Rotational Pharmacy Technician
Job overview
The Rotational Pharmacy Technician will be based on the Denmark Hill site and participate in a rotation covering aseptics, dispensary and clinical services. The post holder will gain practical experience and assist in the delivery of the service in each section.If not already accredited they will work towards becoming an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) when in dispensary and in the clinical services rotation will work towards the completion of an in-house validation training manual and will become a validated in-process accuracy checker when in the aseptics rotation.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an adaptable, enthusiastic person with a zest for learning to work in this exciting role ; you will be fully trained and locally accredited if appropriate in each section. All staff participate in a 7 day working model which requires working Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.During the dispensary rotations staff will work some late shifts until 19:30.
The successful candidate will participate in a rotation across 3 areas of the pharmacy department: dispensary, clinical services and aseptics. The main duties are varied according to the rotation. More details are in the job description.
Working for our organisation
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites.The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus.Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To ensure the safe, effective and economical use of drugs for all patients in the Trust.
- To be responsible for the implementation of new or revised policies and procedures specific to the dispensary, medicines management or aseptic services that will have an impact within the pharmacy department.
- To contribute to wider policies that have an impact within the pharmacy department and across the Trust
- To be pro-active in the regular review and update of dispensary, medicines management and aseptic policies and procedures.
- To propose changes to working practices and dispensing techniques that will maximise the potential for efficiency and safety
- To participate in the training and supervision of staff working in the dispensary, medicines management or aseptic Service as part of their induction
- To check Patients’ Own Drugs (PODs) for use during inpatient stay
- To support the Dispensary Manager, Lead Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Services and the Chief Pharmacy Technician, Aseptics, in the development of the service
- To attend and contribute to any regional and national meetings in relation to pharmacy services and to feedback and recommend any changes and/or improvements to the service as appropriate to the Dispensary Manager, Lead Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Services or Chief Pharmacy Technician, Aseptic Services.
- Be able to provide the final accuracy check on clinically screened dispensed prescriptions in the dispensary and be a validated checker in Aseptics
- To be able to use Trust EPMA computer systems to order non-stock medication and endorse POD assessments.
- To be able to work independently and follow departmental SOPs and dispense medication accurately and to refer non-routine enquiries and other matters as appropriate to a more senior member of staff
§ To be able to use pharmacy computer systems correctly, enter data accurately from transcription sheets, prescription forms and any other prescriptions written by others and ensure that data is stored and archived appropriately in accordance with local and regionally agreed guidelines.
PATIENT/CLIENT CARE- To deliver a customer-focused service to all patients and to adhere to the highest principles of customer services when dealing with patients, staff and the public.
- Promote pharmaceutical care for all patients.
- To dispense medication and draw-up doses during aseptics rotation.
- Be able to check clinically screened dispensed prescriptions and become a validated In-process accuracy checker in aseptics
- To provide patients with information on common drug dosage and use.
- To assess Patients’ Own Drugs (PODs) for use during inpatient stay
- To provide appropriate and sufficient supplies of medication during admission
- To liaise with ward and pharmacy staff to facilitate the efficient transfer of medication when patients move wards
- To immediately report any deficiency in equipment and systems to the Dispensary Manager
- To comply with SOPs relating to efficient stock control in the issue, return and recycling or safe disposal (as appropriate) of drugs from wards, departments & clinics
- To assist in the training and day to day supervision of new staff as part of their induction
- To supervise junior staff (less experienced pharmacy technicians, trainee pharmacists pharmacy technicians and ATOs) and recommend changes to working practice in order to ensure correct and safe working practices are utilised.
- To undertake CPD to ensure that knowledge is continually updated
- To participate in relevant departmental meetings to ensure staff are up to date on current issues with regard to the dispensary, aseptics and medicines management services.
- To publish or present project work carried out in conjunction with colleagues.
- To contribute to the overall audit & analysis of services
- To participate in other departmental audits and projects as required
- The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
- To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
- To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
- To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
- This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
Person specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential criteria- Registered as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- GPhC recognised Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Qualification
- Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) qualification (can be as part of Pharmacy Technician Training or as a standalone eg: CPPE or Buttercups ACPT training)
Experience
Desirable criteria- Experience post registration relevant to hospital pharmacy practice with assessed competencies