Job summary PHARMACY DISPENSER/TECHNICIAN The Pharmacy Shop is the trading name for a wholly owned subsidiary (the business) of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. It operates to provide exceptional, accessible and innovative healthcare and pharmaceutical services for the Trust's patients, staff and the local community. The post holder will be employed by The Pharmacy Shop, not the NHS. The salary for this role is competitive and negotiable (equivalent to NHS bands 3 or 4) depending on experience and qualifications. We require a dependable, enthusiastic & motivated pharmacy dispenser to deliver a high quality and effective patient focused service. You would be fully supported in your personal development with a personal development plan updated annually. You must possess excellent skills in accuracy and good attention to detail as you will be responsible for dispensing hospital prescriptions. You will need to provide cover on the pharmacy counter and this will require you to be flexible and adaptable. You should possess good communication skills and be a committed team player. Hospital experience is not essential and applications from community pharmacy are welcome as training will be provided. We are ideally looking for a full time candidate (40 hours per week). For informal enquiries, please contact Salahudeen Shafi, Superintendent Pharmacist on 0161 419 4466. Main duties of the job Once training has been completed the post holder will carry out a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical activities in the dispensary and will have sufficient knowledge and experience to work unsupervised as part of the pharmacy team. There is a requirement to be accurate at all times. If the post holder is already qualified as aPharmacy Technician they must register with the GPhC. About us We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers. We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population. We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you. If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods. We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service. Benefits we offer to you: Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays NHS pension scheme membership Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further NHS Staff discounts Cycle to work scheme Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice Date posted 11 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £29,114 a year per annum pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 362-A-24-6986286 Job locations Stepping Hill Hospital Poplar Grove Stockport SK2 7JE Job description Job responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities Making orders to wholesalers and suppliers Receiving these orders, booking in the stock and processing invoices Managing stock, the layout of stock, conducting stock rotation and monitoring expiry dates Liaise with various members of the pharmacy team when solving supply problems and ensure the best service to patients Receiving prescriptions into the Pharmacy Shop for hospital outpatients and patients discharged from assessment wards. Ensuring to ask the appropriate safety questions, and communicate these to the Responsible Pharmacist. Interprets and dispenses prescriptions for outpatients and patients discharged from hospital assessment wards. Concentrate whilst dispensing prescriptions/calculating doses and quantities for supply whilst dealing with occasional interruptions. When needed, to sell over the counter medications in an appropriate and safe manner When needed to file prescriptions on a daily basis, and at the end of the month Communications To answer telephone and deal with face to face queries of a routine or technical nature from a wide range of staff groups. Refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team when necessary. To liaise with various members of the pharmacy team when solving supply problems and ensuring the best service to patients. Assists in providing information when dealing with complaints. Communicates with patients/carers when receiving prescriptions e.g. checking patients details, payment or proof of exemption, completing promise to pay forms, giving information on further supplies of medicines etc. To provide patients and carers with clear information as to the use, potential adverse effects, or monitoring of their medications. To be responsible for the accurate completion of all dispensary documentation Planning and organising Organises and prioritises own workload and when necessary assists other members of the pharmacy team. Assists in annual stock checks To be responsible for; checking expiry dates, correct storage and turnover of stock in designated sections of the pharmacy on a regular basis. Sorts, identifies, credits and recycles where appropriate, returned medicines. Issues controlled drugs (after completion of Controlled Drug training) Issues Clinical Trials and specialist products e.g. specific chemotherapy medication. To assist in the planning, implementation and operation of new technology Responsibilities for Physical and / or Financial Resources Ensures the correct prescription charge is taken To assist in the planning, implementation and operation of new services. Responsibility for Policy and Service Development and Implementation Implements all procedures, policies, guidance documents and dispensary standards provided by the department. Assist in the integration of new guidance documents and procedures into working practices. Suggest ways of improving working practices and when needed implement these changes. Responsibilities for Teaching and Training Undertake continuing professional development in order to keep pharmaceutical, clinical and technical knowledge current to ensure best practice. Identifies own training needs, annual objectives and personal development plan in line with the Departmental and Trust objectives To gain competence in dispensing Controlled drugs within a hospital environment Responsibilities for data and information resources Uses the computer system and dispensing software to its full potential including patient information details. Ensures that all documentation relating to the issue of medicines is maintained and the required information is available for statistical purposes. Use the prescription tracking system to monitor prescription turnaround times and dispensing errors. Research, Development and Audit Participates in projects of a research nature Participates in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working. Physical Skills and Effort Ability to move heavy boxes when required General Duties At all times to practice in accordance with the General Pharmaceutical'sCouncil's standards of conduct,ethics andperformance To participate in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working e.g. extended hours or 7 day service. All employees have a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard children. You must therefore be aware of child protection procedures and who to contact within the Trust for further help and guidance Observe the provisions of and adhere to all Pharmacy Shop policies and procedures. To maintain confidentiality and abide by GDPR and the Data Protection Act. To be familiar with and follow health and safety policy and procedures and to be aware of individual responsibilities under legislation, drawing any areas of potential risk to the attention of managers To attend Stockport NHS Foundation Trust mandatory training every three years or to undertake electronically as directed. To undertake any other duties which is deemed appropriate when requested by the Superintendent Pharmacist. The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and development within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder. Hand Hygiene As the Pharmacy Shop is based within Stepping Hill Hospital, to assist the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in reducing healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) all staff should be familiar with all the Trusts Infection Prevention policies which are appropriate to their role. This may require you to be familiar with the Trusts Hand Decontamination Policy, Personal Protective Equipment Policy, safe procedures for using aseptic techniques and safe disposal of sharps. You are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Prevention and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing HCAIs Safeguarding All employees have a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard children and vulnerable adults. They must therefore be aware of child protection procedures and who to contact within Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for further help and guidance Data Protection & Confidentiality To abide by all relevant Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Pharmacy Shop policies including information governance, confidentiality and data protection. The post holder is reminded that any breach of information governance and security policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action. Compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and Information Governance the post holder is required to process all personal data relating to patients and staff, in both manual and electronic records, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring the security and confidentiality of data at all times. They must not for their own benefit or gain, or to divulge to any persons, firm or other organisation whatsoever, any confidential information belonging to the Trust or relating to the Trusts affairs or dealings which may come to their knowledge during employment. Health & Safety Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Harassment & Bullying As a member of staff you have a personal responsibility to ensure you do not discriminate, harass or bully or contribute to the discrimination, harassment or bullying of any colleague(s) or visitors or condone discrimination, harassment or bullying by others. Dignity & Respect All employees have a duty to promote a harmonious working environment in which all persons are treated with dignity and respect, whilst fulfilling our legal obligations under equality legislation and associated codes of practice. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust takes the right of the patient/service user to be treated with dignity and respect seriously. We will treat every patient/service user and carer as a valued individual, with respect for his/ her dignity and privacy. Our aim is to give each patient/service user the care we would want for our families and ourselves. To undertake any other duties which is deemed appropriate to the band when requested by Senior Staff. The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and development within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder. I f successful this vacancy will require an enhanced DBS check at a cost of £45.50. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16. Job description Job responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities Making orders to wholesalers and suppliers Receiving these orders, booking in the stock and processing invoices Managing stock, the layout of stock, conducting stock rotation and monitoring expiry dates Liaise with various members of the pharmacy team when solving supply problems and ensure the best service to patients Receiving prescriptions into the Pharmacy Shop for hospital outpatients and patients discharged from assessment wards. Ensuring to ask the appropriate safety questions, and communicate these to the Responsible Pharmacist. Interprets and dispenses prescriptions for outpatients and patients discharged from hospital assessment wards. Concentrate whilst dispensing prescriptions/calculating doses and quantities for supply whilst dealing with occasional interruptions. When needed, to sell over the counter medications in an appropriate and safe manner When needed to file prescriptions on a daily basis, and at the end of the month Communications To answer telephone and deal with face to face queries of a routine or technical nature from a wide range of staff groups. Refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team when necessary. To liaise with various members of the pharmacy team when solving supply problems and ensuring the best service to patients. Assists in providing information when dealing with complaints. Communicates with patients/carers when receiving prescriptions e.g. checking patients details, payment or proof of exemption, completing promise to pay forms, giving information on further supplies of medicines etc. To provide patients and carers with clear information as to the use, potential adverse effects, or monitoring of their medications. To be responsible for the accurate completion of all dispensary documentation Planning and organising Organises and prioritises own workload and when necessary assists other members of the pharmacy team. Assists in annual stock checks To be responsible for; checking expiry dates, correct storage and turnover of stock in designated sections of the pharmacy on a regular basis. Sorts, identifies, credits and recycles where appropriate, returned medicines. Issues controlled drugs (after completion of Controlled Drug training) Issues Clinical Trials and specialist products e.g. specific chemotherapy medication. To assist in the planning, implementation and operation of new technology Responsibilities for Physical and / or Financial Resources Ensures the correct prescription charge is taken To assist in the planning, implementation and operation of new services. Responsibility for Policy and Service Development and Implementation Implements all procedures, policies, guidance documents and dispensary standards provided by the department. Assist in the integration of new guidance documents and procedures into working practices. Suggest ways of improving working practices and when needed implement these changes. Responsibilities for Teaching and Training Undertake continuing professional development in order to keep pharmaceutical, clinical and technical knowledge current to ensure best practice. Identifies own training needs, annual objectives and personal development plan in line with the Departmental and Trust objectives To gain competence in dispensing Controlled drugs within a hospital environment Responsibilities for data and information resources Uses the computer system and dispensing software to its full potential including patient information details. Ensures that all documentation relating to the issue of medicines is maintained and the required information is available for statistical purposes. Use the prescription tracking system to monitor prescription turnaround times and dispensing errors. Research, Development and Audit Participates in projects of a research nature Participates in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working. Physical Skills and Effort Ability to move heavy boxes when required General Duties At all times to practice in accordance with the General Pharmaceutical'sCouncil's standards of conduct,ethics andperformance To participate in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working e.g. extended hours or 7 day service. All employees have a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard children. You must therefore be aware of child protection procedures and who to contact within the Trust for further help and guidance Observe the provisions of and adhere to all Pharmacy Shop policies and procedures. To maintain confidentiality and abide by GDPR and the Data Protection Act. To be familiar with and follow health and safety policy and procedures and to be aware of individual responsibilities under legislation, drawing any areas of potential risk to the attention of managers To attend Stockport NHS Foundation Trust mandatory training every three years or to undertake electronically as directed. To undertake any other duties which is deemed appropriate when requested by the Superintendent Pharmacist. The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and development within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder. Hand Hygiene As the Pharmacy Shop is based within Stepping Hill Hospital, to assist the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in reducing healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) all staff should be familiar with all the Trusts Infection Prevention policies which are appropriate to their role. This may require you to be familiar with the Trusts Hand Decontamination Policy, Personal Protective Equipment Policy, safe procedures for using aseptic techniques and safe disposal of sharps. You are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Prevention and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing HCAIs Safeguarding All employees have a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard children and vulnerable adults. They must therefore be aware of child protection procedures and who to contact within Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for further help and guidance Data Protection & Confidentiality To abide by all relevant Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Pharmacy Shop policies including information governance, confidentiality and data protection. The post holder is reminded that any breach of information governance and security policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action. Compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and Information Governance the post holder is required to process all personal data relating to patients and staff, in both manual and electronic records, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring the security and confidentiality of data at all times. They must not for their own benefit or gain, or to divulge to any persons, firm or other organisation whatsoever, any confidential information belonging to the Trust or relating to the Trusts affairs or dealings which may come to their knowledge during employment. Health & Safety Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Harassment & Bullying As a member of staff you have a personal responsibility to ensure you do not discriminate, harass or bully or contribute to the discrimination, harassment or bullying of any colleague(s) or visitors or condone discrimination, harassment or bullying by others. Dignity & Respect All employees have a duty to promote a harmonious working environment in which all persons are treated with dignity and respect, whilst fulfilling our legal obligations under equality legislation and associated codes of practice. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust takes the right of the patient/service user to be treated with dignity and respect seriously. We will treat every patient/service user and carer as a valued individual, with respect for his/ her dignity and privacy. Our aim is to give each patient/service user the care we would want for our families and ourselves. To undertake any other duties which is deemed appropriate to the band when requested by Senior Staff. The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and development within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder. I f successful this vacancy will require an enhanced DBS check at a cost of £45.50. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16. Person Specification Education and Training Essential Good level of English Knowledge Essential Aware of dispensing procedures Expereince Essential Experience of working in Pharmacy Skills and Abilities Essential Good communication skills Person Specification Education and Training Essential Good level of English Knowledge Essential Aware of dispensing procedures Expereince Essential Experience of working in Pharmacy Skills and Abilities Essential Good communication skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Address Stepping Hill Hospital Poplar Grove Stockport SK2 7JE Employer's website http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)