Apprentice Pharmacy Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

Training for certification.

1. Distance learning with an accredited provider for 2 years on a day release basis to satisfy all requirements as instructed by academic staff to achieve the learning outcomes set within the standards, including all assignments, assessments and examinations.
2. The qualification is a combined competency/knowledge based qualification with an end point assessment
3. Carries out training in the duties of a pharmacy technician and fulfills those duties required under supervision.
4. Follows a predetermined rota which will be set to coincide with the pharmacy standards.

1. To dispense prescriptions for in-patients, outpatients, patients being discharged from hospital; day case patients and mental health leave patients in accordance with standard labelling; relevant dispensary and computer procedures and safe systems of work practice

1. To provide verbal and written information to outpatients to enable the patient to adhere to the prescribed therapy and gain maximum benefit from their medicines. Duties are carried out under supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician and in ccordance with pharmacy procedures

1. To receive telephone and face-to-face queries from health professionals and patients either in the pharmacy or on the ward, assess the nature of the query , where appropriate provide technical information on the supply or usage of medicines, and refer as necessary to the appropriate member of staff

1. Receives and assesses prescriptions / orders from patients and / or hospital staff, against agreed departmental and Trust protocols, documenting receipt onto the manual or computer recording system and transferring to the appropriate working area to ensure efficient workflow through the department.

1. Ensures that relevant details recorded on prescriptions comply with all legal requirements and liaises with medical and nursing staff as necessary.

1. Evaluates prescriptions to determine if patients are liable to pay prescription charges, collects charges or checks proof of payment or issues promise to pay forms as appropriate. Ensures that documentation is completed for patients that are exempt from payment or are unable to pay.

1. Issues pharmaceutical products being collected by hospital staff, patients, representatives or carers.

1. To maintain and replenish stocks of medicines in ward out-of-hours / discharge cupboards via the retrospective prescription system by checking and reconciling stock to be issued against prescriptions received

1. To prepare and package extemporaneously or in advance of requirements medicines for internal and external use using suitable techniques. Products are prepared from materials / ingredients in accordance with good manufacturing practice and with COSHH regulations, including the completion of all relevant documentation. This may require use of safe handling equipment including a Fume Filtration Cabinet where appropriate.

1. Use the Pharmacy Computer System to label products in accordance with procedures

1. Maintains, replenishes and checks the accuracy of assembly of the resuscitation boxes and emergency trays in accordance with local procedures.

1. Support clinical pharmacists and other ward based pharmacy staff in the provision of complete pharmaceutical care to patients at ward level

1. Complete drug histories by communicating effectively with patients, carers, ward staff, doctors, other trusts, and community services including GP surgeries, community pharmacies, community drug teams, nursing and residential homes to obtain up to date and accurate information regarding patients medication history

1. Accurately assess the safety and suitability of patients own drugs (PODs) to ensure correct use in hospital in accordance with the relevant procedures

1. Conduct a thorough technical medication review of the patients medication chart, order and supply medicines to patients at ward level via a one stop drug (OSD) system using the correct documentation. Investigate any missed, delayed, or omitted medicines in accordance with relevant procedures

1. Obtain clinical/transcriptions checks from the ward pharmacist

1. Ensure that POD supplies are maintained via the one stop dispensing system in accordance with the relevant procedures

1. Be responsible for the transfer of PODs for patients who may have already transferred to another ward without their medicines

1. In accordance with the relevant procedure during discharge planning, accurately check POD/OSDs to ensure the directions on the drug correspond to the patients discharge prescription

1. Accurately carry out dispensing of all prescriptions in accordance with agreed safe systems of work within the pharmacy department and at ward level, ensuring that there are no delays to a patient receiving their medication

1. Work independently by managing own time and workload and prioritising urgent discharge prescriptions, non-stock items and re-supplies of medication

1. To participate in the maintenance of a cost-effective system of medicine distribution to all wards, departments and community clinics including
   • evaluation of optimum range and stock level of medicines in liaison with senior nursing staff and pharmacist.
   • responsibility for replenishing supplies of stock items to agreed levels and optimising delivery or supply..

The objective of the service is to ensure that economic stock levels are maintained in appropriate storage conditions and that the products have not time-expired and are suitable for use. Duties are carried out under supervision of a pharmacy technician and in accordance with pharmacy procedures

1. To issue medicines and provide a stock topping-up service to wards and departments in response to an authorised request.

1. To check the accuracy of the assembly of ward orders carried out by pharmacy assistants and other approved personnel

1. To participate in ward based stock audits under the direction of the Principal and / or Chief Pharmacy Technician

1. To ensure that dispensary stock levels are maintained and stocks are replenished from the pharmacy store.

1. Assesses pharmaceutical products returned from clinical areas and returns to stock items which are fit for reuse or disposes of items unfit for use in accordance with COSHH regulations and Trust procedures. Enters details of returned items on pharmacy computer system.

1. Carries out stock checks within the department in accordance with local procedures to ensure computer records accurately reflect stock holding.

1. Monitors cold storage equipment to ensure temperatures are within the defined limits and reports any variation to a supervisor.

1. Identifies and reports stock shortages to procurement colleagues for ordering to ensure that pharmaceutical products are available for patients when required.

1. Identifies and reports stock discrepancies to a supervisor to ensure that pharmaceutical products are available for patients when required.

1. Maintains storage areas in an organised, safe and tidy condition in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.

1. Participates in a system for checking expiry dates of stock to ensure that stock is rotated so that shorter dated stock is used first and avoid unnecessary wastage. Reports out of date stocks to a supervisor and disposes of stock where appropriate recording the issue on the pharmacy computer.

1. To participate in the delivery of pharmacy objectives set by the Trust and external organisations to meet clinical governance targets; develop patient are; improve clinical outcomes; and ensure compliance with all standards expected for hospital pharmacy services and the interface between primary and secondary care

1. Contributes and inputs into review meetings regarding changes required to standard operating procedures

1. To be competent in the operation of all equipment, particularly the dispensary computer and automated dispensing systems in carrying out all the above duties.Accurately records all issues and receipts through the Pharmacy Computer System, to ensure that all transactions are recorded and the stock management system works efficiently. Assists in the maintenance of all relevant documentation and work analysis records
2. Work is carried out at all times in accordance with current legal requirements; local and national policies, departmental standard operating procedures and safe practices.

1. Projects a professional attitude within and outside the department, and to the general public.

1. To participate in Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday and late night duties in accordance with current local policy and the published rotas

1. Undertakes manual handling up to maximum of 15Kg per item regularly each day

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general education, A minimum of 4 GCSE passes at Grades A-C or equivalent including English, Mathematics, and Chemistry (Dual Science Award Accepted) plus one other science subject

Desirable

• Currently undertaking an approved trainee pharmacy technician training programme
• IT qualification e.g. ECDL

Experience

Desirable

• Recent experience of working in a busy Hospital or Community Pharmacy
• Recent experience of working in a health care / public service environment (if not Pharmacy)

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Demonstrable attention to detail
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Can communicate effectively with patients and service users
• Able to prioritise own workload within the scope of organised rotas
• Familiarity with the necessary keyboard skills required to use the departmental computer systems

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

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Tameside General Hospital

Fountain street

Ashton-Under-Lyne

OL6 9RW

Employer's website

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