Job summary
This is an exciting time to join University Hospitals Plymouth.
Following significant investment by the Trust board as part of a 5-year workforce plan, we are able to offer this Senior Specialist Pharmacy Technician role in Aseptic Services.
The post holders will have the opportunity to lead on Education and Training in our team of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy support workers.
We provide cytotoxic chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and parenteral nutrition in house.
We are currently planning an offsite aseptic unit which will offer opportunities for the future.
If you are an enthusiastic and motivated experienced Pharmacy Technician who would like the opportunity to develop your leadership and management skills in an innovative department, we would love to hear from you.
Depending on the stage of your career, further study will be encouraged.
Main duties of the job
Is the lead person responsible for the management, education and training for Production Services.
To act as Educational Supervisor for PIPC and PAAP national accreditation schemes.
Undertake the final check/release of products prepared under section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
About us
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS is the largest hospital on the Southwest Peninsula providing comprehensive secondary and tertiary care to a population of around 2,000,000 people who can access our specialist services including cardiothoracic surgery, kidney transplantation, neurosurgery, and the regional trauma Centre. Our specialist cancer treatments include bone marrow transplant, sarcoma surgery and hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer surgery (not exhaustive). We work closely with our community partners in delivering comprehensive health and social care.
In Plymouth we are undergoing an exciting transformation which is seeing the continuous development of career opportunities for the right candidate. As one of seven NHS Trusts nationally to be hosting the 'People First' pilot our team are continuously identifying innovative ways to improve their own practice and in doing so improving our patient's experience.
We are a team who are truly committed to the development of our staff both personally and professionally and would support you to attain your goals. You will be working with a Chief Pharmacist who is committed to you as an individual.
We are steadfast in our values: putting people first, taking ownership, respecting others, being positive and to listen, learn and continuously improve. If you can relate to and embody these values then we would very much like to work with you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Is the lead person responsible for the management, education and training for Production Services in line with relevant local and national standards.
- To be responsible for developing and coordinating the training programme for all members of production services staff in compliance with EL(97)52 audit requirements and Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services standards
- To ensure a regular programme of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) training takes place, for all staff, ensuring compliance with audit requirements
- To prepare and update training portfolios for all members of production services staff and complete performance reviews and appraisals
- Act as an A1 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) assessor to review work performances of students and Assistant Technical Officers and ensure standardisation of NVQ units.
- To act as Educational Supervisor for PIPC (Pre and In-Process Checking) and PAAP (Product Approval Accreditation Programme) national checking accreditation schemes.
- Responsible for ensuring that all NVQ training is completed along with the necessary assessments. Ensure development and progression of all staff undertaking NVQs.
- Ensure trainees are directed towards situations or learning exercises relevant to their competency assessments.
- Responsible for competency assessment of all staff in accordance with the requirements of good manufacturing practice and in adherence with the EL(97)52 Audit requirements.
- Tact and persuasive skills are required when advising staff of corrective action needed following any deficits in competency assessments.
- Act as a mentor and assessor to ensure career and personal development of colleagues
- Liaises with colleagues to identify training needs and investigates training and development options for all grades of production staff
- To promote and support CPD (Continuing Professional Development) within production services
- Establish, build and maintain good working relationships with various colleagues identified under communications and working relationships
- To be responsible for developing computerised systems for recording all training undertaken by all members of staff and ensuring these records are kept up to date
- Undertake the final check/release of products prepared under section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968 under the supervision of the Accountable Pharmacist
- Handle complex, sensitive information e.g. patient data including diagnosis and treatment regimens, in a confidential, professional manner with efficiency, tact and diplomacy, ensuring compliance with data protection legislation and information governance
- To liaise with other training officers both regionally and nationally and keep up to date with training and service developments
- Attends and leads relevant meetings and contributes to decision making on education and training
- Complete the initial check of products prepared under section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968
- To keep own technical and practical skills and competencies current, both for imparting knowledge to others and to participate in on call services
- To prepare and prioritise cancer chemotherapy, artificial nutrition and medicines for injection, using contained workstations, laminar airflow cabinets or isolator technology, providing all necessary in-process checks, within the cleanroom environment, isolated from direct supervision
- Maintain the control of stock and components within the Production Unit. Order and receive goods and services on the Emis Pharmacy IT system. Book out products to correct cost centres
- Ensure compliance with Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients to ensure the product is fit for its intended use
- Assist in ensuring the department is fully compliant with the requirements of EL (97) 52 audits, to ensure all production operations are carried out in accordance to pre-established procedures and in accordance with good manufacturing practice
- To develop the service in conjunction with the Production services manager/Deputy and the Accountable Pharmacist to ensure that the best possible service is provided to all patients
- Raise change control documentation for approval by the Production Services Manager and the Accountable Pharmacist for any change to processes within production services and complete actions as assigned to ensure the change is implemented satisfactorily
- Raise deviations for any change to a process or procedure and ensure they are escalated appropriately to the Production Services Manager/deputy and the Accountable Pharmacist/Deputy and any actions as requested completed.
- Assist in ensuring compliance of the unit with the COSHH (1988) Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- Take part in the internal audit programme covering training, ensuring follow up actions are completed
- To actively participate in departmental QMS (Quality Management System) meetings, preparing monthly reports for presentation
- Interview as part of the recruitment and selection process as required by the Production Services Manager/Deputy
- To participate in appraising members of the team
- Responsible for all staff adherence to trust mandatory training and appraisals
- Work with the Production services manager/Deputy and Accountable Pharmacist/Deputy in the production and maintenance of standard operating procedures relating to all production processes
- To monitor the validation status of all production operatives to ensure that all routine validation procedures are organised
- Deliver cancer chemotherapy for intrathecal use to the correct person and place according to Department of Health guidelines, local trust policy and departmental procedures
- Ensure that the Production Services Unit is maintained in a tidy, ordered condition and to a standard of appearance concordant with the professional nature of the work
- To assist in any research and service development projects
- Take part in an on-call emergency duty rota to assist the on-call pharmacist to include:
- Information relating to queries about technical services work
- Preparation of emergency medicines, for example, cancer chemotherapy, eye drops, oral mixtures etc.
- Preparation of scheduled treatments unable to be made in advance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Is the lead person responsible for the management, education and training for Production Services in line with relevant local and national standards.
- To be responsible for developing and coordinating the training programme for all members of production services staff in compliance with EL(97)52 audit requirements and Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services standards
- To ensure a regular programme of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) training takes place, for all staff, ensuring compliance with audit requirements
- To prepare and update training portfolios for all members of production services staff and complete performance reviews and appraisals
- Act as an A1 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) assessor to review work performances of students and Assistant Technical Officers and ensure standardisation of NVQ units.
- To act as Educational Supervisor for PIPC (Pre and In-Process Checking) and PAAP (Product Approval Accreditation Programme) national checking accreditation schemes.
- Responsible for ensuring that all NVQ training is completed along with the necessary assessments. Ensure development and progression of all staff undertaking NVQs.
- Ensure trainees are directed towards situations or learning exercises relevant to their competency assessments.
- Responsible for competency assessment of all staff in accordance with the requirements of good manufacturing practice and in adherence with the EL(97)52 Audit requirements.
- Tact and persuasive skills are required when advising staff of corrective action needed following any deficits in competency assessments.
- Act as a mentor and assessor to ensure career and personal development of colleagues
- Liaises with colleagues to identify training needs and investigates training and development options for all grades of production staff
- To promote and support CPD (Continuing Professional Development) within production services
- Establish, build and maintain good working relationships with various colleagues identified under communications and working relationships
- To be responsible for developing computerised systems for recording all training undertaken by all members of staff and ensuring these records are kept up to date
- Undertake the final check/release of products prepared under section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968 under the supervision of the Accountable Pharmacist
- Handle complex, sensitive information e.g. patient data including diagnosis and treatment regimens, in a confidential, professional manner with efficiency, tact and diplomacy, ensuring compliance with data protection legislation and information governance
- To liaise with other training officers both regionally and nationally and keep up to date with training and service developments
- Attends and leads relevant meetings and contributes to decision making on education and training
- Complete the initial check of products prepared under section 10 exemption of the Medicines Act 1968
- To keep own technical and practical skills and competencies current, both for imparting knowledge to others and to participate in on call services
- To prepare and prioritise cancer chemotherapy, artificial nutrition and medicines for injection, using contained workstations, laminar airflow cabinets or isolator technology, providing all necessary in-process checks, within the cleanroom environment, isolated from direct supervision
- Maintain the control of stock and components within the Production Unit. Order and receive goods and services on the Emis Pharmacy IT system. Book out products to correct cost centres
- Ensure compliance with Aseptic Dispensing for NHS Patients to ensure the product is fit for its intended use
- Assist in ensuring the department is fully compliant with the requirements of EL (97) 52 audits, to ensure all production operations are carried out in accordance to pre-established procedures and in accordance with good manufacturing practice
- To develop the service in conjunction with the Production services manager/Deputy and the Accountable Pharmacist to ensure that the best possible service is provided to all patients
- Raise change control documentation for approval by the Production Services Manager and the Accountable Pharmacist for any change to processes within production services and complete actions as assigned to ensure the change is implemented satisfactorily
- Raise deviations for any change to a process or procedure and ensure they are escalated appropriately to the Production Services Manager/deputy and the Accountable Pharmacist/Deputy and any actions as requested completed.
- Assist in ensuring compliance of the unit with the COSHH (1988) Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- Take part in the internal audit programme covering training, ensuring follow up actions are completed
- To actively participate in departmental QMS (Quality Management System) meetings, preparing monthly reports for presentation
- Interview as part of the recruitment and selection process as required by the Production Services Manager/Deputy
- To participate in appraising members of the team
- Responsible for all staff adherence to trust mandatory training and appraisals
- Work with the Production services manager/Deputy and Accountable Pharmacist/Deputy in the production and maintenance of standard operating procedures relating to all production processes
- To monitor the validation status of all production operatives to ensure that all routine validation procedures are organised
- Deliver cancer chemotherapy for intrathecal use to the correct person and place according to Department of Health guidelines, local trust policy and departmental procedures
- Ensure that the Production Services Unit is maintained in a tidy, ordered condition and to a standard of appearance concordant with the professional nature of the work
- To assist in any research and service development projects
- Take part in an on-call emergency duty rota to assist the on-call pharmacist to include:
- Information relating to queries about technical services work
- Preparation of emergency medicines, for example, cancer chemotherapy, eye drops, oral mixtures etc.
- Preparation of scheduled treatments unable to be made in advance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GPHC Registered pharmacy technician
- PIPC National accuracy accreditation for pre and in process checking (or working towards)
- PAAP National accuracy accreditation for final approval and release (or working towards)
Desirable
- Supervisory/Management training (Level 3 or equivalent)
- Formal mentoring course
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of making advances and raising standards in training
- Demonstrable experience of coaching and mentoring
- Demonstrable pre and in process checking experience
Desirable
- Leeds aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines course
- Demonstrable Final Approval and Release experience
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent training skills
- Computer skills
- Ability to manage and implement change
Desirable
- Counselling skills.
- Recruitment training and Interview skills
Disposition/Attitude/Motivation
Essential
- Ability to cope under pressure
- Able to use own initiative
- Ability to initiate new developments
- Ability to self-motivate and motivate others
- Ability to accept responsibility
- Ability to work in a team
Other Factors
Essential
- Commitment to participate in the Production Services on-call and bank holiday rotas
- Must have a flexible approach
- Handling of Cytotoxic drugs
- Good Health as verified by Occupational Health
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GPHC Registered pharmacy technician
- PIPC National accuracy accreditation for pre and in process checking (or working towards)
- PAAP National accuracy accreditation for final approval and release (or working towards)
Desirable
- Supervisory/Management training (Level 3 or equivalent)
- Formal mentoring course
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of making advances and raising standards in training
- Demonstrable experience of coaching and mentoring
- Demonstrable pre and in process checking experience
Desirable
- Leeds aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines course
- Demonstrable Final Approval and Release experience
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent training skills
- Computer skills
- Ability to manage and implement change
Desirable
- Counselling skills.
- Recruitment training and Interview skills
Disposition/Attitude/Motivation
Essential
- Ability to cope under pressure
- Able to use own initiative
- Ability to initiate new developments
- Ability to self-motivate and motivate others
- Ability to accept responsibility
- Ability to work in a team
Other Factors
Essential
- Commitment to participate in the Production Services on-call and bank holiday rotas
- Must have a flexible approach
- Handling of Cytotoxic drugs
- Good Health as verified by Occupational Health
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
