Job summary
We currently have vacancy for a Pharmacy Technician to support the Pharmacy Dispensary within Northampton General Hospital. The candidate should be a registered Pharmacy Technician, or suitable for registration.
Recently/soon to be qualified Pharmacy Technicians are welcome to apply. Excellent training will be provided to develop your knowledge and skills in a thriving NHS hospital setting.
All candidates should be positive about the extended role of Pharmacy Technicians, and enthusiastic to develop themselves and the work of the team. They must also be able to work within different pharmacy environments and be a proactive member of staff.
The Pharmacy Service is well developed and forward thinking, providing Clinical Pharmacy Services, a Stock and 'Topping Up' Service and the Medicine Management Service to specific wards. We have a busy Technician-led licensed Aseptic Service Unit preparing TPN, cytotoxics and radiopharmaceuticals, a Quality Control Unit, Trials Department and a Distribution Service.
Main duties of the job
The Main duties of this dispensary based job role include:
To accurately and promptly dispense prescriptions for in-patients, out-patients, day-patients and leave/discharge patients.
To issue dispensed medicines to patients and confirm that they know how to use them.
To supply Controlled Drugs and keep appropriate records.
To undertake 'final-checking' according to a defined policy when competence has been proven.
To undertake 'Enhanced Patient Counselling' following appropriate training.
To partake in the 'late night' and weekend service provided by the Dispensary department.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assist in the provision of medicines for the treatment of patients. This will include the following tasks:
To accurately and promptly dispense prescriptions for in-patients, out-patients, day-patients and leave/discharge patients.
To issue dispensed medicines to patients and confirm that they know how to use them.
To supply Controlled Drugs and keep appropriate records.
To undertake final-checking according to a defined policy when competence has been proven.
To undertake Enhanced Patient Counselling following appropriate training.
If required, to take part in the staff rotation system and undertake duties elsewhere in the Pharmacy to maintain the service.
If required, to issue and/or top-up supplies of stock preparations for wards, departments and other areas.
To assist in maintaining appropriate storage and stock levels of medicines in Pharmacy Departments to ensure quality, potency and economy.
To help maintain an accurate computerised Pharmacy stock control system; to take part in daily stock checks.
To assess and return medicines for re-use in accordance with the departmental policy.
To maintain necessary records. If required, to collate information and present reports.
To undertake appropriate duties in the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Service.
Other Duties.
This will include the following tasks:
If required, to deputise for Senior Pharmacy Technicians.
To assist in the training of pharmacy and other staff, and the supervision of Pharmacy Dispensers.
To undertake other duties elsewhere in the locality
Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
1. Evidence of accuracy
2. Effective communicator, verbal and written
3. Ability to work effectively under pressure
4. Computer skills (dispensing, stock control)
Personal Qualities /Attributes
Essential
5. Both full and part-time candidates should have the ability to work shifts that will cover 7 days of the week as the NHS moves towards 7 day service provision
6. To be able to deal with confidential information correctly.
7. Able to work until closing time on one day per week (same day each week as part of the 'late night' team)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
8. Technical 'final-check' of dispensed medicines
9. How dispensing errors occur
10. Experience with computerised stock control system
11. Counselling patients in use of their medicines.
12. Good manufacturing practice.
Desirable
13. Training of other staff
14. Hospital Pharmacy experience
15. Knowledge of medicines, including how to handle potentially hazardous medicine / substances.
16. Supervisory role within pharmacy.
Education Training & Qualifications
Essential
17. Qualified Pharmacy Technician or currently enrolled on course to become a qualified Technician within the next 12 months
18. Registered Technician with GPhC if qualified.