctors, nursing staff and funeral directors is therefore an essential function, as is communication with bereaved family and friends.
• Participate in the ‘Out of Hours’ on call system.