Pharmacy Technician

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic pharmacy technician to work as a key part of the pharmacy team within our modern automated, dispensary area. You will undertake dispensing activities in our main must be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for trying new roles, supporting innovation and delivering an excellent patient ACPT qualification is an advantage, but a successful permanent candidate without the ACPT may be required to undertake more experienced technicians we will provide on the job training in areas such as staff supervision to help you progress in your career. Newly qualified Pharmacy Technicians and Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians due to qualify are also encouraged to Bedford Pharmacy operates a 7 day service and late and weekend shifts will be required.

Main duties of the job

Support the senior technicians in the day to day running of the dispensary service by being a team lead and fulfilling duties as per dispensary procedures To provide patients with information on appropriate use of their medication To provide training in dispensary in accordance with competency frameworks on the use of pharmacy stock control software and dispensing cabinets To act as a professional role model for pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants To accurately receive prescriptions in to the dispensary and ensuring prescription charges are collected where appropriate Accurately dispense inpatients/outpatients/discharge prescriptions/controlled drugs for a wide range of specialities Maintain high quality data input of patient and drug information in to pharmacy JAC system To support with daily robot stock maintenance and be available to trouble shoot as appropriate To undertake patient consultations when handing out medication and ensure patients are given appropriate advice to support To participate in audits necessary for service developments as set out by dispensary management To undertake and maintain own CPD record to ensure a high level service is provided to patients and staff To assist with the maintenance of efficient stock control, including management of returns

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job description

Job responsibilities

CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY

To accurately receive prescriptions in to the dispensary and ensuring prescription charges are collected where appropriate Accurately dispense inpatients/outpatients/discharge prescriptions/controlled drugs for a wide range of specialities Maintain high quality data input of patient and drug information in to pharmacy JAC system To support with daily robot stock maintenance and be available to trouble shoot as appropriate To undertake patient consultations when handing out medication and ensure patients are given appropriate advice to support To participate in audits necessary for service developments as set out by dispensary management To undertake and maintain own CPD record to ensure a high level service is provided to patients and staff To assist with the maintenance of efficient stock control, including management of returns To be an ACPT, undertaking the final check for dispensed prescriptions which have been clinically screened by a pharmacist for accuracy before release, subject to successful completion and conditions of the ACPT scheme accreditation

COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE

To assist service users visiting the department, efficiently and quickly, whilst being sensitive to their needs. Foster and maintain good working relationships with trust wide staff through effective communication To answer telephone promptly and courteously To work effectively as a member of the pharmacy team To communicate effectively with senior members of staff regarding any problems encountered

OTHER

To support dispensary management in reviewing and updating Dispensary Work Instructions ensuring the highest level of pharmacy practice To act as a team lead and ensure work flow is maintained and report to the Senior Pharmacy Technicians any problems or concerns To support the training of other Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians, Trainee Pharmacists, Pharmacists and Senior Pharmacy Assistants when required To deputise as appropriate for Senior Technicians as and when required To contribute to the dispensary housekeeping rota To contribute to every work session without having to be asked and to take pride in the overall performance of the team To maintain a clean, tidy work area, ensuring all items and documentation are stored appropriately Attend and participate in dispensary and departmental meetings To undertake all statutory and mandatory training and relevant updates in accordance with the trust requirements Participate in late team, weekend and Bank Holiday Rotas as a part of the 7-day service Act as a role model for technical staff in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council To undertake other duties as reasonably requested by Deputy Chief Pharmacists and/or Chief Pharmacist

The list of responsibilities above, are key primary requirements for the role, however, additional duties may be required to ensure patient and employee safety is met.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) BTEC or NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification Evidence of commitment to CPD

Desirable

Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician

Experience

Essential

Good dispensing practice Working within a team Recognises own limitation

Desirable

Previous experience of working in a hospital pharmacy Participation in training staff Experience of supporting junior staff

Knowledge

Essential

Working knowledge of a broad range of medicines Demonstrate ability to perform calculations Ability to counsel patients on their medication Accurate dispensing skills Knowledge of legislation relating to medicines IT skills: Word

Desirable

Understanding of the running of a dispensary service Understanding of Health & Safety requirements IT skills: Excel, PowerPoint

Personal Skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills both verbal and written Customer care skills Ability to work under pressure whilst maintain accuracy

Desirable

Ability to seek advice appropriately from senior staff

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