Job summary
We are very excited to be seeking a Specialist Aseptic Services Pharmacist to join our team.
If you are an enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic pharmacist who would keen to take the next step in their career development and specialise in aseptic services, we would love to hear from you.
The role will involve supporting the Accountable pharmacist and the checking and releasing of aseptically prepared products and managing the wider Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS) to ensure that products are prepared in accordance with the principles of good manufacturing practice (GMP).
This post provides an opportunity for the post holder to enjoy comprehensive training and to develop their skills in all aspects of aseptic services and to be a key part of the pharmacy team as department looks to moves to new Aseptic facilities in the future,
Depending on the stage of your career, a diploma, PTQA or independent prescribing qualification will be funded. Practice research is also encouraged, and we currently have two Band 7 Academic intern pharmacists.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
- Delivery of a high quality specialised pharmacy aseptic service under Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 and compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to ensure the optimisation of medicines for patients attending and admitted to University Hospitals Plymouth.
- Be responsible for the provision and development of pharmaceutical care for patients served by the pharmacy aseptic service.
- Act as team leader for the aseptic services pharmacy team in the absence of seniors and deputising for the Accountable Pharmacist aseptic services, taking responsibility for the preparation of medicines under Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 as well as fulfilling any delegated responsibilities
- Undertake teaching and clinical supervision of pharmacy staff and other healthcare employees.
- Undertake audits and engage with Quality Improvement and practice research projects.
- Work with and support senior pharmacists, clinical and governance teams to develop guidelines and protocols within those areas impacted by the aseptic services provision
- Support research within aseptic services and the wider UHP Trust.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Responsible to the B8a Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Aseptic Services pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager for the delivery of the pharmacy aseptic service to patients within all care areas that require the provision.
- Support the senior pharmacists and Aseptic Services Manager within the aseptic services pharmacy team in developing, monitoring and reporting on drug expenditure and medicines budget.
- Work as a member of the aseptic services pharmacy team.
- To act as an Authorised Pharmacist and take professional responsibility for the provision of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals prepared under Exemption 10 of the Medicines Act 1968.
- Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager, standard operating procedures for use in Aseptic Services.
- Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager, manufacturing worksheets and labels for new products prior to their manufacture ensuring the following have been properly considered:
- Clinical suitability of the preparation
- Formulation
- Stability of the final product
- Storage
- Administration
- Presentation
- Monitoring
- Potential Problems
- Ensure appropriate change control processes are followed and authorise changes to any existing product/process or the implementation of any new product or process.
- Assist the Aseptic Services Manager with the management of out of specifications and product/process deviations relating to Aseptic Services.
- Support senior pharmacists and Aseptic Services Manager to manage, lead and co-ordinate the aseptic services pharmacy team including junior pharmacists and technicians in the provision of a safe, effective and efficient pharmacy aseptic service in accordance with local and national standards and strategy and to ensure all members of the pharmacy team are trained and competent for their roles.
- To complete aseptic verification of worksheets where appropriate
- Assist and support with the running and maintenance of the Pharmaceutical Quality Management System (QMS), internal and external audits.
- Supervise the preparation of medicinal products made under section 10 of the medicines act 1968 and ensure compliance with Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services to provide products that are fit for their intended use:
- a) Ensure the initial check and preparation of medicinal products is undertaken according to local procedures.
- b) Undertake the final check for these products taking responsibility for the final product approval (release) of medicinal products to the patient.
- c) Act as an advisor to all staff if support or intervention is required.
- d) Be on the Trust register for the final product approval (release) of intrathecal preparations from the Pharmacy Department in line with Department of Health guidelines and Trust Policy.
- Ensure that safe and effective systems of work are followed within the unit in compliance with the COSHH (1988) Regulations.
- Assist in the validation and maintenance of computer programmes and systems used in named-patient preparation processes e.g. EMIS
- Assist in ensuring the department is fully compliant with the requirements associated with the regulation of clinical trials in the provision of aseptic products for clinical trials.
- To act as a role model and mentor for junior pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, technicians and ATOs.
- To work towards practicing as an independent prescriber.
- To engage with Quality Improvement and practice research.
- To support senior pharmacists in writing and reviewing policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to medicines and pharmacy practice within the Pharmacy Aseptic Services.
- Liaise with the aseptic services senior team in the development of products and services and future strategy.
- Ensure that expertise within your area is seen as a resource within and outside the Trust and form working partnerships with other health and social care service providers.
- Recommendation of appropriate therapy for individual patients where evidence is not available, controversial evidence exists or other professionals may challenge advice.
- Promote compliance by prescribers and other healthcare staff with local/national policies and the South and West Devon Formulary.
- Manage day to day medicines queries related to the aseptic services provision.
- Liaise with all levels of healthcare staff, patients and carers in all areas of work
- Analysis, interpretation and monitoring of clinical data including drug levels, U&Es, blood counts and microbiological sensitivities to guide diagnosis and drug therapy related to the service provision.
- Provide education and training to all healthcare professionals including medical students.
Pharmacists are expected to work largely unsupervised and to act on their own professional judgement supported by policies and guidelines.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Responsible to the B8a Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Aseptic Services pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager for the delivery of the pharmacy aseptic service to patients within all care areas that require the provision.
- Support the senior pharmacists and Aseptic Services Manager within the aseptic services pharmacy team in developing, monitoring and reporting on drug expenditure and medicines budget.
- Work as a member of the aseptic services pharmacy team.
- To act as an Authorised Pharmacist and take professional responsibility for the provision of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals prepared under Exemption 10 of the Medicines Act 1968.
- Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager, standard operating procedures for use in Aseptic Services.
- Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager, manufacturing worksheets and labels for new products prior to their manufacture ensuring the following have been properly considered:
- Clinical suitability of the preparation
- Formulation
- Stability of the final product
- Storage
- Administration
- Presentation
- Monitoring
- Potential Problems
- Ensure appropriate change control processes are followed and authorise changes to any existing product/process or the implementation of any new product or process.
- Assist the Aseptic Services Manager with the management of out of specifications and product/process deviations relating to Aseptic Services.
- Support senior pharmacists and Aseptic Services Manager to manage, lead and co-ordinate the aseptic services pharmacy team including junior pharmacists and technicians in the provision of a safe, effective and efficient pharmacy aseptic service in accordance with local and national standards and strategy and to ensure all members of the pharmacy team are trained and competent for their roles.
- To complete aseptic verification of worksheets where appropriate
- Assist and support with the running and maintenance of the Pharmaceutical Quality Management System (QMS), internal and external audits.
- Supervise the preparation of medicinal products made under section 10 of the medicines act 1968 and ensure compliance with Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services to provide products that are fit for their intended use:
- a) Ensure the initial check and preparation of medicinal products is undertaken according to local procedures.
- b) Undertake the final check for these products taking responsibility for the final product approval (release) of medicinal products to the patient.
- c) Act as an advisor to all staff if support or intervention is required.
- d) Be on the Trust register for the final product approval (release) of intrathecal preparations from the Pharmacy Department in line with Department of Health guidelines and Trust Policy.
- Ensure that safe and effective systems of work are followed within the unit in compliance with the COSHH (1988) Regulations.
- Assist in the validation and maintenance of computer programmes and systems used in named-patient preparation processes e.g. EMIS
- Assist in ensuring the department is fully compliant with the requirements associated with the regulation of clinical trials in the provision of aseptic products for clinical trials.
- To act as a role model and mentor for junior pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, technicians and ATOs.
- To work towards practicing as an independent prescriber.
- To engage with Quality Improvement and practice research.
- To support senior pharmacists in writing and reviewing policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to medicines and pharmacy practice within the Pharmacy Aseptic Services.
- Liaise with the aseptic services senior team in the development of products and services and future strategy.
- Ensure that expertise within your area is seen as a resource within and outside the Trust and form working partnerships with other health and social care service providers.
- Recommendation of appropriate therapy for individual patients where evidence is not available, controversial evidence exists or other professionals may challenge advice.
- Promote compliance by prescribers and other healthcare staff with local/national policies and the South and West Devon Formulary.
- Manage day to day medicines queries related to the aseptic services provision.
- Liaise with all levels of healthcare staff, patients and carers in all areas of work
- Analysis, interpretation and monitoring of clinical data including drug levels, U&Es, blood counts and microbiological sensitivities to guide diagnosis and drug therapy related to the service provision.
- Provide education and training to all healthcare professionals including medical students.
Pharmacists are expected to work largely unsupervised and to act on their own professional judgement supported by policies and guidelines.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Relevant post-registration demonstrable experience as a pharmacist in UK and broad proven knowledge base of clinical areas
- Proven good general pharmaceutical & clinical knowledge
- Relevant demonstrable experience in an aseptic preparation workplace
- An understanding of pharmacy interfaces and current NHS drivers affecting these
Desirable
- Demonstrable management experience, including teaching, training, and staff development
- Demonstrable experience of developing pharmacy services
- Good proven knowledge of 'Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services: Standards Handbook'
Qualifications
Essential
- Master's Degree, or equivalent, in Pharmacy followed by proven pre-registration training
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance, or working towards these
Desirable
- Master's degree in Oncology / Haematology or Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance
- Proven evidence of management or practice supervisor training
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Relevant post-registration demonstrable experience as a pharmacist in UK and broad proven knowledge base of clinical areas
- Proven good general pharmaceutical & clinical knowledge
- Relevant demonstrable experience in an aseptic preparation workplace
- An understanding of pharmacy interfaces and current NHS drivers affecting these
Desirable
- Demonstrable management experience, including teaching, training, and staff development
- Demonstrable experience of developing pharmacy services
- Good proven knowledge of 'Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services: Standards Handbook'
Qualifications
Essential
- Master's Degree, or equivalent, in Pharmacy followed by proven pre-registration training
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance, or working towards these
Desirable
- Master's degree in Oncology / Haematology or Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance
- Proven evidence of management or practice supervisor training
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).
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.
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).
