Senior Pharmacy Assistant Aseptics
The closing date is 25 March 2026
The post holder will work as part of a team responsible for the provision of aseptic services to the CDDFT chemotherapy day wards at Bishop Auckland, Darlington, University Hospital of North Durham and Shotley Bridge sites.
To participate in the provision of a safe, effective and efficient Aseptic Service in compliance with national guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
* Prepare cytotoxic chemotherapy and other aseptic products for inpatients and outpatients.
* Process associated documentation.
* Provide technical support to maintain the smooth running of the service.
* Maintain the clean‑room environment through cleaning and monitoring to minimise the risk of microbiological contamination of products.
* Assist in training and supervision of pre‑registration pharmacy technicians and pre‑registration pharmacists.
* Provide distribution services to the haematology/oncology ward.
* Dispense oral cytotoxic chemotherapy and supportive care medication.
* Dispense and maintain supplies of pre‑prepared bought‑in chemotherapy products.
* Interpret the requirements of IV and oral chemotherapy prescriptions to accurately produce worksheets and manage safe workload.
* Use own judgement and analytical skills to highlight potential discrepancies on prescriptions to senior staff.
* Interpret worksheets and batch documentation to collate raw materials and disposables required for preparation.
* Carry out the preparation process accurately, following worksheet documentation.
* Identify discrepancies and situations outside SOPs and take appropriate action.
* Attach labels to the correct prepared product following labelling guidelines.
* Identify potential problems during environmental monitoring and report them appropriately.
* Monitor and record ambient and cold storage temperatures and room differential pressures, reporting any deviations immediately.
* Perform self‑check of own work.
* Ensure adequate supplies of drugs and consumables and resolve any stock problems.
* Deal with spillage of cytotoxic medicine.
* Review stock levels of drugs in conjunction with ward manager and other pharmacy staff.
* Co‑ordinate and supervise pre‑registration pharmacy technicians and pre‑registration pharmacists.
* Use judgement to recognise when intervention is required by a pharmacist or lead technician.
About Us
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham – and a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland, with community hospitals in Chester‑le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, Weardale and over 80 other community settings.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience working in a clean‑room environment.
* Dispensing experience.
* Working knowledge of live pharmacy stock control systems.
* Experience working in a team.
* Previous experience of working in a hospital pharmacy.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice.
* Good computer and keyboard skills.
* Organised, methodical and accurate approach to tasks, demonstrable in a busy environment.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Good oral and written communication skills.
* Evidence of personal development.
* Commitment to CPD.
* Understanding of stock control.
* Evidence of implementing change.
* Previous supervisory experience.
Qualifications
* GCSE English and Maths (Grade C and above) or equivalent.
* NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent experience).
* Willingness or attainment to commence the NVQ Level 3 in Aseptic Preparation within 6 months of employment.
* Qualification in Supervisory Management or willingness to commence within 1 year of employment.
* Evidence of ongoing competency and training in a clean‑room environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata
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