AAPT Workforce Survey 2026

NHS England is currently undertaking a national review of post-mortem and mortuary services to better understand the current workforce landscape across the sector. This includes reviewing existing staffing levels, outstanding vacancies, and the workforce required to ensure services can be delivered effectively and efficiently.

As part of this work, NHS England is seeking to identify the key challenges and pressures facing mortuary services, including factors that contribute to delays in post-mortem examinations being undertaken within expected timeframes. The review is also exploring what additional support, resources, or improvements may be required to help services meet demand and minimise these delays.

The aim of this work is to identify common themes, workforce challenges, and areas for development across mortuary and post-mortem services nationally. This will help ensure that the needs of the profession are accurately represented and inform future discussions, planning, and workforce development initiatives at a national level.

It is also to give the understanding the work different mortuaries provide, i.e. Adult PM’s, Perinatal & Paediatric PM’s or Both. This survey can highlight what funding is needed, training and future proofing the mortuary service.

Who should complete the survey: Mortuary Managers, senior APT’s & Heads of service.
1.Name of Hospital / Trust / Local Authority
2.Number of mortuaries / cottage hospitals / satellite storage facilities associated and including the above Hospital/Trust/Local Authority
3.What type of Post Mortem service do you provide?
4.How many of each staffing level and bandings?
5.Staff turnover - have any members of staff left in the last 12 months?
6.If so, please provide the number of staff (and their role[s]/band[s]) that have ceased employment in the last 12 months
7.How many permanently contracted members of staff have joined the department in the last 12 months? Please provide the number of staff, and their role(s)/band(s)
8.How many permanently contracted members of staff are due to retire within the next 5 years? Please provide the number of staff, and their role(s)/band(s)
9.Number of APTs required to meet current workload?
10.Please provide any further comments in relation to workforce levels, support and suggestions
Current Progress,
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