Aseptics Technical Manager - Senior Pharmacy Technician

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.

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 manage, provide, co-ordinate, participate and develop the aseptic technical service.

To assist and take part in the production of aseptically prepared products in the Aseptic Unit.

To lead the pharmacy team that provides technical pharmacy services in the specialist area, e.g. Aseptic Unit and to manage the day-to-day activities of the technical support staff team, liaising closely with the Lead/Accountable pharmacist for the specialist area.

To manage the work of the Pharmacy Technicians, the Senior Pharmacy Assistant and Pharmacy Assistants within their area of responsibility and to ensure that the delivery and quality of pharmacy support services is constantly maintained.

To be responsible in ensuring that the preparation of chemotherapy and reconstitution of cytotoxic agents, e.g. monoclonal antibodies, is prepared in the aseptic suite by trained and competency assessed staff. A register of all staff holding a competency and training is maintained and is up to date.

The post holder is responsible for facilitating training programmes in their area of specialisation and for developing and implementing standard operating procedures in that area and associated areas.

The Senior Pharmacy Technicians work as a team supporting the Pharmacy Operations Manager in the day-to-day management of the technical services of the pharmacy department. They work with other members of the Senior Pharmacy team to develop services in line with Trust and National NHS directives.

1. To be responsible for the management of the daily workload in the unit working with the Lead/Accountable Pharmacist, coordinating the treatment for each patient. Liaising closely with the staff in the chemotherapy unit and coordinate the work efficiently through planning and agreeing workload and patient numbers according to capacity.
2. To be responsible for the running of the Aseptic Unit on a daily basis ensuring weekly procedures are followed including cleaning, maintenance and environmental monitoring.
3. To supervise and direct staff who work in the Aseptic Unit.
4. To actively take part in the preparation of cytotoxic preparations according to service demand. In addition, support and ensure the provision of TPN for adults and Baby TPN according to patient needs.
5. To pre and in process check within the Aseptic Services as per recognised accreditation.
6. To check worksheets, labels and cytotoxic products before preparation as per the pre and in process check. Ensure worksheets are accurate.
7. To check volumes during the preparation of products in the lab in line with the pre and in process checking guidelines and demands in the service.

Working for our organisation

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.

1. To lead with the Specialist Pharmacist in investigating and overcoming problems including for stock issues and technical queries.
2. To be responsible in maintaining, reviewing and updating all relevant documentation, ensuring all is completed correctly and timely for audit and inspections.
3. To ensure there is continuity of staff and adequate staff cover in the unit, liaising with Other Senior Technician leads and other Lead Pharmacists.
4. To organise quarterly maintenance visits including making arrangements to close the unit, liaising with the Chemotherapy unit staff to reschedule work and minimise disruption to patients’ treatment.
5. To be responsible for maintaining environmental monitoring records, cleaning records and ensuring regular cleaning is maintained in the unit and all areas are kept tidy and clutter free.
6. To prepare and keep in date, standard operating procedures and all master documents and comply with all policies and procedures.
7. To ensure all Aseptic staffs follow standard operating procedures, local and Trust cytotoxic policy and mandatory guidelines. Ensure personnel records are kept up to date of all designated posts including staffs having valid broth tests.
8. To ensure access to cytotoxic drugs storage is limited to authorised staff and that storage shelves are designed to reduce/minimise breakage of containers.
9. To keep accurate records and communicate within the guidelines stated in National and Local policies.
10. To be responsible for maintaining and producing database reports for own specialised area and other areas when required.
11. To work with the Lead/Accountable Pharmacist in the strategic planning of the Aseptic services and including the service users.
12. To assist in the supervision and training of Assistants, Pre-registration Pharmacists and Student Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Assistants and Pharmacists, to ensure their duties are carried out in accordance with agreed policies and procedures. This will include supporting staff in the course of carrying out their duties and ensuring staffs aseptic techniques are regularly validated.
13. To ensure that pharmacy staff involved in handling of cytotoxic drugs, i.e. purchasing, receipt of goods, packing, storage and transport satisfy appropriate local training.
14. To conduct regular staff meetings with the Aseptic Team of all grades to disseminate information and agree rotas.
15. To be responsible for ordering and maintaining adequate stock levels of materials, equipment and pharmaceutical stocks related to the preparation of chemotherapy and in a cost-effective manner.
16. To observe Health and Safety in the unit for own self and for staff in the area, ensuring staffs follow all health and safety procedures and correct personal protection equipment is available and exposure of cytotoxic agents.
17. To ensure all areas where cytotoxics are handled, have correct spill kits and staffs receive the necessary training on how to deal with spillages safely.
18. To be responsible for the technical staff in the area and other technical staff from other departmental areas for the delivery of annual individual performance development reviews, managing sickness and absence, management of staff where there is poor performance
19. To ensure all cytotoxic related errors are reported locally and if applicable to technical subgroup reporting to the West Midlands Chief Pharmacists Group. Ensure that the cytotoxic operational policy is maintained and updated and relates to the peer review standards.
20. To follow correct disposal methods for cytotoxic waste in line with local waste policy and using the correct disposal containers.
21. To conduct audits of activity within the specialist area and contribute to service review and improvement.
22. To ensure the unit is maintained for regular inspection from local and Regional Pharmacy Quality Assurance Departments.
23. To ensure patients are counselled on the use of their medicines particularly oral chemotherapy treatments.
24. Liaise with the Business Performance Lead on all types of finances.
25. To ensure personal and professional development is carried out to allow for the aseptic service to develop and utilise skills.
26. To be the nominated lead and manage the implementation of the Farwell audit actions in collaboration with the Lead/Accountable Pharmacist Oncology
27. To collate the dataset required for the pharmacy aspect of the cancer peer review in collaboration with the Lead/Accountable Pharmacist Oncology

Please see Job Description for further details.

Person specification

Qualifications

• NVQ Pharmacy services Level 3 plus an accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science, Science manufacturing technician (SMT) qualification or equivalent)
• Registered Technician with the GPhC or with the Science Council (RSciTech)
• Working knowledge of Yellow Guide and Orange Guide
• Accredited Checking Technician

• Pre and In Process Checking Accreditation (PIPC)
• Team Leader / management qualification
• NVQ Assessor A1 or equivalent

Experience

• Demonstrate substantial post qualification pharmacy practice experience.
• Previous experience of post qualification work as a team leader or operational management capacity in a hospital Pharmacy sterile/production unit.
• Demonstrated ability of managing audit and project work
• Demonstrated ability to write and implement SOPs
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and accurately complete complex routine and non-routine documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, and identify whole team solutions.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and maintain quality standards.
• Ability to manage change

• Knowledge of regulations and legislation relevant to Clinical Trials

Personal and People Development

• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop a team
• Previous experience of performance management
• Demonstrated experience of recruitment and selection of staff
• Demonstrated ability to plan, deliver, and review competency based training assessment
• Ensures own training needs, and those of others are identified & met
• Experience of conducting appraisals and developing Personal Development Plans
• Ability to mentor and develop support staff.

• Actively seeks innovative opportunities to meet training needs

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

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.