Pharmacy Services Assistant
We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.
Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of the ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole.The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.
Job overview
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, responsible individual to join the pharmacy team and be an integral part of our 7 day service.
We are a busy department covering a diverse range of activities and functions including: dispensary, logistics, quality control, manufacture and preparation of medicines and products including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition, clinical trials, ward based/clinical activities, medicines information and community services.
You will support our Logistics and Dispensary teams providing pharmacy services in the dispensary, store and distribution areas, including portering (transportation of stock to the wards and clinics) and ward stock top-ups.
On the job training will be given with departmental competencies to complete.You must have at least 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above / 4 – 9, including Maths and English. Must be willing, able and eligible to undertake the L2 Pharmacy Service skills apprenticeship (if it or equivalent is not already achieved) and any other required training.
You must be flexible and react positively to change, to work in the different areas of pharmacy. Have experience of working calmly and effectively in a busy environment; an eye for detail, good team-working and interpersonal skills. You must be able to follow written procedures, work under supervision, complete tasks accurately to set deadlines, move and handle stock and provide portering services.
Main duties of the job
Details about our pharmacy service - https://esneft.pagetiger.com/buqzfou/1
Dispensary
Working at our reception hatch greeting customers (eg. patients, hospital staff), taking payment, receiving and giving out prescriptions, dealing with phone calls and helping with basic queries, referring when required.
Dispensing medication for in and out patients, community hospitals and units.
Logistics
Supporting with stock management in all areas of work, receipt and safe storage of goods, picking and packing stock orders for the hospital and community hospitals. Movement of stock across the hospital site including heavy loads (portering).Stock topping-up on wards and return and recycling of medicines no longer required.
Stock rotation and expiry date checking.
Working for our organisation
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.
Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- At least 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade C or above/4 - 9 including maths and English
- Willing and able to undertake the L2 Pharmacy Service Assistant course or other relevant course as required/defined by management.
- Science GCSE (or equivalent qualification)
Experience
Essential criteria- Working effectively as part of a team or alone under supervision.
- Working effectively under pressure.
- Moving and handling loads
- Applying theory to practice
- Working in a busy and stressful environment
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Basic knowledge of stock control/rotation
- Standards for pharmacy professionals (GPhC)
Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.
Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.
When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.
Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document
The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.
Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due Home Office eligibility.
In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.