Job summary
At West Suffolk Hospital, our
patients are at the heart of everything we do. Were dedicated to delivering
the best quality and safest care to our local communities and need dedicated
and skilled people to help us achieve this.
To maintain this standard, we
are offering candidates the opportunity to apply for the post of Senior
Pharmacy Dispensary Assistant and be based within the Pharmacy Department at
West Suffolk Hospital.
The postholder will form part
of the dispensary team and be responsible for supplying pharmaceutical items to
wards and departments across various sites in West Suffolk.
Involvement with dispensary tasks
will be the primary area of work, however it may be necessary to undertake
other reasonable duties to meet the needs of the service.
Senior Pharmacy Assistants are
valued members of the team and play an important part in maintaining effective
workflow and departmental efficiencies.
This is an exciting
opportunity for individuals to provide high-quality patient care to those that
need it whilst working with an excellent and experienced team committed to its
very delivery.
As a department we are very forward thinking and utilise technology to increase efficiencies and reduce errors. This includes a fully electronic prescribing system for maintenance of patient records and use of our dispensary robot to process inpatient requests and discharge medication.
Main duties of the job
As part of the dispensary team,
the postholder will dispense and label medicines, including controlled drugs,
for supply to wards and departments located both internal and external to the Trust.
This includes prescriptions
for patients attending outpatient clinics within the hospital, supplying
essential medication and medical devices to those that need them.
Inpatient and outpatient
reception duties are an essential part of the role, with the postholder utilising
effective communication, customer service and organisational skills, ensuring
effective information cascade to staff and members of the public.
The postholder will act as a
point of contact for dispensary queries and provision of advice, liaising
accordingly with the Dispensary Manager, to complete necessary tasks.
All duties must be performed
to a high standard, conforming to approved departmental standard operating
procedures, to ensure quality is maintained and to support operation of the
medicines management service.
Training and development are
key factors in our commitment to staff and we strongly support progression of
individuals to help achieve their potential.
Experience of working in a
busy hospital pharmacy is beneficial, however, necessary training will be
provided for those with a community pharmacy or non-hospital sector background.
This
is a great opportunity to develop your pharmacy career and make a real
difference to the lives of those who need our services.
About us
#BeKnown
at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to
more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for,
treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community
settings.
The
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care
services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery
unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+
beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult
and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk
Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing
temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We
do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our
values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we
work and behave as a team.
With
nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation
a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be
the best you can be.
We
promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you
can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join
us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description for more detail in supporting information and information regarding parking
JOB PURPOSE:
To dispense medication requests in accordance with approved standard operating
procedures.
To assist in the replenishment of medicine supplies to wards and other
departments.
To ensure working areas are maintained in a clean and tidy condition,
free from unwanted materials and equipment.
To ensure faults, damaged equipment or facilities are reported
immediately to a Senior Technician or Pharmacist.
To be aware and comply with policies and procedures relating to Health
and Safety/COSHH issues regarding handling of potentially hazardous materials.
To promote and participate in the principles of robust clinical
governance within pharmacy.
To participate in late, weekend and bank holiday shift work.
To undertake reasonable duties as deemed necessary for the needs of the
service.
To comply with all Standard Operating Procedures affecting their work.
KEY TASKS:
1. Dispensary
Dispense
inpatient, outpatient, and discharge medication requests
in accordance with standard operating procedures.
If
the necessity arises and with additional training and assessed competence,
check items for inpatient, outpatient, and discharge supply in accordance with standard
operating procedures.
Ensure
that to follow items are issued promptly.
Dispense
controlled drugs and ensure legal recording processes are followed.
Restock
the dispensary with consumables and disposables.
Act
as a messenger in the delivery of controlled drugs and other items.
Investigate
discrepancies in stock levels, liaising with the dispensary manager and procurement
manager as required.
Adjust
stock levels on the pharmacy computer system under the direction of the
procurement manager.
Complete
daily stock checks under the direction of the dispensary manager and/or procurement
manager, highlighting areas for further attention.
Support
delivery of the ward top-up service as necessary.
Assist
in specific cleaning duties within the pharmacy department.
Undertake
reception and administrative duties for the process of receipt and issue of
dispensed and non-dispensed items.
2. Education and Training
Assist
in the provision of training of staff in dispensary duties.
Work with the Education and Training team to develop, update and
deliver dispensary training packages.
Undertake mandatory training and development as required of
the role.
NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification
is essential for band 3 status. Applicants will be considered for employment if
currently undertaking study for the necessary qualification.
However, band 3 status will not be assigned until qualification has been
attained. During this interim period, successful applicants will be employed at
band 2 level.
3. Communication
Communicate medicine related information to healthcare staff,
patients, and relatives; including people who may have language difficulties, and/or
a physical or mental disability.
Implement effective intra-departmental communication with:
o
Pharmacy Assistants
o
Pharmacy Technicians
o
Pharmacists
o
Pre-registration students
o
Administrative staff
Implement effective communication with other health care
professionals.
Always communicate in a way which reflects the Trust Values
& Behaviours.
4.
Health,
Safety & Security
Report any incidents/accidents and near misses in accordance
with the Trusts incident reporting procedure.
Ensure own safety and the safety of others who may be
affected by the Trusts business.
Comply with all Trust policies and procedures in order to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of anyone affected by the Trusts
business.
Comply with the Trusts Risk Management Strategy and
Directorate/Department health and safety policies and procedures.
Ensure that equipment provided for the protection of health
and safety is well-maintained and used appropriately.
Comply with emergency procedures e.g. resuscitation, evacuation,
and fire precaution procedures.
Comply with the requirements of mandatory training.
5.
Quality/Clinical
Governance
Have a basic knowledge of principles of clinical governance
and understand what the benefits for patients and staff are.
Understand the clinical governance structure within the organisation
and how you may be involved.
Participate in clinical governance activities within the
Trust, and where applicable across organisational boundaries e.g. customer
satisfaction surveys.
Ensure that you continuously contribute to, and look for new ways
to improve, the quality of the service or care you provide to patients.
Explore ways to involve and consult with patients, public and
carers when developing or evaluating services or the care you provide.
Participate in audit activity.
Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times and
that you do not access patient related information (either electronic or paper
based), which you do not need during the course of your work.
Participate in the departmental appraisal process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description for more detail in supporting information and information regarding parking
JOB PURPOSE:
To dispense medication requests in accordance with approved standard operating
procedures.
To assist in the replenishment of medicine supplies to wards and other
departments.
To ensure working areas are maintained in a clean and tidy condition,
free from unwanted materials and equipment.
To ensure faults, damaged equipment or facilities are reported
immediately to a Senior Technician or Pharmacist.
To be aware and comply with policies and procedures relating to Health
and Safety/COSHH issues regarding handling of potentially hazardous materials.
To promote and participate in the principles of robust clinical
governance within pharmacy.
To participate in late, weekend and bank holiday shift work.
To undertake reasonable duties as deemed necessary for the needs of the
service.
To comply with all Standard Operating Procedures affecting their work.
KEY TASKS:
1. Dispensary
Dispense
inpatient, outpatient, and discharge medication requests
in accordance with standard operating procedures.
If
the necessity arises and with additional training and assessed competence,
check items for inpatient, outpatient, and discharge supply in accordance with standard
operating procedures.
Ensure
that to follow items are issued promptly.
Dispense
controlled drugs and ensure legal recording processes are followed.
Restock
the dispensary with consumables and disposables.
Act
as a messenger in the delivery of controlled drugs and other items.
Investigate
discrepancies in stock levels, liaising with the dispensary manager and procurement
manager as required.
Adjust
stock levels on the pharmacy computer system under the direction of the
procurement manager.
Complete
daily stock checks under the direction of the dispensary manager and/or procurement
manager, highlighting areas for further attention.
Support
delivery of the ward top-up service as necessary.
Assist
in specific cleaning duties within the pharmacy department.
Undertake
reception and administrative duties for the process of receipt and issue of
dispensed and non-dispensed items.
2. Education and Training
Assist
in the provision of training of staff in dispensary duties.
Work with the Education and Training team to develop, update and
deliver dispensary training packages.
Undertake mandatory training and development as required of
the role.
NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification
is essential for band 3 status. Applicants will be considered for employment if
currently undertaking study for the necessary qualification.
However, band 3 status will not be assigned until qualification has been
attained. During this interim period, successful applicants will be employed at
band 2 level.
3. Communication
Communicate medicine related information to healthcare staff,
patients, and relatives; including people who may have language difficulties, and/or
a physical or mental disability.
Implement effective intra-departmental communication with:
o
Pharmacy Assistants
o
Pharmacy Technicians
o
Pharmacists
o
Pre-registration students
o
Administrative staff
Implement effective communication with other health care
professionals.
Always communicate in a way which reflects the Trust Values
& Behaviours.
4.
Health,
Safety & Security
Report any incidents/accidents and near misses in accordance
with the Trusts incident reporting procedure.
Ensure own safety and the safety of others who may be
affected by the Trusts business.
Comply with all Trust policies and procedures in order to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of anyone affected by the Trusts
business.
Comply with the Trusts Risk Management Strategy and
Directorate/Department health and safety policies and procedures.
Ensure that equipment provided for the protection of health
and safety is well-maintained and used appropriately.
Comply with emergency procedures e.g. resuscitation, evacuation,
and fire precaution procedures.
Comply with the requirements of mandatory training.
5.
Quality/Clinical
Governance
Have a basic knowledge of principles of clinical governance
and understand what the benefits for patients and staff are.
Understand the clinical governance structure within the organisation
and how you may be involved.
Participate in clinical governance activities within the
Trust, and where applicable across organisational boundaries e.g. customer
satisfaction surveys.
Ensure that you continuously contribute to, and look for new ways
to improve, the quality of the service or care you provide to patients.
Explore ways to involve and consult with patients, public and
carers when developing or evaluating services or the care you provide.
Participate in audit activity.
Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times and
that you do not access patient related information (either electronic or paper
based), which you do not need during the course of your work.
Participate in the departmental appraisal process.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a Pharmacy services environment.
- Knowledge of pharmacy-based computer systems.
Desirable
- Previous hospital pharmacy experience.
- Experience of supervising other staff
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade A C or equivalent in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent. Consideration will be given to applicants currently undertaking qualification see job description Key Tasks section 2.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmacy staff.
- Able to manage time effectively.
- Able to prioritise and manage workload.
- Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
- Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
- Able to undertake manual handling activities, using appropriate lifting
- aids if necessary.
Desirable
- Able to manage difficult situations.
- Able to train and supervise staff.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working.
- Shares information and good practice appropriately.
- Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
- Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Flexibility approach to working hours/duties
- Positive attitude towards personal development.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a Pharmacy services environment.
- Knowledge of pharmacy-based computer systems.
Desirable
- Previous hospital pharmacy experience.
- Experience of supervising other staff
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade A C or equivalent in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent. Consideration will be given to applicants currently undertaking qualification see job description Key Tasks section 2.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmacy staff.
- Able to manage time effectively.
- Able to prioritise and manage workload.
- Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
- Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
- Able to undertake manual handling activities, using appropriate lifting
- aids if necessary.
Desirable
- Able to manage difficult situations.
- Able to train and supervise staff.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working.
- Shares information and good practice appropriately.
- Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
- Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Flexibility approach to working hours/duties
- Positive attitude towards personal development.
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.
Employer details
Employer name
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address
West Suffolk Hospitals Nhs Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk
IP332QZ
Employer's website
https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
