Job responsibilities
Organisational and Administrative
- To keep accurate records of jewellery or valuables that may accompany patients.
- To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices for the Human Tissue Authority
- To advise Senior staff when stock levels of chemicals and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.
- To book and facilitate groups attending the mortuary for lectures, under the supervision of qualified staff.
- To book viewings and when necessary accompany relatives into the viewing room, under the supervision of qualified staff.
- To arrange official identification on behalf of HM Coroner and when necessary act as identifying officer, under the supervision of qualified staff.
- To comply with reasonable requests by more senior staff.
- To be responsible for the release and transfer of patients from the unit to the authorised person for collection.
Scientific and Technical
1. To assist the medical staff with routine post-mortem examinations (adult and paediatric), excluding High-Risk Cases, under the supervision of qualified staff i.e.
Organise the list for the days cases
Check the authorisation and extent of the post-mortem examination
Liaise with all staff who are to be present during the examination
Gather all notes, x-rays and information for the Pathologist
Prepare patients for examination
Perform external examination
Perform basic evisceration as per instruction from the pathologist
Take any relevant samples and send or store them respectively
Record weights, measurements and notes
2. To reconstruct patients (adult and paediatric) following a routine post-mortem examination under the supervision of qualified staff.
3. To take pictures during the post-mortem examination using the digital camera.
4. To process digital images using the PC and record them to a master folder.
5. To prepare the post-mortem room and equipment for routine and paediatric post-mortem examinations.
6. To receive patients and ensure that they are accurately identified, registered, weighed and measured prior to storage.
7. To layout and prepare patients for viewing.
8. To ensure that relatives are supported and treated with courtesy and consideration at all times.
9. To assist the pathologist during cut up sessions following fixation of tissue samples after the post mortem examination,
10. To deliver or arrange delivery of samples taken at post mortem examination
11. To maintain equipment on a day-to-day basis is accordance with department policies/procedures and in accordance with manufactures guidelines.
12. To assist more senior APTs in maintaining high scientific standards within the unit.
13. To carry out any cleaning and dressing of patients as required
14. To disinfect all tools and surfaces in the PM room after the days examinations are complete
15. To assist the other APTs in cleaning all of the areas within the Mortuary.
Laboratory Informatics
1. To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other Mortuary and Bereavement information.
2. To use the Mortuary information database according to the authorised protocols.
3. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of written Mortuary and Bereavement records and databases.
Health and Safety
1. To adhere to all departmental and Mortuary Health and Safety regulations and policies.
2. To ensure all legislation in relation to Bereavement, Mortuary and post mortem services are strictly adhered to.
3. Ensure staff adherence to Trust and local policies and report any non-compliance or licensing breach to the relevant line manager.
4. To keep the workplace and work areas clean and tidy.
5. To disinfect the routine post-mortem room, including drains on a daily basis.
Quality
1. To assist more senior APTs and above in maintaining high quality standards within MBS.
2. To attend departmental meetings as required.
3. To participate in clinical audits as directed by you line manager.
4. To adhere to all regulations set out by the Human Tissue Authority and to inform the line manager of any observed breach in licensing conditions.
Training and Development
1. To train in all practical aspects of Anatomical Pathology techniques.
2. To train in all theory related aspects of Anatomical Pathology Technology i.e. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
3. To be responsible for his/hers continuing professional development under the supervision of their line manager
4. To comply with departmental training support policies
5. To keep up-to-date with current Mortuary and Bereavement practises and guidance from the Human Tissue Authority, Health and Safety Executive and any other professional body relating to Mortuaries, post-mortem rooms and retained organs.
6. To periodically review progress and performance regarding TAPT logbook with the senior APT or line manager.
