Anatomical Pathology Technician/Trainee

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Role

Join NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as an Anatomical Pathology Technician and play a vital role in delivering a compassionate, safe, and high-quality mortuary service across one of the largest NHS organisations in the UK. Based primarily at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, you will work as part of a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team serving both hospital and community needs. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to essential diagnostic and forensic services while supporting bereaved families with dignity and respect. You will be involved in a wide range of technical and patient-facing duties within a highly specialised and rewarding environment. Applications are welcomed from both qualified professionals and individuals seeking to begin a career as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician, with full support provided through structured training and development pathways. NHSGGC offers excellent opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful difference every day.

Applicants are invited to join the mortuary team to assist in the provision of a safe, secure, effective and comprehensive mortuary service for NHSGG&C, Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service and the wider community. The role involves performing a range of mortuary associated tasks including autopsy work, liaising with funeral directors, assisting and advising bereaved families, maintaining a clean working environment, and completing all required documentation, while working collaboratively across all mortuary sites within NHSGGC.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30

Key Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists during adult and paediatric post-mortem examinations including evisceration and specimen collection
• Prepare deceased individuals for examination, including reconstruction and presentation for viewing
• Ensure post mortem rooms are appropriately equipped, maintained and compliant with health and safety standards
• Liaise with bereaved families, funeral directors and external agencies in a sensitive and professional manner
• Undertake administrative duties including accurate record keeping, documentation and release of the deceased
• Maintain cleanliness, infection control and safe handling of equipment and work areas
• Support the wider mortuary service, including working across satellite sites and contributing to team training and service delivery

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent knowledge for qualified applicants
• For trainee applicants, minimum entry qualifications for RSPH Level 3, including 3 Highers at Grade C or above or HNC SVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Experience of working with the public, ideally within a healthcare or hospital environment
• Strong interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills with the ability to support bereaved individuals compassionately
• Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection and relevant NHS policies and procedures
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage workload effectively in a demanding environment
• Awareness or experience of working with deceased individuals, including manual handling and mortuary practices, is desirable

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact

Post Mortem Manager, Deborah Brown, ***email_hidden***, 0141 451 5795

Information for candidates

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various” , we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community . We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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