Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services - Band 3 - Pharmacy

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the full job escriotion foe more deatil in supporting information

JOB PURPOSE:

To assist in the provision of a high quality, patient focused aseptic service. To ensure that all products are aseptically prepared following standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and guidelines detailed in the Rules and Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Distributors and Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services.

KEY TASKS:

Production

a) To be responsible for the start of day and end of day procedures, and the reading and recording of relevant HEPA filter and pressure gauges.

b) Using aseptic technique and GMP, accurately prepare and dispense preparations including cytotoxic drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and preparations for ectopic and ocular use.

c) To participate in the dispensing of parenteral nutrition (PN) and Methotrexate, using approved protocols and guidelines.

d) To complete all booking out and filing of parenteral nutrition (PN), chemotherapy and trial paperwork.

e) To ensure an adequate supply of chemotherapy and supportive drug stock levels. To supervise and assist with the rotational movement of this stock.

f) To top up supplies of equipment, materials, and consumables used within the department.

g) To supervise the monitoring process within the unit, using settle plates and contact plates, and labelling these plates appropriately.

h) To supervise and assist with cleaning the unit according to procedure, and to supervise and train other staff in these procedures. To ensure that cleaning materials are in stock at all times.

i) To supervise and assist with the dedicated garment collection for Microclean.

j) To be responsible for placing orders using SupplyChain and Powergate computer programmes.

k) To participate in the dispensing of prescribed oral chemotherapy and supportive medication.

l) To assist the Principal Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services and Senior Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services in the co-ordination of the activities of other assistant and student technicians within the aseptic unit.

m) To supply emergency extravasation boxes to wards and departments, and to ensure that they are kept within their expiry dates.

n) To ensure the correct handling of cytotoxic/monoconal medication, and disposal of waste and management of drug spills in accordance with COSHH and Trust guidelines.

Dispensary

a) To dispense prescriptions for both inpatients and outpatients in accordance with departmental guidelines.

b) Receptionist duties, including dealing with internal and external customers, receiving cash and debit/credit cards for payment and operating the dispensary till.

c) Maintenance of stock rotation, expiry date checking, and appropriate storage of medicines in the dispensary environment.

Distribution

a) To issue ward stock items from a picking list, under appropriate supervision and in accordance with written guidelines.

b) Ensure that to-follow items are issued promptly.

c) To assist with return of drugs to the department

d) Act as a messenger in the delivery of controlled drugs and other items.

e) Participate in the ward top-up service, under appropriate supervision.

f) Assist the storekeeper in booking in goods received and compiling bulk fluid orders as necessary.

Additional Duties

a) Receptionist duties, when necessary, including dealing with internal and external customers, receiving cash and debit/credit cards for payment and operating the dispensary till.

b) To ensure that statutory requirements are met at all times and to implement Trust policy as directed by the Chief Pharmacist.

c) Undertake Trust mandatory training and in-house competencies to ensure continued compliance.

d) To undertake other reasonable duties within the framework of the post as directed by the Chief Pharmacist.

e) To act as an ambassador for the pharmaceutical service at West Suffolk Hospital.

f) Assist in the training of pharmacy staff, and other hospital staff, as required.

g) To attend relevant training courses and meeting, where appropriate.

h) Participate in the departmental appraisal process.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good team member
• Good communications skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to work in an organised and calm fashion in a busy environment
• Ability to work to deadlines and to meet agreed objectives
• A flexible approach to work
• Ability to lift, using appropriate lifting aids if necessary
• Positive attitude towards personal / self-development
• Familiar with standard IT software

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, or
• Literacy and numeracy to be demonstrated

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a pharmacy environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in an aseptic compounding unit
• Experience of working in a hospital environment

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Able to deal with members of the public and other health care workers in a professional manner
• Close liaison with co-workers in the department is vital
• Flexible approach to working hours and duties
• Evidence of self-motivated professional development
• Attention to detail
• Able to make decisions

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

Harwick Lane

Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk

IP33 2QZ

Employer's website

https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)