Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Pathology Department at Cwm Taf Morgannwg for full time Bereavement Officer to provide compassionate care to bereaved families and support death certification processes.

·         The post holder will provide a professional, proactive and flexible service to relatives of patients who have died on the wards within the hospital.  They will ensure that the service is sensitive and empathetic to the difficulties families may face during this time.

·         The post holder will manage the death certification process whilst ensuring that Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB)’s statutory obligations are fulfilled.

The post holder will work closely with other key professionals to develop a seamless service and to ensure bereaved families are aware of the support available from outside agencies.

Main duties of the job

Liaise with the hospital mortuary on a daily basis to ascertain the details of patients who have become deceased during the previous 24 hours.

The post holder will either be contacted by the next of kin or make contact with the next of kin, to establish the deceased funeral requests.

Provide support and guidance to the next of kin regarding the death registration process, requiring compassion and a calm, empathic manner.

Ensure the deceased medical notes are received by the Medical Examiners Service in a timely manner.

Liaise with doctors and the Medical Examiners service to ensure death certification is accurately completed as quickly as possible.

Assist colleagues where a coroner’s referral is required.

Where there is no next of kin, the post holder will represent CTMUHB in the registration and arrangement of the deceased funeral, and will liaise with the hospital contracted Funeral Director.

Be responsible for keeping accurate database records of deceased patients.

Be required to complete audits to evidence the timely production of death certification.

Welsh Skills Desirable: This post is advertised as Welsh Desirable at Level 3 Speaking/Listening (or ‘B1’ Level if you’ve learnt Welsh as an adult). This doesn’t mean you have to be fluent or able to write long reports in Welsh; it just means being able to hold simple conversations with patients. Have a look at the ‘Croeso Candidate!’ guide attached below for more information.

Working for our organisation

Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM) University Health Board, part of NHS Wales, serves a large population across a diverse and beautiful region, steeped in history and heritage. With nearly 13,500 staff, our health board is one of Wales’s largest employers.

Together, we are Team CTM; a workforce dedicated to offering excellent patient care and support to the 450,000 people across our three regions, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf. We operate three District General hospitals, several community hospitals, primary and community care facilities.

CTM’s location offers the best of South Wales, just 20 minutes from Cardiff’s vibrant city life, the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons, and the serene coastline at Ogmore. Whether you enjoy lively urban amenities, peaceful countryside, or seaside escapes, our location makes an ideal setting for both work and personal life.

Our CTM 2030 Strategy—Our Health, Our Future—focuses on uniting our region around shared health and wellbeing goals. Our values guide us daily:

•              We listen, learn, and improve

•              We treat everyone with respect

•              We work together as one team

CTM employees enjoy benefits including; a leading pension, generous leave, flexible work, career growth, and access to ongoing learning and development.

At CTM, you’ll find a welcoming, team-oriented workplace that values diversity and compassion, where you can take pride in your work and the difference it makes.