Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Oncology

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 04 May 2025

Job summary

The post holder will be an integral part of the Medicine Optimisation team working in the Oncology/ Haematology Team alongside the Pharmacists, and a range of health care professionals.

They will work seamlessly between primary and secondary care and link with a range of healthcare professionals to optimise concordance and compliance with prescribed medication. To practice as a mentor in all areas of competence, in line with The Pharmacy Development Mentor training.

This post requires a Disclosing & Barring Services (DBS) check

Main duties of the job

Medicine Optimisation duties:

  • Work closely with pharmacists and ward staff to ensure patients are able to derive the maximum benefit from prescribed medication

  • Assess compliance with medication and any other factors related to medication which may lead to readmission

  • To provide skilled pharmaceutical counselling to patients in order to improve concordance and compliance with medicines and to reduce risks from medication related events.

  • To check patient's own medicines on admission for suitability for use within the Trust and to alert the ward pharmacist of any discrepancies between this medication and the prescription chart

  • To obtain accurate patient medication histories, using the appropriate sources, including external Healthcare Professionals, the patient and/or carers.

  • To provide professional pharmaceutical advice to relevant health care professionals and patients regarding safe, appropriate and cost-effective use of medicines and medicinal products.

  • To reduce the risk of missed medications and critical medication incidents by identifying and actioning supply of ongoing prescriptions from the Dispensary and Aseptic Dispensing Unit.

  • To counsel patients and/or their carers on the use of medicines and to ensure that patients have appropriate supplies of medication at the time of discharge

  • To liaise with the nursing staff concerning the use of medicines and to advise on the safe and secure storage of medicines at ward level

About us

We employ around 6,000 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients' homes.

We are continuing to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS - yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards. Boards listen to their Membership Council and respond to the needs of their members - patients, staff and the local community. Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in the changes to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first

Date posted

23 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

372-FSS2761

Job locations

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Pharmacy Department

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Job description

Job responsibilities

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 Higher level Pharmacy 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 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, some of which may be of a complex nature and need analysis, and make judgements concerning availability of non-formulary medicines informing the relevant senior member of staff if necessary

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 Higher level Pharmacy 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 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, some of which may be of a complex nature and need analysis, and make judgements concerning availability of non-formulary medicines informing the relevant senior member of staff if necessary

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

  • BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services, including underpinning knowledge, or other equivalent qualification recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Accredited Checking Technician
  • Willingness to undertake any training or development relevant to the role

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
  • Calm and professional manner under pressure
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Demonstratable commitment to CPD
  • Basic audit skills
  • Computer literate

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

  • Able to work on own or as part of a team
  • Good training and supervisory skills
Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

  • BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services, including underpinning knowledge, or other equivalent qualification recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Accredited Checking Technician
  • Willingness to undertake any training or development relevant to the role

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
  • Calm and professional manner under pressure
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Demonstratable commitment to CPD
  • Basic audit skills
  • Computer literate

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

  • Able to work on own or as part of a team
  • Good training and supervisory skills

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.

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.

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

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Pharmacy Department

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Pharmacy Department

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Employer's website

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


For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Pharmacy Technician - Clinical Services

Claire Curry

Claire.Curry@cht.nhs.uk

01422154295

Date posted

23 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

372-FSS2761

Job locations

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Pharmacy Department

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)