Medication Safety Pharmacy Technician

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity is available in a newly created Team for an enthusiastic, proactive pharmacy technician to work directly with the Medication Safety Officer to support colleagues to ensure compliance with all aspects of medication safety.

The post holder will support the investigation and learning from medication related incidents, spreading good practice throughout the Pharmacy department and the wider Hospital trust.

The post holder will support Training and Education of all staff within the Pharmacy department, acting as subject matter expert or workplace training supervisor.

They will support medicines safety and clinical governance, working with all levels of the multidisciplinary teams both within Pharmacy and the wider Trust.

They will also be involved in audit and teaching of safe management of medicines at all levels.

The role will involve obtaining and reviewing information for investigations, analysing and identifying common themes to guide continual improvements in medication safety and to lead quality improvement using innovative ways of increasing staff engagement.

The post holder must have a keen interest in medication safety and will be an excellent communicator at all levels, with strong attention to detail.

Main duties of the job

Work alongside the Medicines Safety Officer (MSO) to support the Trust with the safe use of medicines.

Assist the MSO to ensure complete and accurate reporting of medication incidents.

Work in collaboration with other health professionals to promote reporting of and learning from, medication error incidents in the Trust.

Support Training and Education of all staff within the Pharmacy department, acting as subject matter expert or workplace training supervisor.

Work with the MSO to implement and monitor action plans to ensure that lessons learnt from medicines incidents have resulted in the implementation of improved procedures across the Trust.

Assist in the coordination of Medicines Management audits in conjunction with the Clinical Effectiveness Team and the MSO.

Assist the MSO to respond to requests for information on medication error and incidents reports.

Contribute to relevant pharmacy and medicines optimisation bulletins to promote medicines safety, effective prescribing, and best practice in medicines management.

Assist the MSO with investigations into medication incidents as required.

When required, deputise for the MSO, and attend and contribute to relevant Trust meetings.

Inform the MSO of the identification of any significant high-risk processes or incidents within Medicines Management.

About us

The post holder will demonstrate competence in dispensing, checking and other relevant pharmacy activities before undertaking medication safety and governance functions under the management of the Medication Safety Officer and in collaboration with the Lead Nurse, Medicines Management. and Specialist Nurse, Medicines Management

As a registered Pharmacy Technician, the post holder will be expected to work within the professional standards of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Please contact us if you are interested in this exciting opportunity.

Date posted

27 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

372-FSS2721

Job locations

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks

Promote Medicines Safety throughout the Trust.
Assist the MSO to ensure complete and accurate reporting of medication incidents.
Work in collaboration with other health professionals to promote reporting of and learning from, medication error incidents in the Trust.
The post holder will support Training and Education of all staff within the Pharmacy department, acting as subject matter expert or workplace training supervisor.
Work with the MSO to implement and monitor action plans to ensure that lessons learnt from medicines incidents have resulted in the implementation of improved procedures across the Trust.
Assist in the coordination of Medicines Management audits in conjunction with the Clinical Effectiveness Team and the MSO.
Assist the MSO to respond to requests for information on medication error and incidents reports.
Work in collaboration with other health professionals to review and analyse Trust medicines incident reports to ensure data quality for local and national reporting.
Assist the MSO with the organisation of Medicines Safety Group agendas, act as professional secretary in the absence of the MSO and take minutes during meetings if administrative support is not available.
Support the dissemination of medication safety communications from NHS England and the MHRA throughout the Trust.
Support and in some cases Lead in the Trust with training needs related to pharmacy.
Contribute to relevant pharmacy and medicines optimisation bulletins to promote medicines safety, effective prescribing, and best practice in medicines management.
Assist the MSO with investigations into medication incidents as required.
When required, deputise for the MSO, and attend and contribute to relevant Trust meetings.
Inform the MSO of the identification of any significant high-risk processes or incidents within Medicines Management.
Assist the MSO with the preparation, analysis, and reporting of clinical audits, as and when required.
To visit inpatient and outpatient settings to undertake medication audits and reviews.

Dispensary Duties:

To carry out the dispensing and issue of prescriptions in the Pharmacy of the base hospital
To carry out the checking of prescriptions and related items, as per the departmental Accredited Checking Technician program and also undergo annual re-assessment of competency of this role in line with the regional framework
To query prescriptions with prescribers, within the capabilities of a Band 5 technician, or when delegated to do so by a pharmacist
To contribute to the efficient use of the drug budget through effective medicines management whilst dispensing and checking prescriptions
To be responsible for checking Electronic Medicines Management work list
To mentor staff through the Controlled Drug training package and rotation
To process controlled drug orders and prescriptions
To participate in the ordering, stock checks and stock control of medicines in each area of the pharmacy, ensuring efficient use of pharmaceuticals and resources
To follow guidance on rotas and prioritise own workload accordingly, in conjunction with the Senior Pharmacy Technician of the section.
To accurately input data, patient and prescription details onto the computer system and assist with the maintenance of records relating to work and workload statistics
To competently assess situations and make judgements concerning availability of non-formulary medicines, informing the relevant senior member of staff, if necessary.
May be required to undertake activities in relation to clinical trials in line with standing operating procedures.
Participates in weekend, public holiday, out of hours and extended hours provision of pharmacy services.

Clinical Duties

Assist patients with the management and optimisation of their medicines

Professional Duties

To undertake the legal and professional responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician

To participate in audit and pharmacy practice research
To demonstrate knowledge and skills of pharmaceutical technical procedures acquired through the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) (QCF) and BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF), or other appropriate qualification recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
To be committed to ongoing training and Continuous Professional Development in order to keep clinical and technical knowledge current, ensure best practice and to comply with the requirements for entry on the National Register of Pharmacy of Technicians

Managerial Duties

To manage the dispensary during the absence of the Senior Pharmacy Technician on a rota basis.

To undertake the day-to-day supervision of Pharmacy Technicians (Band 4), student technicians and pharmacy support workers, as required.

Financial Duties

To contribute to the efficient use of the drug budget through effective medicines management

Managing Self

Participate in regular supervision
Attend all mandatory training.
Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal
Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols
Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy
Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary
Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times
Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks

Promote Medicines Safety throughout the Trust.
Assist the MSO to ensure complete and accurate reporting of medication incidents.
Work in collaboration with other health professionals to promote reporting of and learning from, medication error incidents in the Trust.
The post holder will support Training and Education of all staff within the Pharmacy department, acting as subject matter expert or workplace training supervisor.
Work with the MSO to implement and monitor action plans to ensure that lessons learnt from medicines incidents have resulted in the implementation of improved procedures across the Trust.
Assist in the coordination of Medicines Management audits in conjunction with the Clinical Effectiveness Team and the MSO.
Assist the MSO to respond to requests for information on medication error and incidents reports.
Work in collaboration with other health professionals to review and analyse Trust medicines incident reports to ensure data quality for local and national reporting.
Assist the MSO with the organisation of Medicines Safety Group agendas, act as professional secretary in the absence of the MSO and take minutes during meetings if administrative support is not available.
Support the dissemination of medication safety communications from NHS England and the MHRA throughout the Trust.
Support and in some cases Lead in the Trust with training needs related to pharmacy.
Contribute to relevant pharmacy and medicines optimisation bulletins to promote medicines safety, effective prescribing, and best practice in medicines management.
Assist the MSO with investigations into medication incidents as required.
When required, deputise for the MSO, and attend and contribute to relevant Trust meetings.
Inform the MSO of the identification of any significant high-risk processes or incidents within Medicines Management.
Assist the MSO with the preparation, analysis, and reporting of clinical audits, as and when required.
To visit inpatient and outpatient settings to undertake medication audits and reviews.

Dispensary Duties:

To carry out the dispensing and issue of prescriptions in the Pharmacy of the base hospital
To carry out the checking of prescriptions and related items, as per the departmental Accredited Checking Technician program and also undergo annual re-assessment of competency of this role in line with the regional framework
To query prescriptions with prescribers, within the capabilities of a Band 5 technician, or when delegated to do so by a pharmacist
To contribute to the efficient use of the drug budget through effective medicines management whilst dispensing and checking prescriptions
To be responsible for checking Electronic Medicines Management work list
To mentor staff through the Controlled Drug training package and rotation
To process controlled drug orders and prescriptions
To participate in the ordering, stock checks and stock control of medicines in each area of the pharmacy, ensuring efficient use of pharmaceuticals and resources
To follow guidance on rotas and prioritise own workload accordingly, in conjunction with the Senior Pharmacy Technician of the section.
To accurately input data, patient and prescription details onto the computer system and assist with the maintenance of records relating to work and workload statistics
To competently assess situations and make judgements concerning availability of non-formulary medicines, informing the relevant senior member of staff, if necessary.
May be required to undertake activities in relation to clinical trials in line with standing operating procedures.
Participates in weekend, public holiday, out of hours and extended hours provision of pharmacy services.

Clinical Duties

Assist patients with the management and optimisation of their medicines

Professional Duties

To undertake the legal and professional responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician

To participate in audit and pharmacy practice research
To demonstrate knowledge and skills of pharmaceutical technical procedures acquired through the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) (QCF) and BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF), or other appropriate qualification recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
To be committed to ongoing training and Continuous Professional Development in order to keep clinical and technical knowledge current, ensure best practice and to comply with the requirements for entry on the National Register of Pharmacy of Technicians

Managerial Duties

To manage the dispensary during the absence of the Senior Pharmacy Technician on a rota basis.

To undertake the day-to-day supervision of Pharmacy Technicians (Band 4), student technicians and pharmacy support workers, as required.

Financial Duties

To contribute to the efficient use of the drug budget through effective medicines management

Managing Self

Participate in regular supervision
Attend all mandatory training.
Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal
Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols
Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy
Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary
Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times
Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services, including underpinning knowledge, or other equivalent qualification recognized by the General Pharmaceutical Council
Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Accredited Accuracy Checking Technician
English and Math GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

Able to work on own or as part of a team
Team worker
Good oral and written communication skills

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

Demonstrable experience of undertaking high level patient focused technical duties in a hospital or community setting
Good knowledge of dispensing standards and legislation relating to hospital pharmacy
Able to pay meticulous attention to detail
Able to prioritise workload
Good training and supervisory skills
Calm and professional manner under pressure
Good problem-solving skills
Self-motivated
Demonstrable commitment to CPD
Basic audit skills
Computer literate

Desirable

Knowledge of Error reporting systems, being supportive of error monitoring and investigating incident trend

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services, including underpinning knowledge, or other equivalent qualification recognized by the General Pharmaceutical Council
Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Accredited Accuracy Checking Technician
English and Math GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

Able to work on own or as part of a team
Team worker
Good oral and written communication skills

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

Demonstrable experience of undertaking high level patient focused technical duties in a hospital or community setting
Good knowledge of dispensing standards and legislation relating to hospital pharmacy
Able to pay meticulous attention to detail
Able to prioritise workload
Good training and supervisory skills
Calm and professional manner under pressure
Good problem-solving skills
Self-motivated
Demonstrable commitment to CPD
Basic audit skills
Computer literate

Desirable

Knowledge of Error reporting systems, being supportive of error monitoring and investigating incident trend

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.