Mortuary team member first to complete new specialist qualification
Success at the The James Cook University Hospital for mortuary administrative assistant
A mortuary administrative assistant based at The James Cook University Hospital, has become the first within University Hospitals Tees to complete a new specialist qualification. Lee Tunley, who joined the mortuary team in 2023, has successfully achieved the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 2 Certificate in Mortuary Support for Mortuary Assistants, after completing a nine-month course that will support his future career development within mortuary services.
Lee initially began his career as a care assistant and later a senior care assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, before deciding to shift his career direction. He brought with him a wealth of experience in dementia and end of life care.
Completing his qualification
Although his role is primarily administrative and sees him supporting compliance, coroner and pathology processes and key mortuary systems, Lee believes the new qualification has expanded his overall ability to support colleagues and families.
Lee said: “My background in care has definitely givenme a head start and helps me to work with patients and their families with empathy. But the course has given me a better understanding of the practical side of working within the mortuary service.
“It means I can support my team more practically and effectively, and be there for families when needed. It has also reinforced my knowledge, so I know that what we’re doing is right and maintains high standards of care.”
The qualification, delivered through the North Tees Training Centre, covers essential areas including health and safety, infection control, and the regulatory requirements set by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
Furthering a career within the mortuary service
Looking ahead, Lee is now exploring further training to become an anatomical pathology technologist (APT), allowing him to take on a more hands-on role supporting post-mortem examinations and patient care. Lee continued: “Within the mortuary service you can see some very sad cases, but also stories of incredible resilience which can be massively life affirming. It’s a privilege to be able to support patients and families at such an important time in their lives.
“I’ve always felt comfortable with discussing end of life care and find my role both challenging and rewarding, so further advancing my career within this field feels like a natural progression.
“My managers have been supportive when undertaking the Level 2 course and have already provided further course information so that I can explore my possible route into a career as an APT.”
Encouraging others to consider the profession, he added: “If you’re interested, be curious and take that first step and make enquiries. It’s a meaningful and rewarding career.”
