Pharmacy Technician - Aseptic Services
Construction of the new integrated critical care unit was completed in 2018, extension of a Neonatal Unit and an approved plan to build a brand new, state of the art Emergency Department which commenced in 2021
We provide high quality, friendly and effective community health services from multiple sites covering Walsall. Our multidisciplinary services include rapid response and homebased care, so that those with long term conditions and the frail elderly can remain in their own homes.
We are recommended by colleagues as a place to work which is supported by the trusts values to work as part of a team, being respectful, compassionate and professional. We are committed to investing in our workforce
Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including: salary sacrifice scheme; car leasing scheme; on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability); the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme; and the opportunity to develop and implement your expertise in an encouraging yet challenging environment
We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment at this time, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.We will be checking the vaccination status of all new starters so that we can manage individual and environmental risks, and so that we can support those who may be undecided about vaccination. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at COVID-19 Vaccination | How to access your vaccine in the Black Country and West Birmingham (blackcountryandwestbirmccg.nhs.uk) where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
There is a current Government consultation underway which will determine whether some new starters may need to be vaccinated.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Trust currently holds the Bronze Award which underlines the Trust’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. As an organisation, we are aiming to achieve the next level Silver award, with our sights firmly on Gold.
RESPECT - COMPASSION - TEAMWORK - PROFESSIONALISM
Job overview
To carry out pharmaceutical technical duties mainly in the aseptic service of the pharmacy service. To provide an efficient and comprehensive Pharmaceutical Service to meet departmental and corporate objectives. Specific duties, where indicated will be carried out under the supervision of senior colleagues
Dispense these medicines in accordance with the standard labelling, dispensing and computer procedures demonstrating the necessary high standard of dexterity, accuracy and precision required for aseptic manipulations.
Perform in-process accuracy checks.
Ensures that all items used in aseptic dispensing are recorded through as costed issues through the Drug Management and Administration systems.Participate in the daily management of the workload and organisation of the aseptic unit.
Acts as a supervisor for lower graded members of staff
Participate in the continued maintenance and monitoring of environmentalstandards of the unit and to undertake regular assessment of personal quality
standards to ensure compliance with national, regional and local standards.
Ensure the completion by staff of all logs and records and to report all variances to senior staff in a timely manner.
Main duties of the job
Contribute to induction and in-service training of all grades of pharmacy staff and staff from other disciplines as appropriate.Ensures that appropriate information is communicated effectively to the desired recipients.
Contribute to the review system for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and worksheets and assist in the implementation of any changes.Contribute to remedial action plans in response to audits and to the delivery of these plans.
Contribute to ensuring that an efficient aseptic dispensing and distribution service is provided to patients and staff which is in line with current service standards and conforms to agreed service deadlines within the service level.
Participate in the stock management, ordering and receipt of medicines, consumables, clothing and other items used by the aseptic unit.Participate in the audit of services and procedures and record workload statistics.
The Pharmacy Technician has a responsibility to ensure they are valid in their registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council to carry out this job role and align to the Code of Ethics for Registered Pharmacy Technicians.
The Pharmacy Technician works in a team to support the Senior Pharmacy Technicians in the day to day running of the technical services in the department and work under supervision of the Accountable Pharmacist.
To support Student Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Assistants, Pharmacy Apprentices.
Working for our organisation
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300, providing inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community.Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The £170 million development was completed in 2010 and the continued upgrading of existing areas ensures the Trust now has a state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit facilities.
A new Urgent Emergency Care Centre was opened in March 2023. The two-storey development has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity and has provided almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Participate in the specialist cleaning schedules following procedures for isolators, rooms and preparation areas.
Assemble raw materials and equipment following agreed procedures.
Using an isolator in a clean room, wearing appropriate specialist clean room clothing, make cytotoxic injections for oncology, haematology, gynaecology and rheumatology patients and any other speciality.
Assist with the maintenance of accurate detailed patient records of chemotherapy using specialist computer software and paper systems.
Dispense oral chemotherapy and prefilled cytotoxic medication prescribed on prescriptions.
Undergo the aseptic services and chemotherapy training programme and undertake regular competency assessments including broth tests.
After appropriate training, undertake in-process checks during the preparation of cytotoxic and other individually dispensed sterile preparations and perform the regular environmental monitoring operations including placing settle plates, contact plates and appropriate swabbing of areas according to procedure.
Be able to carry out specialist spillage decontamination procedures associated with cytotoxic agents, referring any concerns to a Senior Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist as appropriate.
To work in a safe manner at all times in compliance with the Health and Safety Act 1974 and COSHH legislation, including Local Procedures.
Be aware of the procedures to follow on a breach of the isolator including drawing it to the attention of a senior member of staff.
To liaise with the Clinical Trials technician for the manufacture of Clinical Trials medication.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria- Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Services
- Registration with the GPhC
- GCSE level (Grade A-C in English and Maths) or Numeracy and Literacy functional skills level 2 (or equivalent). (1)
- Acredited Checking Technician (ACT) qualification
Experience
Essential criteria- Previous hospital or community pharmacy experience
- Awareness of handling cytotoxic and anti-cancer products
- Experience of working in a hospital compounding unit or pharmaceutical industry (preferably in a clean room environment) or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of the Principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Experience in a Quality Assurance environment including monitoring and validation
Skills
Essential criteria- Ability to communicate effectively in clear English with members of the public and with other health care professionals.
- Time management / Organisational / Problem solving Skills; ability to priorities own workload and that of others and to manage own time effectively.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with staff at all levels
- Experience with Ascribe/BD Cato computer system
Please note your application will be transferred from the NHS Jobs system to internal Walsall Healthcare Trac System. All correspondence will be sent via Trac
Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.
** Please Note that this post may be identified as suitable and a preference given for Internal at Risk Employees**
We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON COMPLETION OF REFERENCE SECTION OF APPLICATION FORM
References from current and previous employers will be sought and must cover a minimum of 3 years employment. When completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover this period.Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Please review the attached Job description and person specification carefully before applying to ensure that you meet the essential job requirements.
Candidates should be aware that, regardless of country of origin, their ability to communicate in written and spoken English to the standard required to carry out the post, will be assessed during the selection process.
Referee email addresses should be provided on your application form.
Following the closing date, if you have not heard from us within 6 weeks you may assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We reserve the right to close this job early. Interested applicants are therefore advised to apply as early as possible.
If a large number of applicants meet the essential criteria then random selection will be applied.
We are committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible and committed to equal opportunities.