Anatomy Pathology Technician; APT

Anatomy Pathology Technician (APT), Band 5+

Trust:
East Suffolk and North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Location:

Ipswich Hospital – Mortuary
Placement Dates: ASAP start, 3‑month assignment

Hours:

37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern:
Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00
Compliance Requirements:
Fully compliant to framework standards
Assignment Code/Band:
Band 5 and above depending on experience

Role Summary

The Anatomy Pathology Technician (APT) supports the efficient daily operation of the mortuary, ensuring a hygienic, safe and fully compliant environment. Duties include receiving, identifying and securely storing the deceased, preparing bodies for post‑mortem examination, assisting with evisceration and sampling, handling specimens and reconstituting bodies after examination. The role requires strict adherence to Trust policies, infection control, health and safety legislation and Human Tissue Authority standards.

The APT communicates professionally with bereaved families, funeral directors, police and Coroner’s Officers, facilitating identification procedures while maintaining sensitivity and professionalism. The role also includes accurate record‑keeping relating to deceased individuals, property, post‑mortem documentation and tissue or organ samples, as well as supporting clerical tasks in the Bereavement Suite when required.

Technical tasks include photographing post‑mortem findings, managing histology specimens in accordance with SOPs, and assisting with tissue and organ retrieval for donation, including coordination with UK Transplant for corneal retrieval. The post requires resilience, manual dexterity, concentration and experience in post‑mortem procedures, including forensic cases.

Essential Requirements

* Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (or equivalent).

* Proven post‑mortem experience, including forensic cases.

* Ability to communicate sensitively with bereaved families.

* Knowledge of dissection techniques, health and safety and infection control procedures