Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
To improve and support the quality of patients care on admission and at discharge within the stroke team as well as surgical and medical areas at NUH, by the provision of a professional and effective medicines management service. Emphasis will be on the re-use and assessment of patients own medications, accurate and meticulous drug histories, thorough patient counselling, timely preparation of discharge prescriptions, one stop dispensing and authorised self- checking.
The post holder will be expected to work at both the City and Queens Medical Centre Campus
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Ward Based Activities
Drug History Taking for patients within the surgical and medical rotational specialities at NUH
This will include compiling medication histories by checking with patients, their own medication, patients medical notes, smart cards, Medway, SymtOne, GP surgeries, recent discharges and any other appropriate sources of information. To ensure that the medication history obtained is documented correctly in the inpatient chart and any discrepancies annotated in the medicine reconciliation section of the inpatient chart as per pharmacy procedure. This information is to be accurately communicated back to the ward pharmacist.
Communicating effectively, clearly and concisely complex or sensitive information to a wide range of staff, healthcare professionals and patients where there may be barriers to understanding.
Checking patients own medicines for suitability for use on admission and at discharge
Checking the transcription of medication for discharge on the etto before the Pharmacist has seen the discharge prescription.
To complete final accuracy checks of discharge prescriptions against contents of patients own drugs locker
To maintain up to date handovers on NerveCentre via the pharmacy IPads.
To be responsible for the supply of items for one-stop dispensing (and self- administration where introduced) checking the patient locker to see what supplies are still available on the ward.
To record all ward activity data each day
To highlight the need of any additional compliance aids and supply if necessary to assist with medication compliance.
To liaise with GPs, community pharmacies and other primary care professionals to ensure safe use of medicines and continuity of care is maintained.
To participate in the full programme of validated checking and training schemes in accordance with agreed protocols.
Liaise with ward and pharmacy staff to resolve any technical queries or problems with the patients, refers clinical queries to the pharmacist for resolution.
To collect and transfer patients medication between wards and departments.
In liaison with pharmacy stores, maintain and review drug supply issues relevant to the clinical area to ensure an effective and safe system of drug supply, through effective communication with relevant pharmacy and ward staff.
To assist the Medicines Information department in the co-ordination of the Drug Hazard/Recall procedure in the event of a drug recall, where appropriate.
Representing the Pharmacy Department when working in ward, clinic or other departmental environments and upholding the standards expected.
To participate in ward based audit schemes or other forms of research and development
To participate in the controlled drug retrieval of patients own medication from wards, and expired or unused ward stock. To check CD register balances and balance transfers to new CD registers. To help support the quarterly CD audits.
To be involved in the training of new clinical pharmacy ward staff and the revalidation process of existing MMTs.
To participate in the NVQ Level 3 Clinical training and assessment process of Student Technicians at Ward Level.
To be responsible for the local implementation of standards relating to medicines storage and security including:
Ambient and fridge temperature monitoring
Security of medicines storage in treatment rooms, drug trolleys, fridges, emergency trolleys and boxes, controlled drugs cupboards.
To participate and support in project works under the direction of the Lead Divisional Pharmacist.
Pharmacy Satellites/Dispensaries
To undertake a regular operational commitment in order to maintain competencies and demonstrate fitness to practice as a registered pharmacy technician. This is to include dispensing (including controlled drugs and cytotoxic drugs), accuracy checking (including controlled drugs and oral cytotoxic) and utilisation of the pharmacy computer system
To be involved in the training of Technical and ATO staff in the satellite/dispensaries. This may include undertaking competency assessments for: all new starters, trainee accuracy checkers and current accuracy checkers, ensuring that new staff inductions are carried out promptly and signed off for forwarding to the training team.
To participate in the NVQ training and assessment process of Student Technicians within the satellite/ dispensaries.
To assist in the management of the day-to-day stock holding in the satellite/ dispensaries, ensuring procedures are followed to maintain accurate stock balance; and identify, investigating and reconciling stock discrepancies in a timely manner.
To utilise the Pharmacy IT systems as required by ICT to facilitate stock control and patient information.
Other Duties
To take line management responsibility for designated staff, this is to include completing:
Personal development reviews,
Performance management
Recruitment and selection
To adhere to relevant legislation, such as the Medicines Act, GMP, H&S, COSSH, etc. and to Trust policies
To practice at all times, in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
To take responsibility for your actions as a registered pharmacy technician
To ensure safe working systems are adopted and adhered to
To maintain confidentiality in all work areas
In order to comply with the Health Act 2006 (Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Health Care Associated Infections) it is the responsibility of every member of staff to prevent and control the spread of infection following the Trusts infection control policies.These are available on the intranet in the document library under clinical policies and guidelines, infection control. If, as a routine part of your job, you do not have access to the intranet please discuss with your line manager how you can access this information to ensure that you are familiar with your responsibilities.
To demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and maintain a portfolio of practice
To undertake annual mandatory training e.g. manual handling, fire, security, basic life support etc
To undertake any other duties relevant to the grade as specified by the Head of Pharmacy and Medicine Management
General Pharmacy Department
To contribute to departmental procedures at the request of the Policies and Procedures committee.
To undertake project/audit work as required.
To participate in rostered flexible shift working including evening, weekend and bank holiday arrangements in line with service commitments. The trust is working towards a 7 day 24 hour service and at present the hours can be between 8am and 8pm
To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Where not expressly stated in the core duties include the post holders responsibilities for patient/client care, policy or service development/implementation, physical and financial resources and research & development.
GENERAL DUTIES
Please see full Job Description for a summary of general duties all employees at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are expected to comply with, including: infection control, safeguarding children young people and vulnerable adults, information governance, duty of candour, health and safety, governance and health and well-being.