Job summary
Band 5 Senior Pharmacy Technician - Medicines Management (Fixed term contract to 31/03/24)
This post is based on Hampstead site of the Royal Free Hospital Trust. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and adaptable Pharmacy Technician with good communication and interpersonal skills to take on this challenging post. Your role will involve working with Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and other health care professionals on providing Medicines Management services at ward level.
The post holder will support the ward pharmacists to carry out medicines reconciliation for our newly admitted patients and the assessment of patients own drugs. You will support the day-to-day coordination of the satellite pharmacy by providing original pack dispensing, patient counselling and co-ordination of the supply of discharge medicines to our patients.
You will be an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) and a qualified Medicine Management Pharmacy Technician. You must have evidence of registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have good post qualification experience working as a Pharmacy Technician within an NHS Hospital Pharmacy.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will ensure that the Medicines Management is delivered in a safe, effective, economic, and timely manner. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that all documentation and procedures are carried out in accordance with current legislation and guidelines.
Medicines Management will include supporting medicines optimisation at ward level. They will support the Pharmacy Technician Specialist (Medicines Management) in developing and maintaining the medicines management service at ward level. This will include the assessment of patients own drugs, medicines reconciliation, providing original pack dispensing, counselling patients about their medicines, top-ups, medicine returns and co-ordinating supply of discharge medicines which includes dispensing TTAs on the wards. The post holder will also support the induction and training of a range of staff, including (but not limited to) Pharmacy technicians, Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (PTPTs) and Trainee Pharmacists (TPs).
About us
Our Trust has around 10,000 staff serving 1.6 million patients. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers' money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.
Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
The Pharmacy Service at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust comprises of Inpatient and Outpatient dispensary services, ward based clinical pharmacy services, Medicines Information, aseptic and non-sterile production services, pharmacy stores & distribution, procurement, and homecare services. We cover a range of clinical specialties including HIV, general medicine, emergency services, surgery, rheumatology, hepatology, anti-coagulation, oncology & haematology, women's health, paediatrics, and infection control.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide a full and comprehensive pharmacy service to patients undergoing treatment within the hospital, to ensure the safe and economic use of medicines, and to demonstrate professional accountability.
- To participate in the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service.
- To ensure that all dispensing records are complete and accurate and are attributed to the correct medical team or consultant.
- To ensure that clinicians are aware of and follow the agreed hospital formulary.
- Promotion of high-quality, cost-effective prescribing.
- To provide Medicines Management duties to allocated wards, i.e. checking, and assessing of Patients Own Drugs (on attaining the in-house accreditation programme for ward-based technicians or MOP Medicines Optimisation course); drug history taking of new patients; near patient dispensing, counselling services, ordering of in-patient and one stop medicines. These activities will be supervised, and assessments will be carried out on performance until candidate completes in house training and competencies.
- To liaise with ward pharmacists, ward staff and patients to discuss the availability and delivery time scale for prescriptions requiring special preparations.
- To support the Pharmacy Technician Specialist (Medicines Management) in managing an efficient, accurate and flexible near patient service to the hospital wards.
- To support the development and monitoring of the ward top-up service to the wards, including the updating of ward top up stock sheets on a regular basis.
- To manage the transfer or return of medicines, following patient transfer or discharge, by liaising with ward staff and/or by checking EPR.
- To participate in and support data collection and analysis, including clinical audits, as requested by the chief pharmacist clinical services or Pharmacy Technician Team Manager.
- To support the development of ward-based projects, including training of ward and pharmacy staff
- To be proactive and to support the implementation of change.
- To support the implementation and setting up of satellite dispensing on the wards to help facilitate effective patient discharges and support near patient dispensing.
- To support ward-based staff, ensuring standard operating procedures are followed and standards maintained.
- To supervise and participate in all dispensary duties, including answering the telephone, and answering queries.
- To query prescriptions with other health care professionals as necessary, under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- To assist in the management of good stock control.
- To supervise and participate in regular expiry date checks of satellite stock, and to ensure all expired stock is removed from stock according to procedures.
- To supervise and participate in the safe processing of medicines returned to the pharmacy department, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures for this process.
- To carry out final dispensing accuracy checks on prescriptions which have previously been screened by a pharmacist.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS
- To manage difficult situations involving members of the public.
- Provision of a high-quality counselling service to patients, their representatives, and/or carers to explain the correct and most effective use of their prescribed medications, and any possible side effects and interactions, or precautions to be taken, and to ensure that the information has been understood by all parties.
- To analyse and interpret prescriptions and either resolve problems with the prescriber or refer problems to a pharmacist.
- To be an Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) or be working towards this qualification
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
- To monitor the service on a regular basis and to identify and manage any changes necessary to maintain a high-quality responsive service to maximise patient care.
- To liaise with the Technician Team manager as appropriate regarding any issues, problems, errors, or complaints beyond limitations.
- To develop, implement and maintain SOPs for own area and to contribute to policies when appropriate.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
- To promote and ensure effective, safe, and economic drug use.
- Maintain a good system for the safe storage and retrieval of prescriptions and requisitions.
- Participate on the return of unused drugs according to the local returns policy.
- To supervise the cancellation of computer/issue errors and liaise with the IT team to rectify any associated problems.
- To implement a robust system for checking expiry dates and maintaining effective stock rotation.
- To ensure that all drugs for destruction are dealt with according to legal frameworks, Health and Safety guidance, and departmental procedures.
- To maintain legal records e.g., Controlled Drug Registers.
- To ensure that stock is ordered in a cost-effective manner, considering changes in prescribing practices, items newly approved for inclusion in the hospital Formulary, and seasonal fluctuations in drug usage.
- To ensure that a robust system for the storage, handling, assessment, and processing of Patients Own Drugs.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
- To work closely with colleagues to manage and support the development of the pharmacy team.
- To produce and frequently update procedures for the supply of medications to all patients within the hospital.
- To identify and prioritise services to individuals and groups of patients according to agreed policies.
- To help maintain an effective system for tracking the progress of prescriptions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Infection Control
Infection control is everyones responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.
- To work in close collaboration with the Infection Control Team.
- To ensure that monitoring of clinical practice is undertaken at the agreed frequency.
- To ensure that the ward environments are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards; ensuring that shortfalls are rectified, or escalate as necessary.
- To ensure that all relevant monitoring data and issues are provided to the Directorates Governance structures.
Health and Safety at Work
The post holder is required to:
- Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and other persons who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
- Confidentiality & Data Protection
The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and maintain confidentiality of staff, patients and Trust business.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position, to gain or benefit themselves, their family or friends.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust aims to ensure that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership.
You are responsible for ensuring that the Trusts policies, procedures and obligation in respect of promoting equality and diversity are adhered to in relation to both staff and services.
Vulnerable Groups
To carry out responsibilities in such a way as to minimise risk of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare in accordance with the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Care Act 2014
Smoke Free
The Trust implements a Smoke Free policy that applies to all staff. Staff are not allowed to smoke while wearing a recognisable Trust uniform or visible trust identification badge, and not allowed to smoke anywhere on hospital grounds.
Standards of dress
All staff are expected to abide by the Trusts guidance on standards of dress.
This job description outlines the current main responsibilities of the post. However the duties of the post may change and develop over time and may therefore be amended in consultation with the post holder.
Sustainability
The Trust places great importance on sustainable development, reducing their carbon footprint and maximising the positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes of Trust actions and activities. As an employee it will be your responsibility to minimise your environmental impact, use resources efficiently, saving energy by switching off unnecessary equipment, reducing waste generation, using recycling/redistribution facilities, minimising travel, and saving water when possible. If your role involves purchasing/ordering supplies, you must consider the environmental impacts and purchase optimal sustainable products and services.
Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore expected to be aware of the Greener RFL & NHS agenda (via induction/ESR/other training) and actively encouraged/supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise that reduce harmful emissions and waste.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide a full and comprehensive pharmacy service to patients undergoing treatment within the hospital, to ensure the safe and economic use of medicines, and to demonstrate professional accountability.
- To participate in the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service.
- To ensure that all dispensing records are complete and accurate and are attributed to the correct medical team or consultant.
- To ensure that clinicians are aware of and follow the agreed hospital formulary.
- Promotion of high-quality, cost-effective prescribing.
- To provide Medicines Management duties to allocated wards, i.e. checking, and assessing of Patients Own Drugs (on attaining the in-house accreditation programme for ward-based technicians or MOP Medicines Optimisation course); drug history taking of new patients; near patient dispensing, counselling services, ordering of in-patient and one stop medicines. These activities will be supervised, and assessments will be carried out on performance until candidate completes in house training and competencies.
- To liaise with ward pharmacists, ward staff and patients to discuss the availability and delivery time scale for prescriptions requiring special preparations.
- To support the Pharmacy Technician Specialist (Medicines Management) in managing an efficient, accurate and flexible near patient service to the hospital wards.
- To support the development and monitoring of the ward top-up service to the wards, including the updating of ward top up stock sheets on a regular basis.
- To manage the transfer or return of medicines, following patient transfer or discharge, by liaising with ward staff and/or by checking EPR.
- To participate in and support data collection and analysis, including clinical audits, as requested by the chief pharmacist clinical services or Pharmacy Technician Team Manager.
- To support the development of ward-based projects, including training of ward and pharmacy staff
- To be proactive and to support the implementation of change.
- To support the implementation and setting up of satellite dispensing on the wards to help facilitate effective patient discharges and support near patient dispensing.
- To support ward-based staff, ensuring standard operating procedures are followed and standards maintained.
- To supervise and participate in all dispensary duties, including answering the telephone, and answering queries.
- To query prescriptions with other health care professionals as necessary, under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- To assist in the management of good stock control.
- To supervise and participate in regular expiry date checks of satellite stock, and to ensure all expired stock is removed from stock according to procedures.
- To supervise and participate in the safe processing of medicines returned to the pharmacy department, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures for this process.
- To carry out final dispensing accuracy checks on prescriptions which have previously been screened by a pharmacist.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS
- To manage difficult situations involving members of the public.
- Provision of a high-quality counselling service to patients, their representatives, and/or carers to explain the correct and most effective use of their prescribed medications, and any possible side effects and interactions, or precautions to be taken, and to ensure that the information has been understood by all parties.
- To analyse and interpret prescriptions and either resolve problems with the prescriber or refer problems to a pharmacist.
- To be an Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) or be working towards this qualification
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
- To monitor the service on a regular basis and to identify and manage any changes necessary to maintain a high-quality responsive service to maximise patient care.
- To liaise with the Technician Team manager as appropriate regarding any issues, problems, errors, or complaints beyond limitations.
- To develop, implement and maintain SOPs for own area and to contribute to policies when appropriate.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
- To promote and ensure effective, safe, and economic drug use.
- Maintain a good system for the safe storage and retrieval of prescriptions and requisitions.
- Participate on the return of unused drugs according to the local returns policy.
- To supervise the cancellation of computer/issue errors and liaise with the IT team to rectify any associated problems.
- To implement a robust system for checking expiry dates and maintaining effective stock rotation.
- To ensure that all drugs for destruction are dealt with according to legal frameworks, Health and Safety guidance, and departmental procedures.
- To maintain legal records e.g., Controlled Drug Registers.
- To ensure that stock is ordered in a cost-effective manner, considering changes in prescribing practices, items newly approved for inclusion in the hospital Formulary, and seasonal fluctuations in drug usage.
- To ensure that a robust system for the storage, handling, assessment, and processing of Patients Own Drugs.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
- To work closely with colleagues to manage and support the development of the pharmacy team.
- To produce and frequently update procedures for the supply of medications to all patients within the hospital.
- To identify and prioritise services to individuals and groups of patients according to agreed policies.
- To help maintain an effective system for tracking the progress of prescriptions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Infection Control
Infection control is everyones responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.
- To work in close collaboration with the Infection Control Team.
- To ensure that monitoring of clinical practice is undertaken at the agreed frequency.
- To ensure that the ward environments are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards; ensuring that shortfalls are rectified, or escalate as necessary.
- To ensure that all relevant monitoring data and issues are provided to the Directorates Governance structures.
Health and Safety at Work
The post holder is required to:
- Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and other persons who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
- Confidentiality & Data Protection
The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and maintain confidentiality of staff, patients and Trust business.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position, to gain or benefit themselves, their family or friends.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust aims to ensure that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership.
You are responsible for ensuring that the Trusts policies, procedures and obligation in respect of promoting equality and diversity are adhered to in relation to both staff and services.
Vulnerable Groups
To carry out responsibilities in such a way as to minimise risk of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare in accordance with the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Care Act 2014
Smoke Free
The Trust implements a Smoke Free policy that applies to all staff. Staff are not allowed to smoke while wearing a recognisable Trust uniform or visible trust identification badge, and not allowed to smoke anywhere on hospital grounds.
Standards of dress
All staff are expected to abide by the Trusts guidance on standards of dress.
This job description outlines the current main responsibilities of the post. However the duties of the post may change and develop over time and may therefore be amended in consultation with the post holder.
Sustainability
The Trust places great importance on sustainable development, reducing their carbon footprint and maximising the positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes of Trust actions and activities. As an employee it will be your responsibility to minimise your environmental impact, use resources efficiently, saving energy by switching off unnecessary equipment, reducing waste generation, using recycling/redistribution facilities, minimising travel, and saving water when possible. If your role involves purchasing/ordering supplies, you must consider the environmental impacts and purchase optimal sustainable products and services.
Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore expected to be aware of the Greener RFL & NHS agenda (via induction/ESR/other training) and actively encouraged/supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise that reduce harmful emissions and waste.
Person Specification
Education & Professional Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences and NVQ Pharmacy services Level 3 or equivalent
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacy Technician
Desirable
- Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) or willing to work toward this
- QCF A1 workplace assessor award or working towards this
Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Experience
Essential
- Significant and demonstrable post qualification hospital pharmacy experience
- Previous assessable experience/understanding of JAC Pharmacy Computer System (or equivalent)
- Computer literate including Microsoft Office software products
- Ability and understanding of how to correctly and efficiently obtain accurate medication histories and contribute towards medicines reconciliation
Desirable
- Previous assessable managerial/ supervisory experience and experience in training
- Previous assessable experience in recruitment and selection of staff
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills (with patients and staff of all levels)
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Demonstrate proven ability to dispense accurately.
- Demonstrate proven ability to counsel and give advice to patients/carers on medications.
- Excellent understanding of computerised systems of stock control management
- Demonstrate ability to prioritise and organise own workload and for staff managed.
- Methodical methods of working and good decision - making skills
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
Desirable
- Demonstrate ability to deal with conflict and complaints (with patients and staff of all levels)
- Demonstrate ability to plan, organise & deliver induction & competency based training.
Person Specification
Education & Professional Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences and NVQ Pharmacy services Level 3 or equivalent
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacy Technician
Desirable
- Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) or willing to work toward this
- QCF A1 workplace assessor award or working towards this
Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Experience
Essential
- Significant and demonstrable post qualification hospital pharmacy experience
- Previous assessable experience/understanding of JAC Pharmacy Computer System (or equivalent)
- Computer literate including Microsoft Office software products
- Ability and understanding of how to correctly and efficiently obtain accurate medication histories and contribute towards medicines reconciliation
Desirable
- Previous assessable managerial/ supervisory experience and experience in training
- Previous assessable experience in recruitment and selection of staff
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills (with patients and staff of all levels)
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Demonstrate proven ability to dispense accurately.
- Demonstrate proven ability to counsel and give advice to patients/carers on medications.
- Excellent understanding of computerised systems of stock control management
- Demonstrate ability to prioritise and organise own workload and for staff managed.
- Methodical methods of working and good decision - making skills
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
Desirable
- Demonstrate ability to deal with conflict and complaints (with patients and staff of all levels)
- Demonstrate ability to plan, organise & deliver induction & competency based 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).
