Job summary
- Main area
- Pathology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 249-7578462-3
- Employer
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Great Western Hospital
- Town
- Swindon
- Salary
- £28,392 - £31,157 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 17/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Anatomical Pathology Technologist
NHS AfC: Band 4
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital.
Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.
We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Job overview
An exciting job opportunity has arisen at GWH Mortuary & Bereavement Services
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled professional to support the delivery of a safe, effective and dignified service for deceased patients and their families. Working as part of a multi‑skilled team, you will contribute to the smooth running of the mortuary, ensuring high standards of care and compliance at all times.
A solid understanding of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) regulations is essential, as you will play a key role in maintaining regulatory standards and supporting best practice across the service.
Main duties of the job
- Supporting the day‑to‑day operation of the mortuary
- Ensuring respectful and lawful care of the deceased
- Assisting with post‑mortem procedures as required
- Liaising with families, clinical teams, funeral directors and partner organisations
- Upholding HTA standards and contributing to audits and quality improvement
- Working collaboratively within a supportive, professional team
Working for our organisation
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group – a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
About Us
The Mortuary & Bereavement Services team at Great Western Hospital is committed to providing a professional, compassionate and supportive service to families and colleagues. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards and continuously improving the care we provide.
You will be joining a team that values respect, professionalism and teamwork, and where your contribution will make a meaningful difference.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist
- Knowledge and understanding of HTA regulations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work sensitively and professionally in emotionally challenging situations
- Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE English, Maths and Science
- Hold Level 3 or diploma in RSPH
- Willing to work towards RSPH level 4
- Informed Consent HTA qualification
Desirable criteria
- Biology, or Forensic qualification
- Bereavement qualification
- MEO training 26 Modles RCpath
Experience (please see attached JD for further info)
Essential criteria
- Experience working in a Mortuary and hold a level 3 qualification in RSPH
- Demonstrate an understanding of customer care when liaising with the public on the telephone, electronic and / or face to face.
- Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
- Able to explain complex medical conditions
- Ability to lift and manoeuvre deceased patients
- Dealing with bereaved and confrontational persons, either in person or over the telephone.
- Experience of team working within the Mortuary, bereavement and medical examiner office
Desirable criteria
- Bereavement training
- Working with Medical Examiner and Bereavement teams
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Samantha Cunningham
- Job title
- Service Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01793 604392
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