University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Anatomical Pathology Technician
The closing date is 12 July 2026
The Network of Mortuaries at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire currently have vacancies in the Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) team.
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.
A full UK driving license is essential for this post. Please note that an international driving licence is not accepted.
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 desirable, we operate over 3 sites—University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation Trust 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.
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, it is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation.
Job 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.
- To 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 Coroner’s work and the routine mortuary duties.
- To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trusts 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Academy of Health Care Scientists Registration
- AAPT Membership
- HTA Consent training
- RSPH Membership
Experience
- Substantial experience as an APT
- Experience and sensitivity to cultural needs
- Experience of dealing with the bereaved
- On Call rota participation
- Experience of forensic and high-risk work
- Experience of police procedures relating to death
- Experience of training junior and support staff
- Experience of practical training for trainee pathologists
Knowledge
- Knowledge of current mortality practices
- Knowledge and experience of routine hospital post mortems, Coroner’s cases and Forensic work
- Knowledge of documentation required after death
- Knowledge of legislation associated with death and organ retention
- Knowledge and understanding of the HTA codes of practice.
- Knowledge of Best Practice set out by the AAPT
- Knowledge of best practice as set out by the RCPath
- CPD Portfolio
Skills
- To cope well with responsibility
- To work in accordance with departmental and Trust protocols
- Computer literate
- To develop personal skills and knowledge
- Full driving licence with access to own transport
- Knowledge of Q pulse or other pathology databases
- NHSBT Eye Retriever Qualification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values. (As detailed in UHCW’s Values in Action document below)
- Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Address
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
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