Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive and modern pharmacy service by undertaking activities within the pharmacy and at ward level, which provide an efficient and effective delivery of medicines to patients e.g. dispensing medicines to patients, ward services and store based activities.

The post holder will be required to work cross site as and when required.

Weekend and Bank Holiday cover will also be required for this post in Pharmacy at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Full Time & Part time hours will be considered.

Day to day working in the dispensary and at ward level following appropriate training. To provide a safe and effective dispensing service in areas worked, utilising technology such as EMIS Ascribe dispensing system, BD Rowa robots and Omnicell cabinets.

Supporting pharmacy stores service providing checks to assembled ward orders, support for pharmacy homecare service, Omnicell cycle counts, and ensuring sound stock control is carried out in areas covered.

Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation at the Trust are well developed and we aim to provide high quality care with an emphasis on services to patients, through a modernised lean process.

The department is committed to the use of new technology and we use ASCribe/EMIS, Omnicell electronic storage cabinets, 2 state-of-the-art BD Rowa Vmax robots, and have implemented ChemoCare and TrakCare electronic prescribing systems.

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition - a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

We recruit for values and “Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool”

Following established SOP’s to dispense prescriptions and requisitions timely and accurately using the ASCribe computer system and robotics. Self-check to ensure quality and accuracy of dispensed items prior to final technical check.

Dispense controlled drug prescriptions and ward orders from Omnicells following SOP’s. Accurate entries to be made in controlled drug registers to maintain stock control and legal requirements. Responsible for each individual entry any discrepancies to be reported immediately to manager. Issue controlled drug stationary, prescription pads and requisition books ensuring necessary records are completed to approved staff. Monitor stock levels and inform manager when supplies are required.

Carry out monthly cycle counts on all Omnicells, and reporting any issue to Principal Pharmacy Technician - Omnicells. Replenish A&E emergency Omnicell on a daily basis using generated reports. Assist Principal Pharmacy Technician in Omnicell project work.

Check the accuracy of the generation and selection of items for ward and departmental orders including ad hoc requisitions assembled by pharmacy assistants following SOP’s. Ensure all items are correct, fit for purpose and in date. Inform staff of any discrepancies and ensure correction occurs. This includes use of robotics and Omnicell technology. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Responsible for ward stock supplies for designated ward or department. Maintain the stock to agreed levels on a weekly basis following SOP’s. Monitor stock to ensure stock in date and fit for purpose. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Undertake training to include prescription/requisition/order entry onto the ASCribe computer system, accurate assembly and dispensing of medication, reception duties. Take responsibility for personal development and education including mandatory training via Electronic Staff Record (ESR) and targets set within annual appraisal. Participate in departmental dispensary training of new staff in SOP’s and processes.

Responsible for counting daily stock takes, including robotics and Omnicells. Monitor accuracy of stock levels by reporting any discrepancies to line manager to ensure investigation. Maintain stock quality with regular expiry date checks. Dispose of expired / discontinued medication in a safe manner following the trust and departmental waste management procedure and COSHH regulations.

Record Homecare prescriptions against patient medical records using Ascribe Homecare module following SOP’s.