Pharmacy Technician Band 5
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
This job is now closed
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen at LHCH for the post of a suitably qualified Band 5 rotational Pharmacy Technician. The post holder must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
The successful candidate will become part of an excellent technical team and will rotate through our technician roles, which includes dispensary and wards. You will be part of a ward based rotational team to deliver and expand on the excellent service we give to our patients at LHCH and our SLA wards, including: Medicines Reconciliation, Patients own meds, Medicines housekeeping, Counselling and TTO Teachback, along with any audit work deemed relevant.
Main duties of the job
Co-operating in the provision of patient focused pharmaceutical care with emphasis on the technical aspects of ordering, dispensing, issuing, distribution and stock control of medicines.
Dispensing medicines from the dispensary to a diverse range of patients.
Performing the final accuracy check of dispensed medicines.
Carrying out a ward based pharmaceutical technician service. This includes medicines reconciliation and patient counselling on designated ward areas including off site working on a rotational basis
Participating in weekend and bank holiday working.
About us
As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.
We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.
We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.
Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.
Please visit our website - https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/
Please follow this link for a tour of our site - https://bit.ly/36ylsoq
Date posted
15 January 2024
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£28,407 to £34,581 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9410-24-0015
Job locations
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Thomas Drive
Liverpool
Merseyside
L14 3PE
Job description
Job responsibilities
POST: Pharmacy Technician
BANDING: 5
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Pharmacist
RESPONSIBLE TO Senior Technician
JOB SUMMARY
To co-operate in the provision of patient focused pharmaceutical care with emphasis on the technical aspects of ordering, dispensing, issuing, distribution and stock control of medicines.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
CLINICAL
To dispense medicines from the dispensary to a diverse range of patients in correctly labelled and appropriate containers in an efficient and timely manner according to the standard operating procedures and the Medicines Act 1968. Also dispense and cost private prescriptions
To raise, amend, send orders to suppliers and receive stock into the department and then to enter the appropriate records into the computer and ensure the goods are stored correctly.
To communicate with nursing staff and other health professionals within the training and experience of a technician referring to a pharmacist if necessary.
To communicate with patients on wards and in the department providing advice on their medication, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
Under the supervision of a pharmacist, advise and recommend products to customers wishing to purchase over the counter medication, following completion of training package and competency assessment
To assist medical and nursing staff with drug information queries acknowledging the limitations of your own training and expertise.
To check for prescribing errors within the limits compatible with technician training and to bring to the attention of the supervising pharmacist.
To carry out, monitor and check the ordering, dispensing, issuing, distribution and stock control of medicines on a rotational basis on designated wards and departments within the Trust and off site in accordance with the standard operating procedures and current SLAs.
To monitor and develop systems of issuing stock items to wards and departments, liaising with the departmental or ward manager as appropriate and to adjust the stock list and top-up days as necessary to improve the service provision.
To carry out a ward based pharmaceutical technician service to designated ward areas (both LHCH and SLA wards) which will include the following:
Ensuring patients own drugs are suitable for use, including checking that the labelling is suitable, the correct drug is present, the container is appropriate and that the drugs are still within their expiry date.
Monitor and develop systems of dispensing to wards.
Ensure sufficient supplies are present on the ward and re-supply if necessary.
Alert pharmacist to any potential prescribing errors or problems relating to patients own drugs.
Reviewing patients EPR/case notes if necessary or liaising with GP or looking on SCR to clarify patients drug history, including performing and documenting medicines reconciliation.
Removing unwanted or discontinued medicines from the wards and disposing of appropriately in line with the standard operating procedures and COSHH.
Providing advice on safe administration and monitoring of Warfarin/DOACs to patients who have been newly prescribed Warfarin and DOACs.
To dispense CF Home IV prescriptions and in the absence of the Homecare Technician final check these prescriptions.
To participate in Practice Research and Clinical Audit projects and to produce reports for use by pharmacy staff.
To participate in out of hours, bank holidays and weekend provision of a pharmaceutical service.
To participate in Clinical Trial dispensing, following the procedure for each trial and maintaining appropriate records. This may include assisting in the setting up of the trial and design of the dispensing procedure
To participate in the issuing, receipt and stock control of Controlled Drugs in accordance with the departmental standard operating procedures and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
To dispense, order and maintain records for unlicensed drugs according to departmental procedures and to liaise with Regional Quality Control to determine suitability for use when necessary.
To ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with safe systems of work in Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and those regulations in respect of the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH and other legislation are complied with.
To participate in ensuring the emergency cupboard and emergency arrest boxes are fully stocked according to current departmental procedures.
To participate in collecting prescription charges from patients and issuing receipts/invoices where necessary, liaising with finance when necessary in order to balance the cash from the pharmacy till.
To participate in organising transport for drugs owed to patients or required in an emergency.
To assist the pharmacist with responsibility for Medicines Information in assessing, retrieving and presenting drug information within the limits of technical knowledge and to assist with storing and filing of information.
To use current technology correctly to make appropriate records and to undertake extra training as required.
To maintain and develop the pharmacy computer system in conjunction with the computer systems managers.
To participate and contribute in pharmacy meetings and to support the Pharmacy Business Plan.
To carry out appropriate actions in response to drug alerts issued by the MHRA and the NPSA.
To perform the final accuracy check of medicines that have been clinically checked.
To participate in the management of returned pharmaceuticals, to either return to stock or dispose of safely when not fit for return and to complete stock checks in accordance with departmental procedures.
To participate in the aseptic preparation of products:
Prepare aseptic products in an isolator using aseptic technique and set out ready for checking by pharmacist.
Keep up to date with broth tests and knowledge of GMP by attending monthly meetings.
Complete sessional/daily/weekly monitoring using settle plates and contact plates to ensure products are free from microbial contamination.
Carry out sessional/daily/weekly/monthly monitoring of equipment i.e.: isolator leak tests.
Carry out cleaning duties in absence of ATOs,
Order consumables for use in the unit. i.e. needles, syringes, gloves, swabs.
MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP
To help co-ordinate junior technical staff, student technicians and Assistant Technical Officers as necessary.
To deputise for certain aspects of the work of the Senior Technicians during periods of absence
To cover for Assistant Technical Officers during periods of absence as necessary.
To distribute and monitor controlled stationery, including the stock control of such.
PROFESSIONAL
To participate in individual personal assessment and continuing education programmes in order to keep updated on Pharmaceutical matters and legislative changes which affect pharmacy.
To work at all times to the Pharmacy Technician Code of Ethics as laid down by the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK.
Maintaining registration and recording CPD with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To participate in student technician, pre-registration pharmacists, new pharmacists and new technicians training as required.
Participate in the counselling of patients on the use of their drugs and any devices required to deliver those drugs in order to improve drug compliance.
To keep up to date with all mandatory training.
GENERAL STATEMENTS
CONFIDENTIALITY
All employees must adhere to policies and procedures relating to Information Governance, Confidentiality and Information Security.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trust is committed to approaching the control of risks in a strategic and organised manner.
The postholder must be aware of their individual responsibilities as detailed in the Trusts Risk Management, Health & Safety and Incident policies, and those under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This includes the reporting of any untoward incident, accident, potential or actual hazard identified.
SAFEGUARDING
All staff are required to be familiar with the arrangements for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and support the organisation in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Staff working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults will have a responsibility to ensure safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of their duties.
Staff who come into contact with children, vulnerable adults, parents and carers in the course of their work and/or have access to records will have responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Staff who come into contact in the course of their duties, with parents, carers or other significant adults or children, young people and vulnerable adults should always be mindful of safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of these individuals.
All staff are expected to adhere to, and act in accordance with, the values & behaviours of the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
POST: Pharmacy Technician
BANDING: 5
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Pharmacist
RESPONSIBLE TO Senior Technician
JOB SUMMARY
To co-operate in the provision of patient focused pharmaceutical care with emphasis on the technical aspects of ordering, dispensing, issuing, distribution and stock control of medicines.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
CLINICAL
To dispense medicines from the dispensary to a diverse range of patients in correctly labelled and appropriate containers in an efficient and timely manner according to the standard operating procedures and the Medicines Act 1968. Also dispense and cost private prescriptions
To raise, amend, send orders to suppliers and receive stock into the department and then to enter the appropriate records into the computer and ensure the goods are stored correctly.
To communicate with nursing staff and other health professionals within the training and experience of a technician referring to a pharmacist if necessary.
To communicate with patients on wards and in the department providing advice on their medication, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
Under the supervision of a pharmacist, advise and recommend products to customers wishing to purchase over the counter medication, following completion of training package and competency assessment
To assist medical and nursing staff with drug information queries acknowledging the limitations of your own training and expertise.
To check for prescribing errors within the limits compatible with technician training and to bring to the attention of the supervising pharmacist.
To carry out, monitor and check the ordering, dispensing, issuing, distribution and stock control of medicines on a rotational basis on designated wards and departments within the Trust and off site in accordance with the standard operating procedures and current SLAs.
To monitor and develop systems of issuing stock items to wards and departments, liaising with the departmental or ward manager as appropriate and to adjust the stock list and top-up days as necessary to improve the service provision.
To carry out a ward based pharmaceutical technician service to designated ward areas (both LHCH and SLA wards) which will include the following:
Ensuring patients own drugs are suitable for use, including checking that the labelling is suitable, the correct drug is present, the container is appropriate and that the drugs are still within their expiry date.
Monitor and develop systems of dispensing to wards.
Ensure sufficient supplies are present on the ward and re-supply if necessary.
Alert pharmacist to any potential prescribing errors or problems relating to patients own drugs.
Reviewing patients EPR/case notes if necessary or liaising with GP or looking on SCR to clarify patients drug history, including performing and documenting medicines reconciliation.
Removing unwanted or discontinued medicines from the wards and disposing of appropriately in line with the standard operating procedures and COSHH.
Providing advice on safe administration and monitoring of Warfarin/DOACs to patients who have been newly prescribed Warfarin and DOACs.
To dispense CF Home IV prescriptions and in the absence of the Homecare Technician final check these prescriptions.
To participate in Practice Research and Clinical Audit projects and to produce reports for use by pharmacy staff.
To participate in out of hours, bank holidays and weekend provision of a pharmaceutical service.
To participate in Clinical Trial dispensing, following the procedure for each trial and maintaining appropriate records. This may include assisting in the setting up of the trial and design of the dispensing procedure
To participate in the issuing, receipt and stock control of Controlled Drugs in accordance with the departmental standard operating procedures and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
To dispense, order and maintain records for unlicensed drugs according to departmental procedures and to liaise with Regional Quality Control to determine suitability for use when necessary.
To ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with safe systems of work in Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and those regulations in respect of the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH and other legislation are complied with.
To participate in ensuring the emergency cupboard and emergency arrest boxes are fully stocked according to current departmental procedures.
To participate in collecting prescription charges from patients and issuing receipts/invoices where necessary, liaising with finance when necessary in order to balance the cash from the pharmacy till.
To participate in organising transport for drugs owed to patients or required in an emergency.
To assist the pharmacist with responsibility for Medicines Information in assessing, retrieving and presenting drug information within the limits of technical knowledge and to assist with storing and filing of information.
To use current technology correctly to make appropriate records and to undertake extra training as required.
To maintain and develop the pharmacy computer system in conjunction with the computer systems managers.
To participate and contribute in pharmacy meetings and to support the Pharmacy Business Plan.
To carry out appropriate actions in response to drug alerts issued by the MHRA and the NPSA.
To perform the final accuracy check of medicines that have been clinically checked.
To participate in the management of returned pharmaceuticals, to either return to stock or dispose of safely when not fit for return and to complete stock checks in accordance with departmental procedures.
To participate in the aseptic preparation of products:
Prepare aseptic products in an isolator using aseptic technique and set out ready for checking by pharmacist.
Keep up to date with broth tests and knowledge of GMP by attending monthly meetings.
Complete sessional/daily/weekly monitoring using settle plates and contact plates to ensure products are free from microbial contamination.
Carry out sessional/daily/weekly/monthly monitoring of equipment i.e.: isolator leak tests.
Carry out cleaning duties in absence of ATOs,
Order consumables for use in the unit. i.e. needles, syringes, gloves, swabs.
MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP
To help co-ordinate junior technical staff, student technicians and Assistant Technical Officers as necessary.
To deputise for certain aspects of the work of the Senior Technicians during periods of absence
To cover for Assistant Technical Officers during periods of absence as necessary.
To distribute and monitor controlled stationery, including the stock control of such.
PROFESSIONAL
To participate in individual personal assessment and continuing education programmes in order to keep updated on Pharmaceutical matters and legislative changes which affect pharmacy.
To work at all times to the Pharmacy Technician Code of Ethics as laid down by the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK.
Maintaining registration and recording CPD with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To participate in student technician, pre-registration pharmacists, new pharmacists and new technicians training as required.
Participate in the counselling of patients on the use of their drugs and any devices required to deliver those drugs in order to improve drug compliance.
To keep up to date with all mandatory training.
GENERAL STATEMENTS
CONFIDENTIALITY
All employees must adhere to policies and procedures relating to Information Governance, Confidentiality and Information Security.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trust is committed to approaching the control of risks in a strategic and organised manner.
The postholder must be aware of their individual responsibilities as detailed in the Trusts Risk Management, Health & Safety and Incident policies, and those under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This includes the reporting of any untoward incident, accident, potential or actual hazard identified.
SAFEGUARDING
All staff are required to be familiar with the arrangements for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and support the organisation in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Staff working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults will have a responsibility to ensure safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of their duties.
Staff who come into contact with children, vulnerable adults, parents and carers in the course of their work and/or have access to records will have responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Staff who come into contact in the course of their duties, with parents, carers or other significant adults or children, young people and vulnerable adults should always be mindful of safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of these individuals.
All staff are expected to adhere to, and act in accordance with, the values & behaviours of the Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC (Pharmaceutical Sciences) and NVQ level 3 or
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians Services
- BTEC (checking)
- Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in hospital pharmacy
- Previous experience of accuracy checking dispensed prescriptions
- Ward work experience (e.g. Medicines Reconciliation, checking Patients Own Drugs)
Desirable
- Experience of counselling patients on anticoagulants or Amiodarone
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Projects professional image
- Available to participate in the rota for Weekend and Bank Holiday working
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Good communication and computer skills
- Able to organise own time
Desirable
- Can demonstrate initiative
- Experience of counselling patients who are being discharged on how to take their medication correctly.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC (Pharmaceutical Sciences) and NVQ level 3 or
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians Services
- BTEC (checking)
- Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in hospital pharmacy
- Previous experience of accuracy checking dispensed prescriptions
- Ward work experience (e.g. Medicines Reconciliation, checking Patients Own Drugs)
Desirable
- Experience of counselling patients on anticoagulants or Amiodarone
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Projects professional image
- Available to participate in the rota for Weekend and Bank Holiday working
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Good communication and computer skills
- Able to organise own time
Desirable
- Can demonstrate initiative
- Experience of counselling patients who are being discharged on how to take their medication correctly.
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
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Address
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Thomas Drive
Liverpool
Merseyside
L14 3PE
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Address
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Thomas Drive
Liverpool
Merseyside
L14 3PE
Employer's website
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
15 January 2024
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£28,407 to £34,581 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9410-24-0015
Job locations
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Thomas Drive
Liverpool
Merseyside
L14 3PE
Supporting documents
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