2025/159 Trainee Pathology Anatomical Technician Permanent, Full Time

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL COMPETITION Applications are invited for the following position within the Rotunda Hospital Ref No: 2025/159 Trainee Pathology Anatomical Technician Permanent, Full Time The purpose of this post is to participate in a clinical laboratory service that supports the clinical needs of the patients in cooperation with the Consultant Histopathologist, Laboratory Manger, Chief Medical Scientist, Senior Medical Scientist and Staff Grade Medical Scientists. You'll liaise with a range of professionals, including pathologists, medical Scientists, funeral directors, Garda, the coroners office, nursing staff and bereavement teams, ensuring a respectful and seamless process from examination to funeral care. When working in the post-mortem room, you'll need to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, a theatre gown, visor and all other appropriate PPE You should be prepared for an emotionally, as well as physically, challenging working environment. A large part of the job involves responding to unexpected situations, so you'll have to be flexible and prepared to switch tasks at short notice. You will need to have a professional appearance and manner, as well as an awareness of the impact your own behaviour has on others. Rituals around death form a central part in many religious practices and you'll need to be open and, where possible, accommodating to relatives of varying religious beliefs. Work towards theRSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology), awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). This is the minimum qualification required to work as an APT. Training is carried out on the job, combining theory and practical work. The Level 3 Diploma provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to assist with a standard post-mortem examination, arrange a viewing of the body by relatives and friends of the deceased and perform routine administrative tasks. During training, you can apply for student membership of theAssociation of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT). You will be expected to complete training within two years, during which time you'll work under the close supervision of a mentor, who will be a senior work colleague. All trainees are required to complete a portfolio of evidence of their training and competence in practical APT skills. Your practical skills will be assessed independently in your workplace. Practical modules cover: Preparation and operation of a mortuary Prepare for PM examination ?Assist with PM examination ?Viewing of the deceased? ??Effective team working You'll also undertake five theory modules covering: Human Anatomy & Physiology for APTs ?Governance & Administration of mortuary practices ?Health & Safety in the mortuary ?Microbiology & Infection control for APTs ?Principals of effective communication for APTs Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, England. or Such equivalent Qualification as may be approved by the Minister of Health from time to time. or An applicant who may wish to develop a career in this field may be considered. Skills, competencies and/or knowledge The successful candidate should: Be of good character Have a basic knowledge of human anatomy Have a strong grasp of health and safety practices, including infection control and manual handling Excellent attention to detail, particularly when recording data and handling specimens Have the ability to stay calm, focused and professional in emotionally charged or distressing situations Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with compassion when supporting bereaved families An empathetic, respectful and non-judgemental approach when dealing with people from diverse backgrounds Team working skills for working with Pathologists and liaising with other professionals such as the Garda, funeral directors and the Coroners office Written communication skills for record keeping Initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision Organisational and time management skills Confidence in your own judgement Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the wide range of religious, non-religious and cultural practices surrounding death, bereavement and healthcare. A proactive and self-motivated approach to work with a willingness to learn and develop professionally Basic IT skills and an understanding of confidentiality and data protection in handling sensitive personal information Be aware of legal and ethical frameworks, including the Human Tissue Act 2024 Principal Duties and Responsibilities General ?Support the Rotundas strategy to; deliver a broad range of healthcare services for women, provide outstanding care for mothers and babies, ensuring an excellent patient experience and to support and develop staff. ?Be familiar with the contents and carry out his/her activities in compliance with the Laboratory and Hospital Safety Statement. ?Use personal protective equipment and equipment provided for securing his/her health and safety at work. ?Must not intentionally or recklessly interfere with any appliance or protective clothing. ?Comply with duties imposed on all employees by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and The Human Tissue Act 2024. ?Ensuring that the laboratory operates within a quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO 15189 Medical laboratories Requirements for quality and competence. ?Be flexible in this role and agreed to deputise for colleagues in the laboratory where authorised to do so. ?The Histology and Mortuary Departments form part of the general Pathology Department and you may be asked to work across the entire Pathology Department. This will be at the discretion of your Line Manager. Specific ?To be responsible for the daily administration, cleaning, disinfection and care of the mortuary, to ensure that it is hygienic, safe and efficient at all times.To report deficiencies to the head of the department ?To clean, sterilise and maintain equipment and instruments required by the Pathologists. ?To be responsible for the reception, identification and storage in secure, safe and hygienic conditions, of all bodies received and to ensure all specimens taken at post mortem examination and placenta examinations are handled in the correct manner. ?To undertake the supervision of the discharge of the deceased to authorised funeral directors in accordance with the law and safety procedures. ?To keep accurate records of the deceased in the mortuary register. To maintain accurate mortuary register and autopsy register. ?To assist in the compilation of statistics relating to these records. ?To ensure the safekeeping of clothing, property and valuables of the deceased and record same, if so required. ?To establish and maintain liaison with hospital staff, relatives, funeral directors, Garda, Medical staff and the Coroners Office. ?To arrange for relatives and Garda to identify and to view the deceased and deal sympathetically with bereaved persons. ?To ensure that all rites of various religious denominations are observed. ?To prepare bodies for post-mortem examinations according to the instructions of the Pathologists. ?To assist Pathologists during the post-mortem examination. ?To receive and transmit specimens taken for analysis and laboratory examinations in a safe manner.To keep a record of the same. ?To collect placentae from the Labour ward, to login and print cassettes, to take cultures etc. when required. ?To examine placentae and section, store where necessary and dispose of according to hospital policy. ?To prepare bodies in an acceptable form after post-mortem examinations. ?To maintain stocks of disposable materials and of instruments necessary for the above procedures.To liaise with the administrators responsible for their provisions. ?To be available when required by the Coroner, Garda and the Pathologist for work outside normal working hours. ?To supervise and help to train any new staff as requested by the Mortuary Manager. ?To carry out the safety precautions for the post-mortem room and the mortuary. ?To comply with hospital policies and practices e.g. Fire Policy, Health and Safety, GDPR and other such mandatory policies. ?To ensure that the correct PPE is worn at all times. ?Treat all information regarding patients and staff as strictly confidential. ?To perform such other duties as appropriate to Office as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Hospital Management. ?Comply with relevant procedures, methods and quality standards as documented in the quality manual All informal enquiries in relation to this post can be made to . Applications should be made via this platform and should include a current Curriculum Vitae and cover letter. Closing Date: Friday 28th November 2025. Skills: 2025/159 Trainee Pathology Anatomical Technician Permanent, Full