Job summary
Pharmacy career - have you ever considered this?
We are offering three highly motivated and enthusiastic applicants the opportunity to train and achieve a qualification as a pharmacy technician at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
If you have good communication skills, are able to work accurately and have an attention to detail we would like to hear from you. You must also be able to work on your own initiative as well as enjoy working as part of a team.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician.
Applicants should have a minimum of 4 GCSEs (Grade A*-C/9-4) including Mathematics, English Language, 2 Science Subjects or Double Science or equivalent. Some practical experience or further academic qualifications (eg A Levels) may be advantageous.
Main duties of the job
Upon qualification a Pharmacy Technician is responsible for carrying out both routine and specialist services, including highly complex activities requiring them to use their professional judgement.
They are expected to work both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. They are able to work with minimum supervision, with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they have undertaken and that of others.
Typically the role includes the following:
- Providing safe and effective pharmacy services
- Supply medicines and devices to patients, whether on prescription or over the counter
- Achieving the best outcomes through a patients medicines
- Assemble medicines for prescriptions
- Provide information to patients and other healthcare professionals
- Manage areas of medicines supply such as dispensaries
- Answering customers questions face to face or by telephone
- Referring problems or queries to the pharmacist
About us
At The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust our aim is to always deliver the highest quality of care our patients deserve. We value the personal skills, experiences and qualities that individuals bring to the Trust; creating an inclusive working environment to attract talented people who feel motivated, involved and able to influence the future direction of our services.
The pharmacy department aspires to be forward thinking having already implemented cutting edge technology in the form of two robots that store and dispense medications. By continuously striving to improve our ways of working and putting medicines optimisation at the heart of our clinical services, we aim to enhance every patients experience and care
As a department, it is an innovative and exciting place to work and we are working to further enhance the high quality services provided and the roles of the pharmacy team. There are also regular opportunities for individuals to develop and progress.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Apprenticeship - Pharmacy Technician (Integrated)
Division:
Diagnostic & Specialities
Department:
Pharmacy
Reporting To:
Chief Pharmacy Technician / Lead Technician for Training and Education
Location:
Gloucester Royal Hospital / Cheltenham General Hospital
Pay Band:
Band 4 Annex 21
(year 1 = 70% of the top of Band 4 = £16,909 & year 2 = 75% of the top of Band 4 = £18,117)
Hours:
37.5 hours/ week
Date:
02.06.2021
Job purpose
To acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be able to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The Apprentice Pharmacy Technician will performs a wide range of duties within the department and in the ward environment under supervision and after having undertaken training and been assessed, working as part of a team to provide a comprehensive pharmacy service to all patients, wards and departments.
Duties are carried out according to a set weekly rota.
The apprentice will undertake a two year programme and once successfully undertaking the End Point Assessment and passing will be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
To complete the Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship, the successful applicant will receive Induction and training appropriate to the activities he or she will undertake, and will be enrolled to the Advanced Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard with our Training provider. There will be an End Point Assessment and upon passing you will be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC
On successful completion the apprentice will be able to apply for a substantive band 4 positions at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust subject to availability.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to terminate employment if the training requirements as detailed above are not achieved.
Dimensions
The apprentice will develop and undergo training in all of the following aspects of the Pharmacy departments work and will participate in all the duties under supervision during their two year training period. They will undertake rolling competency assessments in all areas.
Dispensing Duties
- Interpreting and dispensing of inpatient, outpatient and discharge prescriptions
- Dispensing of compliance aid packs
- Counselling and educating outpatients on the use of their prescribed medication, referring to a Pharmacist when necessary
- Receive prescriptions and fees for prescription charges from the general public at the hatch and process the payment
- Liaising with ward staff when there are drug supply problems
- Dispensing of controlled drugs on prescriptions, entering registers, checking stock balances and reporting discrepancies that cannot be resolved to the responsible CD Pharmacy Technician
- Carrying out computerised sales for private patients and retail pharmacies
- Dispensing extemporaneous preparations according to worksheets on an occasional basis
Aseptic Dispensing / Manufacturing
- Time will be spent in this environment to get an understanding of the work carried out in the department, however hands on experience might be limited to certain tasks
- To assist in the aseptically preparation of cytotoxic intravenous additives cytotoxic syringe batches, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) infusions and aseptic batches of syringes and eye drops
- To complete worksheets, assemble raw materials, generate labels for aseptically prepared products and label the products
- Be familiar with Quality Control and monitoring processes
- To over-label and pre-pack non-sterile medication
Pharmacy Helpdesk / Telephone answering & Reception duties
- Answering the telephone and dealing with a wide range of queries e.g.: regarding work in progress, stock availability, missing drug charts and queries about prescriptions from the general public
- Referring certain queries to the appropriate members of staff or departments e.g. Medicines Information, Pharmacy Stores or a Pharmacist
- Taking verbal orders for medicines from MM-technicians, ward pharmacists and outside units
Distribution
- Provision of a top-up service to assigned ward, keeping the ward fully stocked with medicines (by checking stock levels & re-order medicines where necessary according to a set stock list), as well as ensuring stock are rotated and expiry dates are checked according to top-up standards
- To ensure that the stock is used cost-effectively with minimum waste, liaising with the ward staff and MM-technician or ward pharmacist as required
- Returning medicines no longer required to Pharmacy for credit and out of date items for destruction
- Process & assemble orders for wards and departments. Involves data entry and correct selection of goods, paying heed to pharmacy stock control systems and ordering.
- Answer staff hatch and dealing with requests
Deal with returns of unwanted medicines from wards & departments
- Assess stock for reuse and credit as appropriate
- Destroy medicines that are unsuitable for reuse according to local procedure
Stores
- Be familiar with departmental procedures for drug ordering and take part in the ordering process under supervision
- Assist with goods receiving including unpacking, checking received stock against delivery note, enter onto the Pharmacy computer and put away in the correct location
Ward based duties
- Work in the clinical environment supporting the MM-technician & ward pharmacist to provide an admission, supply and discharge service
General
- To provide Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday cover according to rota
- To attend college and induction and update days on the dates stated
- Ensure standard operating procedures and policies are adhered to and Health and Safety procedures followed
- Cross site working might be required
Knowledge, Skills and Experience or Aptitude Required
- Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade C (4) or above (or equivalent) including English language, Mathematics and 2 science subjects or double science
- A desire to work in a hospital environment especially within the pharmacy setting
- Ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team
- Communication skills; verbally, in writing and the use of IT
- Interpersonal skills to convey information and work effectively with patients, and maintain good working relations with other healthcare staff
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and e-mail programmes
Key Result Areas
- To attend all mandatory components of the Apprenticeship Standard including:
- GHNHSFT mandatory training
- Apprenticeship study days via the Training Provider
- Department based observations
- Competencies as determined by the line manager as relevant to the work area / department
- Regular progress review meetings face to face with the assessor
- Ability to get on well with people at all levels, communicate and work effectively as a team member
- Accept designated workload to assist the qualified pharmacy staff,
- Communicate effectively with patients (especially where their ability to do so is compromised), relatives and visitors
- Have responsibility for personal development and complete the Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Apprenticeship Standards within the time frame
- Adhere to Kindness and Respect Behaviours to project a professional appearance in behaviour and manner of dress and always be courteous when talking to colleagues, patients, their families and visitors on the ward & in the pharmacy department
- Observe confidentiality and data protection at all times
- Understand and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
Communications and Working Relationship
- Members of the Pharmacy Department & multidisciplinary clinical teams
- Apprenticeship and Careers Team
- Training provider assessors
- All Trust staff
- General Public (this includes Patients, Service users, Carers, Relatives and visitors)
- Other NHS Trusts and Organisations (e.g. Community Hospitals)
- External Organisations and Agencies (e.g. Nursing/Rest Home Staff, Gps)
Physical effort and working conditions
- Regular use of VDUs and keyboards for short periods throughout the day
- Outpatients may occasionally be upset, agitated or cross
- Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional situations, e.g. dealing with the terminally ill, badly injured patient or cardiac arrest
- Occasional exposure to aggressive or abusive patients and/or relatives
- Exposure to potentially infective conditions, e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting
- Occasional manual handling skills are required e.g. for lifting and carrying of IV fluid boxes and bulky feeds. Trolleys are available for moving items around the department if required
- Physical effort is needed on wards to bend and stretch in and out of drug cupboards and within the Pharmacy Department to reach shelves
- Awkward working position when using isolators in the manufacturing department
- Exposure to repetitive manipulation procedures
- Risk of exposure to cytotoxic drugs
- Risk of needle-stick injuries
- The working day can be divided into sessions which might involve rotating between departments requiring good time management
- The daily rota is subject to change at short notice due to staff absence
- Training and work duties might be undertaken at both sites
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Apprenticeship - Pharmacy Technician (Integrated)
Division:
Diagnostic & Specialities
Department:
Pharmacy
Reporting To:
Chief Pharmacy Technician / Lead Technician for Training and Education
Location:
Gloucester Royal Hospital / Cheltenham General Hospital
Pay Band:
Band 4 Annex 21
(year 1 = 70% of the top of Band 4 = £16,909 & year 2 = 75% of the top of Band 4 = £18,117)
Hours:
37.5 hours/ week
Date:
02.06.2021
Job purpose
To acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be able to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The Apprentice Pharmacy Technician will performs a wide range of duties within the department and in the ward environment under supervision and after having undertaken training and been assessed, working as part of a team to provide a comprehensive pharmacy service to all patients, wards and departments.
Duties are carried out according to a set weekly rota.
The apprentice will undertake a two year programme and once successfully undertaking the End Point Assessment and passing will be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
To complete the Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship, the successful applicant will receive Induction and training appropriate to the activities he or she will undertake, and will be enrolled to the Advanced Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard with our Training provider. There will be an End Point Assessment and upon passing you will be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC
On successful completion the apprentice will be able to apply for a substantive band 4 positions at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust subject to availability.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to terminate employment if the training requirements as detailed above are not achieved.
Dimensions
The apprentice will develop and undergo training in all of the following aspects of the Pharmacy departments work and will participate in all the duties under supervision during their two year training period. They will undertake rolling competency assessments in all areas.
Dispensing Duties
- Interpreting and dispensing of inpatient, outpatient and discharge prescriptions
- Dispensing of compliance aid packs
- Counselling and educating outpatients on the use of their prescribed medication, referring to a Pharmacist when necessary
- Receive prescriptions and fees for prescription charges from the general public at the hatch and process the payment
- Liaising with ward staff when there are drug supply problems
- Dispensing of controlled drugs on prescriptions, entering registers, checking stock balances and reporting discrepancies that cannot be resolved to the responsible CD Pharmacy Technician
- Carrying out computerised sales for private patients and retail pharmacies
- Dispensing extemporaneous preparations according to worksheets on an occasional basis
Aseptic Dispensing / Manufacturing
- Time will be spent in this environment to get an understanding of the work carried out in the department, however hands on experience might be limited to certain tasks
- To assist in the aseptically preparation of cytotoxic intravenous additives cytotoxic syringe batches, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) infusions and aseptic batches of syringes and eye drops
- To complete worksheets, assemble raw materials, generate labels for aseptically prepared products and label the products
- Be familiar with Quality Control and monitoring processes
- To over-label and pre-pack non-sterile medication
Pharmacy Helpdesk / Telephone answering & Reception duties
- Answering the telephone and dealing with a wide range of queries e.g.: regarding work in progress, stock availability, missing drug charts and queries about prescriptions from the general public
- Referring certain queries to the appropriate members of staff or departments e.g. Medicines Information, Pharmacy Stores or a Pharmacist
- Taking verbal orders for medicines from MM-technicians, ward pharmacists and outside units
Distribution
- Provision of a top-up service to assigned ward, keeping the ward fully stocked with medicines (by checking stock levels & re-order medicines where necessary according to a set stock list), as well as ensuring stock are rotated and expiry dates are checked according to top-up standards
- To ensure that the stock is used cost-effectively with minimum waste, liaising with the ward staff and MM-technician or ward pharmacist as required
- Returning medicines no longer required to Pharmacy for credit and out of date items for destruction
- Process & assemble orders for wards and departments. Involves data entry and correct selection of goods, paying heed to pharmacy stock control systems and ordering.
- Answer staff hatch and dealing with requests
Deal with returns of unwanted medicines from wards & departments
- Assess stock for reuse and credit as appropriate
- Destroy medicines that are unsuitable for reuse according to local procedure
Stores
- Be familiar with departmental procedures for drug ordering and take part in the ordering process under supervision
- Assist with goods receiving including unpacking, checking received stock against delivery note, enter onto the Pharmacy computer and put away in the correct location
Ward based duties
- Work in the clinical environment supporting the MM-technician & ward pharmacist to provide an admission, supply and discharge service
General
- To provide Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday cover according to rota
- To attend college and induction and update days on the dates stated
- Ensure standard operating procedures and policies are adhered to and Health and Safety procedures followed
- Cross site working might be required
Knowledge, Skills and Experience or Aptitude Required
- Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade C (4) or above (or equivalent) including English language, Mathematics and 2 science subjects or double science
- A desire to work in a hospital environment especially within the pharmacy setting
- Ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team
- Communication skills; verbally, in writing and the use of IT
- Interpersonal skills to convey information and work effectively with patients, and maintain good working relations with other healthcare staff
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and e-mail programmes
Key Result Areas
- To attend all mandatory components of the Apprenticeship Standard including:
- GHNHSFT mandatory training
- Apprenticeship study days via the Training Provider
- Department based observations
- Competencies as determined by the line manager as relevant to the work area / department
- Regular progress review meetings face to face with the assessor
- Ability to get on well with people at all levels, communicate and work effectively as a team member
- Accept designated workload to assist the qualified pharmacy staff,
- Communicate effectively with patients (especially where their ability to do so is compromised), relatives and visitors
- Have responsibility for personal development and complete the Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Apprenticeship Standards within the time frame
- Adhere to Kindness and Respect Behaviours to project a professional appearance in behaviour and manner of dress and always be courteous when talking to colleagues, patients, their families and visitors on the ward & in the pharmacy department
- Observe confidentiality and data protection at all times
- Understand and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
Communications and Working Relationship
- Members of the Pharmacy Department & multidisciplinary clinical teams
- Apprenticeship and Careers Team
- Training provider assessors
- All Trust staff
- General Public (this includes Patients, Service users, Carers, Relatives and visitors)
- Other NHS Trusts and Organisations (e.g. Community Hospitals)
- External Organisations and Agencies (e.g. Nursing/Rest Home Staff, Gps)
Physical effort and working conditions
- Regular use of VDUs and keyboards for short periods throughout the day
- Outpatients may occasionally be upset, agitated or cross
- Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional situations, e.g. dealing with the terminally ill, badly injured patient or cardiac arrest
- Occasional exposure to aggressive or abusive patients and/or relatives
- Exposure to potentially infective conditions, e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting
- Occasional manual handling skills are required e.g. for lifting and carrying of IV fluid boxes and bulky feeds. Trolleys are available for moving items around the department if required
- Physical effort is needed on wards to bend and stretch in and out of drug cupboards and within the Pharmacy Department to reach shelves
- Awkward working position when using isolators in the manufacturing department
- Exposure to repetitive manipulation procedures
- Risk of exposure to cytotoxic drugs
- Risk of needle-stick injuries
- The working day can be divided into sessions which might involve rotating between departments requiring good time management
- The daily rota is subject to change at short notice due to staff absence
- Training and work duties might be undertaken at both sites
Person Specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE's (or equivalent) including English Language, Mathematics, two science subjects or Double Science at Grade A* to C or 9 to 4)
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and email programmes
- A desire to work in a hospital environment with a focus on Pharmacy ensuring you treat people with kindness, compassion and with dignity and respect
- Ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team
- Good attention to detail and accuracy, together with focusing on tasks
- To get on well with people at all levels, communicate and work effectively as a team member
- Project a professional appearance in behaviour and manner of dress
- Be courteous when talking to colleagues, patients, their families and visitors on the ward/ in the department and to treat everyone with dignity and respect
- To be flexible and reliable
Desirable
- Experience of pharmacy based work
- Previous experience in a healthcare environment/with medicines
Person Specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE's (or equivalent) including English Language, Mathematics, two science subjects or Double Science at Grade A* to C or 9 to 4)
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and email programmes
- A desire to work in a hospital environment with a focus on Pharmacy ensuring you treat people with kindness, compassion and with dignity and respect
- Ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team
- Good attention to detail and accuracy, together with focusing on tasks
- To get on well with people at all levels, communicate and work effectively as a team member
- Project a professional appearance in behaviour and manner of dress
- Be courteous when talking to colleagues, patients, their families and visitors on the ward/ in the department and to treat everyone with dignity and respect
- To be flexible and reliable
Desirable
- Experience of pharmacy based work
- Previous experience in a healthcare environment/with medicines
Additional information
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).
