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Job summary

Main area
Pathology, Mortuary
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3/4
Contract
Permanent: With on call
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Additional on call)
Job ref
218-AHP-B4-7553598
Employer
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Town
Coventry
Salary
£24,937 - £30,162 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
30/10/2025 23:59
Interview date
11/11/2025

Employer heading

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust logo

Anatomical Pathology Technician / Trainee

NHS AfC: Band 3/4

Job overview

The Network of Mortuaries at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire currently have vacancies in the Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) team. Trainee APTs that are currently undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in APT are also encouraged to apply. Other candidates with mortuary experience who have not yet commenced an APT diploma may be considered for interview should no suitable qualified persons be appointed and will be paid at band 3 until their qualification is complete.

Our Mortuary network cares for over 4,000 patients per year. We are the busiest forensic department in the region serving West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwick Police forces, with over 1,000 patients each year.   We undertake a variety of work to include forensic work and we are in the process of expanding our mortuary capacity as we strive to continually improve our services.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP. 

Main duties of the job

To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trust’s mortuaries, performing a broad range of technical work activities ensuring that the provision of an efficient service that is in accordance with Trust, Coroner’s and Department of Health regulations and requirements.

To participate in the on call service for the forensic services (including out of hours) and be available whenever possible for any hospital enquiries, working across all 3 sites.

We expect the candidate to be computer literate as the role involves the use of Microsoft packages.

A full driving license with access to own transport is disirable, we operate over 3 sites- University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation rust and Rugby St Cross Hospital and you are expected to help support all sites.

You will be required to have good communication and keyboard skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

At UHCW we follow national, departmental and trust standards and protocols including the HTA codes of practice and adhere to UKAS, CQC, RCPath guidelines. We prepare for our HTA and UKAS inspections by maintaining high standards of quality by conducting audits, formulating risk assessments/SOPs and investigating incidents in which you will be required to co-ordinate the team.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our department of 14 staff work across the sites of UHCW, South Warwick and Rugby St Cross Hospitals. As a trained APT you will be required to have an understanding of current mortuary practice and have knowledge of routine hospital post mortems, high risk cases, Coroner’s cases, forensic work and paediatrics, including the documentation and legislation associated with death and organ retention. Previous experience of dealing with the public and being sensitive to cultural needs and dealing with the bereaved is required. All members of our team support the bereavement team.

  • o keep accurate and complete records and ensure that the mortuary registers are kept up to date.
  • To supervise the daily mortuary activities as part of the team.
  • To work alone when necessary to facilitate the Coroners work and the routine mortuary duties.
  • To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trust’s mortuaries.
  • To ensure that all deceased are admitted and registered following Trust policy.
  • To ensure that all deceased are released from the mortuary following Trust policy.
  • To arrange and prepare viewings/Ids in the viewing room.
  • To accompany families to the viewing room as needed.
  • To liaise with next of kin in a professional, sympathetic but practical manner.
  • To arrange official identifications on behalf of Her Majesties Coroner and when necessary act as Identifying Officer.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • See supporting documents
Desirable criteria
  • See supporting documents

Experience

Essential criteria
  • See supporting documents
Desirable criteria
  • See supporting documents

Knowledge

Desirable criteria
  • See supporting documents

Skills

Essential criteria
  • See supporting documents
Desirable criteria
  • See supporting documents

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • See supporting documents

Employer certification / accreditation badges

No smoking policyAge positiveDisability confident leaderImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Pathway to excellenceCare quality commission - GoodPregnancy Loss PledgeHeart Charter

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Matthew Rogers
Job title
Mortuary Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02476967516
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