Job summary
We are delighted to advertise for a brand new and innovative role supporting medicines optimisation, tailored for Pharmacy Assistants.
You will be working at ward level, in close conjunction with the clinical pharmacy team, caring for your patient's to manage medicines as per training provided.
You will also be an integral part of a multi-skilled Dispensary team, carrying out Final Accuracy Checking, again with appropriate training provided.
This is a "first-of-it's-kind" role for Pharmacy Assistants in this Health Board, and if you are an ambitious, forward-thinking and proactive individual, who is committed to be part of a diverse Pharmacy team which supports each other, then you will fit right in.
This post is permanent and full time 37.5 hours a week. Applicants are also expected to partake in a weekend working and Bank Holiday rota, and a stay late rota.
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about this exciting role.
Main duties of the job
Undertake general pharmaceutical duties under the supervision of a line manager or deputy, assisting in the provision of a safe and effective Pharmacy service in line with current policies, procedures and legal requirements.
You will be an integral part of a multi-skilled Dispensary team, where duties include dispensing a variety of prescription types, and carrying out Final Accuracy Checking, following a clinical check by the Pharmacist. Appropriate training will be provided.
Work within patient services and at Ward Level undertaking medicines optimisation and discharge duties. This will include assessing patients own medication, ensuring they are suitable for use in hospital, one-stop dispensing to wards in preparation for patients discharge and maintaining and ordering non-stock medicines for patients. Again, appropriate training will be provided.
We are committed to developing the Senior Pharmacy Assistant role, where you will be encouraged and supported to develop yourself.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 11,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services for around 384,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest;
Seven community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron, Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire;
48 general practices (four of which are managed practices), 47 dental practices (including three orthodontic), 99 community pharmacies, 44 general ophthalmic practices (43 providing Eye Health Examination Wales and 34 low vision services) and 17 domiciliary only providers and 11 health centres;
Numerous locations providing mental health and learning disabilities services;
Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is advertised as a Band 4 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the HEIWMedicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 4 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.
This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Following successful passing of the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants the post holder will then be paid at Band 4 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 4 role. Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in redeployment.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 22.08.2024
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is advertised as a Band 4 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the HEIWMedicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 4 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.
This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Following successful passing of the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants the post holder will then be paid at Band 4 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 4 role. Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in redeployment.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 22.08.2024
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical technical procedures to NVQ Level 3 equivalent. i.e: - Buttercups Level 2 or Equivalent Course for Pharmacy in relevant area of practice AND Pre and Inprocess Checking Competency (Dependant on area of work) OR - Buttercups Level 4 Accredited Checking Dispensing Assistant qualification or equivalent. (Dependant on area of work) OR - CIPS Level 2 qualification AND extensive experience and knowledge of procurement and invoicing procedures and processes (Dependant on area of work)
- HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff accreditation
- Knowledge of regulations covering aseptic preparation and current issues. (depending on area of work)
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing, dispensing and distribution practices.
Desirable
- GCSE at grade C or above in English and maths or equivalent qualifications
- Aseptic Dispensing and Preparation of Medicines, Leeds Relevant NVQ 3 units
- HNC in Applied Science, Food science & technology
- Knowledge of the services provded by the medicines management team
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of aseptic dispensing and preparation in hospital Pharmacy.
- Significant experience of dispensing and distribution of medicines in a community or hospital Pharmacy.
- Basic knowledge of the functions of the NHS
- Good knowledge of legal requirements for dispensing and supply of medicines, including controlled drugs
- Aware of Health, Safety & Wellbeing and their implications for staff
- Good understanding of stock control and stock management
- Significant experience of Pharmacy procurement process and financial understanding of drug budgets
- Significant experience with relevant IT systems and pharmacy robotic systems
- Experience of working on a ward
- Use of stock control systems.
- Experience of in-process checks during aseptic preparation
- Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
- Experience in preparation of aseptically prepared products
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
Desirable
- Involvement in procedure writing
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work to targets
- Experience of leading a team
Language Skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical technical procedures to NVQ Level 3 equivalent. i.e: - Buttercups Level 2 or Equivalent Course for Pharmacy in relevant area of practice AND Pre and Inprocess Checking Competency (Dependant on area of work) OR - Buttercups Level 4 Accredited Checking Dispensing Assistant qualification or equivalent. (Dependant on area of work) OR - CIPS Level 2 qualification AND extensive experience and knowledge of procurement and invoicing procedures and processes (Dependant on area of work)
- HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff accreditation
- Knowledge of regulations covering aseptic preparation and current issues. (depending on area of work)
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing, dispensing and distribution practices.
Desirable
- GCSE at grade C or above in English and maths or equivalent qualifications
- Aseptic Dispensing and Preparation of Medicines, Leeds Relevant NVQ 3 units
- HNC in Applied Science, Food science & technology
- Knowledge of the services provded by the medicines management team
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of aseptic dispensing and preparation in hospital Pharmacy.
- Significant experience of dispensing and distribution of medicines in a community or hospital Pharmacy.
- Basic knowledge of the functions of the NHS
- Good knowledge of legal requirements for dispensing and supply of medicines, including controlled drugs
- Aware of Health, Safety & Wellbeing and their implications for staff
- Good understanding of stock control and stock management
- Significant experience of Pharmacy procurement process and financial understanding of drug budgets
- Significant experience with relevant IT systems and pharmacy robotic systems
- Experience of working on a ward
- Use of stock control systems.
- Experience of in-process checks during aseptic preparation
- Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
- Experience in preparation of aseptically prepared products
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
Desirable
- Involvement in procedure writing
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work to targets
- Experience of leading a team
Language Skills
Desirable
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.
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).
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.
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).
