Job summary
Are you an enthusiastic, motivated, and committed pharmacy technician?
The post holder will be expected to work with the City & Hackney and Forensic Pharmacy teams, progressing from Band 4 to Band 5. This position entails 37.5 hours per week (including 1 in 8 Saturdays) to help deliver a high-quality pharmacy optimization service to the patients of the trust. The post holder is required to maintain their ACPT qualification through their allocated dispensary slots at the Dispensary in Mile End Hospital.
Main duties of the job
1. To assist with the provision of a high quality pharmacy optimisation service to patients of the Trust.
2. Co-ordinates and maintains medication supply to the wards and teams.
3. Assesses identified patient's individual pharmaceutical care needs within 72 hours of identification
4. Initiates and completes a medicine reconciliation for each identified patient
5. To support the pharmacists in attaining CQUIN and KPI targets
6. Ensures all documentation in regard to Medications Optimisation on the unit is completed accurately
7. To participate in dispensary duties where applicable
8. To maintain Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) status
9. To prepare and maintain Medicines Optimisation (MOPs) accreditation
10. To prepare discharge medication (TTAs) in a timely and efficient manner
11. To communicate discharge information to patients, Community Pharmacies and GPs
About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting young people and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
We are also passionate about staff well-being and the trust also pride themselves on learning and development.
Date posted
29 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£26,530 to £36,483 a year per annum inc HCA
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
363-CP6590607-E
Job locations
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
London
E9 6SR
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care/Clinical:
Clinical/Patient contact
To identify new patients and take accurate drug histories onadmission, as part of the medicine reconciliation process. Ongoing support will include monitoring of progress and review ofany problems encountered. Close liaison with ward staff regardingprogress as well as updating/reporting in the multidisciplinary notes isrequired. To work towards Identifing and support the team with patients onhigh dose antipsychotic therapy (HDAT) and encourage monitoring ofHDAT. To ensure the information needs of the service users are met, forexample participating in medication and discharge counselling. To participate with pharmacists in provision of medicine education groups within the inpatient setting and in the community. To work towards managing the safe supply of Clozapine medicationtowards an Inpatient and Outpatient setting
Discharge planning:
To help co-ordinate and manage the discharge process for patients.This involves planning and anticipating patient discharge in liaisonwith the doctors, nursing and therapy staff, and the clinicalpharmacist to ensure timely discharge. To provide information to the relevant Community Pharmacist andGP to ensure continued provision of pharmaceutical care. To ensure measures are taken to ensure discharge medication isavailable for discharge. To assemble TTAs (following Trust procedure) on the ward as andwhen necessary
Medication supply:
To co-ordinate in liaison with the clinical pharmacist(s) the provisionof the pharmaceutical supplies service to clinical wards and teams. To work towards providing medication in the most appropriate form(following individual patient assessment), to aid medicationcompliance e.g., dosette/medidose boxes, large bottles and labelsetc. To assess Patients Own Drugs (PODs) for suitability for use,following the Trust procedure To work towards assisting in the maintenance of the PODs schemeby promoting the scheme both within the Trust and externally as wellas encouraging patients to bring in their own medications from home. To ensure where possible, that medicines are ordered and dispensedready for discharge To work towards participating in transcribing of short-term leave(STL) medication following training
Communication and teamwork:
Work closely with the Multidisciplinary Team on each ward, becomingan active member attending away days. To word towards providing training to all new ward nursing staff inprocedures relating to relevant medicine management processes andprocedures. To communicate and work closely with Mile End Pharmacy anddispensary staff to ensure the discharge process (in relation tomedication) is provided effectively.
Dispensary Duties:
To dispense safely and efficiently as required, according to laid downprocedures. To work towards participating in the management of dispensaryservice and team as and when required ensuring that all deliveriesleave the dispensary on time To work towards competently managing and organising the weeklydispensary rota, making alterations when necessary due to sicknessor staff changes, ensuring that all duties are covered. To participate in the ACPT scheme, and to use this accreditation tocheck dispensed work. To ensure that all services are of the highest quality and are providedin a customer orientated, helpful and responsive manner. To be involved in the setting of standards for services provided fromthe satellite pharmacy ensuring those standards are met To work towards assisting in the training of all students includingpharmacy students/student pharmacy technicians and foundationtrainee pharmacists. To work towards providing induction training of new staff into thepharmacy department as and when required. To assist procurement lead in the ordering of medication and goods.The processing of invoices and credit notes and chasing upoutstanding orders of medication and other goods To work towards ensuring the smooth running of pharmacyprocurement in the absence of procurement lead To assist in the supply and distribution of flu vaccines to sites acrossELFT during flu campaign To communicate with other members of pharmacy team supplyissues/shortages To support goods in person with any queries they have or help theyneed.
Education and Training:
To attend and participate in the presentation of CPD sessions toPharmacy staff Complete Pharmacy Supervisor training as indicated by the workforcedevelopment lead Participate in the training of pharmacy staff and multi-disciplinary teams.
Management:
To work towards line managing Assistant Technical Officers (Band 3) post completion of relevant management training Pharmacy Technician will be supported to present and publish projectwork at appropriate conferences and in journal. To undertake Continuing Professional Development, maintaining a CPDfolder To work towards writing and updating appropriate departmentalprocedures and enhance existing information systems. To participate in recruitment of new members of staff.
Performance and Quality:
Carry out/participate in audits and written reports as requested. To participate in quality improvement projects in the department. To assist in the training of all new and rotating staff in procedures andpractical methods of work connected with medicine managementincluding medicine reconciliation, self-administration, and dischargeplanning. To meet with Line Manager/Educational Supervisor to ensuredevelopmenta;l targets are being met. (see Appendix 1)
Financial and Physical Resources:
To be responsible for planning and organising own workload for theirclinical areas in accordance with the requirements of the job. To be responsible for managing medicines storage and security(prescription only medicines and medicines specified in the Misuse ofDrugs Act). To be responsible for medicines supply (e.g. stock lists) ensuringappropriate quantities are stored in accordance with the changing clinicalneeds of each clinical environment to minimise waste and reduce risk
Other duties:
To support Mile End Pharmacy staff/ department in dispensary as andwhen required. To comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Actand COSHH. To undertake Continuing Professional Development, maintaining a CPDfolder. The postholder is expected to develop good working IT skills aroundcommon office software and dispensary systems. It will be essential tokeep up to date with new pharmacy technology, as utilized by the Trust,and to encourage these skills in others. To become a BD automation super user, ensuring regular shutdownsoccur, daily discrepancies are carried out and adjustments madeaccordingly. To insure you are up to date with statuary and mandatory training
To work, using systems incorporating Quality Assurance to ensure thatthe highest standards of service are devised and maintained. To undertake any other relevant duties as requested by your manager. To participate in other departmental duties as required by rotas, e.g.dispensary rota, weekend duties, Bank Holidays
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care/Clinical:
Clinical/Patient contact
To identify new patients and take accurate drug histories onadmission, as part of the medicine reconciliation process. Ongoing support will include monitoring of progress and review ofany problems encountered. Close liaison with ward staff regardingprogress as well as updating/reporting in the multidisciplinary notes isrequired. To work towards Identifing and support the team with patients onhigh dose antipsychotic therapy (HDAT) and encourage monitoring ofHDAT. To ensure the information needs of the service users are met, forexample participating in medication and discharge counselling. To participate with pharmacists in provision of medicine education groups within the inpatient setting and in the community. To work towards managing the safe supply of Clozapine medicationtowards an Inpatient and Outpatient setting
Discharge planning:
To help co-ordinate and manage the discharge process for patients.This involves planning and anticipating patient discharge in liaisonwith the doctors, nursing and therapy staff, and the clinicalpharmacist to ensure timely discharge. To provide information to the relevant Community Pharmacist andGP to ensure continued provision of pharmaceutical care. To ensure measures are taken to ensure discharge medication isavailable for discharge. To assemble TTAs (following Trust procedure) on the ward as andwhen necessary
Medication supply:
To co-ordinate in liaison with the clinical pharmacist(s) the provisionof the pharmaceutical supplies service to clinical wards and teams. To work towards providing medication in the most appropriate form(following individual patient assessment), to aid medicationcompliance e.g., dosette/medidose boxes, large bottles and labelsetc. To assess Patients Own Drugs (PODs) for suitability for use,following the Trust procedure To work towards assisting in the maintenance of the PODs schemeby promoting the scheme both within the Trust and externally as wellas encouraging patients to bring in their own medications from home. To ensure where possible, that medicines are ordered and dispensedready for discharge To work towards participating in transcribing of short-term leave(STL) medication following training
Communication and teamwork:
Work closely with the Multidisciplinary Team on each ward, becomingan active member attending away days. To word towards providing training to all new ward nursing staff inprocedures relating to relevant medicine management processes andprocedures. To communicate and work closely with Mile End Pharmacy anddispensary staff to ensure the discharge process (in relation tomedication) is provided effectively.
Dispensary Duties:
To dispense safely and efficiently as required, according to laid downprocedures. To work towards participating in the management of dispensaryservice and team as and when required ensuring that all deliveriesleave the dispensary on time To work towards competently managing and organising the weeklydispensary rota, making alterations when necessary due to sicknessor staff changes, ensuring that all duties are covered. To participate in the ACPT scheme, and to use this accreditation tocheck dispensed work. To ensure that all services are of the highest quality and are providedin a customer orientated, helpful and responsive manner. To be involved in the setting of standards for services provided fromthe satellite pharmacy ensuring those standards are met To work towards assisting in the training of all students includingpharmacy students/student pharmacy technicians and foundationtrainee pharmacists. To work towards providing induction training of new staff into thepharmacy department as and when required. To assist procurement lead in the ordering of medication and goods.The processing of invoices and credit notes and chasing upoutstanding orders of medication and other goods To work towards ensuring the smooth running of pharmacyprocurement in the absence of procurement lead To assist in the supply and distribution of flu vaccines to sites acrossELFT during flu campaign To communicate with other members of pharmacy team supplyissues/shortages To support goods in person with any queries they have or help theyneed.
Education and Training:
To attend and participate in the presentation of CPD sessions toPharmacy staff Complete Pharmacy Supervisor training as indicated by the workforcedevelopment lead Participate in the training of pharmacy staff and multi-disciplinary teams.
Management:
To work towards line managing Assistant Technical Officers (Band 3) post completion of relevant management training Pharmacy Technician will be supported to present and publish projectwork at appropriate conferences and in journal. To undertake Continuing Professional Development, maintaining a CPDfolder To work towards writing and updating appropriate departmentalprocedures and enhance existing information systems. To participate in recruitment of new members of staff.
Performance and Quality:
Carry out/participate in audits and written reports as requested. To participate in quality improvement projects in the department. To assist in the training of all new and rotating staff in procedures andpractical methods of work connected with medicine managementincluding medicine reconciliation, self-administration, and dischargeplanning. To meet with Line Manager/Educational Supervisor to ensuredevelopmenta;l targets are being met. (see Appendix 1)
Financial and Physical Resources:
To be responsible for planning and organising own workload for theirclinical areas in accordance with the requirements of the job. To be responsible for managing medicines storage and security(prescription only medicines and medicines specified in the Misuse ofDrugs Act). To be responsible for medicines supply (e.g. stock lists) ensuringappropriate quantities are stored in accordance with the changing clinicalneeds of each clinical environment to minimise waste and reduce risk
Other duties:
To support Mile End Pharmacy staff/ department in dispensary as andwhen required. To comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Actand COSHH. To undertake Continuing Professional Development, maintaining a CPDfolder. The postholder is expected to develop good working IT skills aroundcommon office software and dispensary systems. It will be essential tokeep up to date with new pharmacy technology, as utilized by the Trust,and to encourage these skills in others. To become a BD automation super user, ensuring regular shutdownsoccur, daily discrepancies are carried out and adjustments madeaccordingly. To insure you are up to date with statuary and mandatory training
To work, using systems incorporating Quality Assurance to ensure thatthe highest standards of service are devised and maintained. To undertake any other relevant duties as requested by your manager. To participate in other departmental duties as required by rotas, e.g.dispensary rota, weekend duties, Bank Holidays
Person Specification
EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- BTEC/ City & Guilds/NVQ3 pharmacy or equivalent Completion of a GPhC approved integrated competency and knowledge-based qualification (Successful preregistration pharmacy technician training
- MOPs Accredited ( or working towards) ward technician
- Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPHC
- An accredited checking Pharmacy technician (ACPT) or working towards
SKILLS/ ABILITIES
Essential
- Able to work as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates good written and oral communication skills with service users and health care professionals
- Good Analytical skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to motivate self and others
- Good problem solving skills
Desirable
- Able to monitor, review and develop service standards
- Use of Microsoft Excel/Word to intermediate level
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years in hospital pharmacy pre qualification
- Success in a previous post requiring completion of work to deadlines
- Drug history taking
- Ward based clinical work
Desirable
- Working within a multidisciplinary team
- Implemented/provided a Self Administration Scheme
- Experience in tutoring and training
- Previous experience of audit
Knowledge
Essential
- Ideas of how ward services may develop over the next few years and the factors that may effect these developments
- Awareness of the issues around quality and customer care
- Awareness of risk management issues
- Understanding of the discharge process
Desirable
- Range of drug therapies
- Awareness of pharmacy related issues in regard to Self Administration Schemes
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Awareness of risk management issues
- Understanding of the discharge process
- Enthusiastic
- Decisive
- Calm under pressure
- Adaptable
- Committed to providing high quality, user friendly services
- Customer oriented
- Good Timekeeping
- Smart appearance
- Weekend & Bank Holiday working
Desirable
- Range of drug therapies
- Awareness of pharmacy related issues in regard to Self Administration Schemes
Person Specification
EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- BTEC/ City & Guilds/NVQ3 pharmacy or equivalent Completion of a GPhC approved integrated competency and knowledge-based qualification (Successful preregistration pharmacy technician training
- MOPs Accredited ( or working towards) ward technician
- Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPHC
- An accredited checking Pharmacy technician (ACPT) or working towards
SKILLS/ ABILITIES
Essential
- Able to work as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates good written and oral communication skills with service users and health care professionals
- Good Analytical skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to motivate self and others
- Good problem solving skills
Desirable
- Able to monitor, review and develop service standards
- Use of Microsoft Excel/Word to intermediate level
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years in hospital pharmacy pre qualification
- Success in a previous post requiring completion of work to deadlines
- Drug history taking
- Ward based clinical work
Desirable
- Working within a multidisciplinary team
- Implemented/provided a Self Administration Scheme
- Experience in tutoring and training
- Previous experience of audit
Knowledge
Essential
- Ideas of how ward services may develop over the next few years and the factors that may effect these developments
- Awareness of the issues around quality and customer care
- Awareness of risk management issues
- Understanding of the discharge process
Desirable
- Range of drug therapies
- Awareness of pharmacy related issues in regard to Self Administration Schemes
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Awareness of risk management issues
- Understanding of the discharge process
- Enthusiastic
- Decisive
- Calm under pressure
- Adaptable
- Committed to providing high quality, user friendly services
- Customer oriented
- Good Timekeeping
- Smart appearance
- Weekend & Bank Holiday working
Desirable
- Range of drug therapies
- Awareness of pharmacy related issues in regard to Self Administration Schemes
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).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Address
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
London
E9 6SR
Employer's website
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)







Employer details
Employer name
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Address
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
London
E9 6SR
Employer's website
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)







For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
29 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£26,530 to £36,483 a year per annum inc HCA
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
363-CP6590607-E
Job locations
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health and Forensics Directorate E9 & N4 London
London
E9 6SR
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
East London NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)