Mortuary Assistant

Once trained assist with

Receive and correctly identify deceased patients arriving at the mortuary from both the hospital and external sources, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Maintain the correct storage of deceased patients in refrigerated units, always ensuring dignity and security.

Prepare deceased patients for viewing by next of kin, ensuring presentation is sensitive, respectful, and meets agreed standards.

Coordinate the release of deceased patients to funeral directors and other authorised parties, completing all required documentation.

Maintain a clean, safe, and tidy working environment throughout the mortuary, including decontamination of equipment and surfaces following use.

Assist with the dispatch of histological and toxicological specimens in accordance with Trust and legal requirements.

Support the Bereavement office team in times of short staffing.

Job Title: Mortuary Assistant Hours of Work: 34 hours per week (including on call / weekend rota)

Band or Grade: Band 3

Department: Mortuary / Bereavement Services Division: Corporate Base: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary

Managerially Accountable to: Deputy Mortuary manger / Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist

Professionally Accountable to: Mortuary Manager

Responsible for: No line management responsibilities

The Mortuary Assistant will provide essential support to the Mortuary team in the receipt, storage, and care of deceased patients. The post holder will assist with the preparation of deceased patients for viewing, and release to funeral directors, ensuring that all procedures are carried out with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with, Mortuary and Trust policies, adhering to infection control standards. The role requires a sensitive, professional approach at all times, acknowledging the emotional nature of the environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

Receive and correctly identify deceased patients arriving at the mortuary from both the hospital and external sources, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Maintain the correct storage of deceased patients in refrigerated units, always ensuring dignity and security.

Prepare deceased patients for viewing by next of kin, ensuring presentation is sensitive, respectful, and meets agreed standards.

Coordinate the release of deceased patients to funeral directors and other authorised parties, completing all required documentation.

Maintain a clean, safe, and tidy working environment throughout the mortuary, including decontamination of equipment and surfaces following use.

Assist with the dispatch of histological and toxicological specimens in accordance with Trust and legal requirements.

Support the Bereavement office team in times of short staffing.

Planning and Organisational Duties

Carry out daily work priorities within the mortuary in liaison with the Mortuary Manager and deputy manager.

Ensure mortuary equipment (refrigerators, body trolleys, etc.) is checked, cleaned, and reported as defective where necessary.

Assist in maintaining accurate mortuary records, registers, and databases in compliance with the Human Tissue Act 2004 and Trust policy.

Participate in the on-call and weekend rota to provide out-of-hours cover for the receipt of deceased patients.

Communications and Key Working Relationships

Liaise sensitively with bereaved relatives, treating all individuals with empathy, courtesy, and professionalism.

Work closely with ward staff, Bereavement Office, Coroner's Officers, and Police to ensure effective and timely communication regarding deceased patients.

Liaise with funeral directors to facilitate the respectful and timely release of deceased patients.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to provide high-quality acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, our staff are central to everything we do -- we believe that happy staff make for happy patients, and this ethos underpins our culture and our success.

We have a strong, recognised track record in staff engagement and in living our values:

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People at the Heart

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Listen and Involve

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Kind and Respectful

We are committed to placing patients at the heart of every decision and delivering safe, effective care that protects dignity and enhances experience. We seek to recruit people who share our values, our passion for high-quality care, and our belief in working together as One Team.

At WWL, we recognise the strength that comes from a rich and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of society and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Qualifications

Experience

Skills

Knowledge

Additional