Job summary
To work as part of the Pharmacy Team to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Dispensary, at Ward level and to support the dispensing of out-patient prescriptions. To work as an Accredited Checking Technician, Medicine Management Technician, completing clinical checks and counselling patients with their medicines. To participate in the on-call rota.
Main duties of the job
This role supports and is part of the Pharmacy Team serving The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust including St. Margarets Hospital in Epping, Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishops Stortford, Saffron Walden Hospital and associated clinics. To assist in the provision of Pharmacy Services to the Trusts hospitals, community clinics and external providers.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Details
Date posted
11 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
000381
Job locations
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities
To participate as a team member to deliver a ward based pharmacy service in the Trust to:
* Prioritise the work at ward level and work with the dispensary to meet deadlines.
* Liaise daily with ward staff to determine new admissions to ward
* Visit new admissions and check, for use, Patients Own Drugs
* Check patients own medications and assess their suitability for use following set criteria
* Liaise with Pharmacist, to ensure all charts are clinically validated, including new patients and newly written items
* Transcribe in-patient, stock items and 'one stop' dispensed items, ensure validation is carried out by the pharmacist.
* Counsel patients, ensure patient is counselled on the appropriate use of each new medication prescribed and discharge medication, following criteria, refer to the pharmacist if necessary.
* Endorse drug chart against set criteria.
* Participate in Drug History Taking following set criteria
* Liaise with ward staff/doctors regarding patient discharge planning.
* Ensure each patient has at least 14 days To Take Away (TTA) medication for discharge.
* Clinically pre-screen prescriptions, following clinical accreditation and feed back to pharmacist, highlighting any safety concerns.
* Ensure effective and accurate communications with clinical pharmacists regarding concerns and discrepancies.
* Assist in the provision of seamless care by providing pharmaceutical information to other healthcare workers and patients.
* Organise stock and non-stock provision, including Controlled Drug supply.
* Assist in Self Medication Schemes as needed
* Assist and advise in the use of compliance aids, against set criteria.
* Undertake specific project/audit work as agreed by the Pharmacy Department.
* Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and other policies and procedures and contribute to the updating of existing SOP's.
To work as part of the Pharmacy Team in the provision of a dispensary based Pharmacy service to:
* Identify, select dispense and distribute drugs for in and out patients prescriptions and discharge summaries.
* Identify dispense and distribute pharmaceutical items including Controlled Drugs, Clinical Trials and extemporaneously prepared products to wards and departments throughout the Trust according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
* Take part in patient counselling and provide information on medicines to patients, doctors and other health care staff.
* Carry out reception duties, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers, including receiving out-patient prescriptions against set criteria.
* Deal with telephone enquiries and handle prescription charges.
* Use the computer systems to track prescriptions.
* Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
* To participate in the provision of ward top-up system.
* Accuracy check of dispensed items following completion of Regional Checking Accreditation.
To carry out the following in all areas of Pharmacy:
* Maintain stock control and stock rotation.
* Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP's) accurately.
* Maintain a clean and tidy working environment.
* Maintain accurate manual and computer records.
* 'house-keeping' duties.
* Ensure disposal of pharmaceutical waste in all areas is carried out according to SOP's.
* Assist in the training of Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers and Student Medical Technical Officers.
* Identify pharmaceutical items which are unavailable for the prescription and follow appropriate SOP.
* Ensure any problems with prescriptions are referred on to the most appropriate member of staff, where necessary.
* Ensure action for drug/drug related recalls is carried out in accordance with SOP's.
* Ensure professional and legal standards are adhered to.
* All work will be checked by a pharmacist and or designated staff in accordance with SOP's, except for areas covered by a competency framework agreed by the Chief Pharmacist.
* Contribute to the updating of existing SOP's.
To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures. This includes:
* Report all accidents, incidents and near misses
* Dealing with hazardous chemicals (including cytotoxic drugs) used in the department, following COSHH regulations.
* Attendance of all mandatory training
Participate in the dispensary stand-by and on-call rota.
To supervise and assist with the training of:
Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Medical Technical Officers all grades, Pre-Registration Pharmacists and Vocational/Work Experience students.
To be registered and maintain registration, as a Pharmacy Technician, with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and to act in accordance with the code of ethics.
The post holder agrees to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including further training and learning in order to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values to become competent in the duties described. This will include the Regional Technician Self Development Scheme, the Regional Accredited Technician Checking Scheme, Counselling and Medicine Management Regional Accreditation.
SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT
* Pharmacy stock control system
* Pharmacy Prescription Tracking system
* Microsoft Office
* PAH staff Intranet
* Datix incident reporting
* Multifunctional printers
* Automated drug storage and dispensing system
* Personal protective equipment provided
* Mobile dispensing carts
DECISIONS & JUDGEMENTS
* The post holder is required to escalate in situations that are out with the trust process, agreed procedures or nationally agreed terms and conditions.
* The post holder uses professional and specialist knowledge to provide complex information so it is understood.
* The post holder is required to prioritise their own work effectively in a busy and often pressurised environment
* The post holder will abide by the General Pharmaceutical Council's Standards of Conduct, Ethics and Performance.
COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
* Main working relationships are with the following groups, and communication is mainly face to face, electronic and by telephone:
* Pharmacy Technicians
* Pharmacy Department Managers
* Assistant Technical Officers
* Clerical Staff
* Pharmacists
* Multidisciplinary team including nurses and doctors
* Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
* Will be required to walk between different departments within Pharmacy and across the Hospital on a daily basis
* May involve sitting or standing for extended periods including at a computer screen
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
* Ensuring safe and legal systems of work are in operation at all times following quality standards whilst ensuring a timely and customer focused service
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities
To participate as a team member to deliver a ward based pharmacy service in the Trust to:
* Prioritise the work at ward level and work with the dispensary to meet deadlines.
* Liaise daily with ward staff to determine new admissions to ward
* Visit new admissions and check, for use, Patients Own Drugs
* Check patients own medications and assess their suitability for use following set criteria
* Liaise with Pharmacist, to ensure all charts are clinically validated, including new patients and newly written items
* Transcribe in-patient, stock items and 'one stop' dispensed items, ensure validation is carried out by the pharmacist.
* Counsel patients, ensure patient is counselled on the appropriate use of each new medication prescribed and discharge medication, following criteria, refer to the pharmacist if necessary.
* Endorse drug chart against set criteria.
* Participate in Drug History Taking following set criteria
* Liaise with ward staff/doctors regarding patient discharge planning.
* Ensure each patient has at least 14 days To Take Away (TTA) medication for discharge.
* Clinically pre-screen prescriptions, following clinical accreditation and feed back to pharmacist, highlighting any safety concerns.
* Ensure effective and accurate communications with clinical pharmacists regarding concerns and discrepancies.
* Assist in the provision of seamless care by providing pharmaceutical information to other healthcare workers and patients.
* Organise stock and non-stock provision, including Controlled Drug supply.
* Assist in Self Medication Schemes as needed
* Assist and advise in the use of compliance aids, against set criteria.
* Undertake specific project/audit work as agreed by the Pharmacy Department.
* Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and other policies and procedures and contribute to the updating of existing SOP's.
To work as part of the Pharmacy Team in the provision of a dispensary based Pharmacy service to:
* Identify, select dispense and distribute drugs for in and out patients prescriptions and discharge summaries.
* Identify dispense and distribute pharmaceutical items including Controlled Drugs, Clinical Trials and extemporaneously prepared products to wards and departments throughout the Trust according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
* Take part in patient counselling and provide information on medicines to patients, doctors and other health care staff.
* Carry out reception duties, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers, including receiving out-patient prescriptions against set criteria.
* Deal with telephone enquiries and handle prescription charges.
* Use the computer systems to track prescriptions.
* Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
* To participate in the provision of ward top-up system.
* Accuracy check of dispensed items following completion of Regional Checking Accreditation.
To carry out the following in all areas of Pharmacy:
* Maintain stock control and stock rotation.
* Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP's) accurately.
* Maintain a clean and tidy working environment.
* Maintain accurate manual and computer records.
* 'house-keeping' duties.
* Ensure disposal of pharmaceutical waste in all areas is carried out according to SOP's.
* Assist in the training of Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers and Student Medical Technical Officers.
* Identify pharmaceutical items which are unavailable for the prescription and follow appropriate SOP.
* Ensure any problems with prescriptions are referred on to the most appropriate member of staff, where necessary.
* Ensure action for drug/drug related recalls is carried out in accordance with SOP's.
* Ensure professional and legal standards are adhered to.
* All work will be checked by a pharmacist and or designated staff in accordance with SOP's, except for areas covered by a competency framework agreed by the Chief Pharmacist.
* Contribute to the updating of existing SOP's.
To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures. This includes:
* Report all accidents, incidents and near misses
* Dealing with hazardous chemicals (including cytotoxic drugs) used in the department, following COSHH regulations.
* Attendance of all mandatory training
Participate in the dispensary stand-by and on-call rota.
To supervise and assist with the training of:
Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Medical Technical Officers all grades, Pre-Registration Pharmacists and Vocational/Work Experience students.
To be registered and maintain registration, as a Pharmacy Technician, with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and to act in accordance with the code of ethics.
The post holder agrees to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including further training and learning in order to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values to become competent in the duties described. This will include the Regional Technician Self Development Scheme, the Regional Accredited Technician Checking Scheme, Counselling and Medicine Management Regional Accreditation.
SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT
* Pharmacy stock control system
* Pharmacy Prescription Tracking system
* Microsoft Office
* PAH staff Intranet
* Datix incident reporting
* Multifunctional printers
* Automated drug storage and dispensing system
* Personal protective equipment provided
* Mobile dispensing carts
DECISIONS & JUDGEMENTS
* The post holder is required to escalate in situations that are out with the trust process, agreed procedures or nationally agreed terms and conditions.
* The post holder uses professional and specialist knowledge to provide complex information so it is understood.
* The post holder is required to prioritise their own work effectively in a busy and often pressurised environment
* The post holder will abide by the General Pharmaceutical Council's Standards of Conduct, Ethics and Performance.
COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
* Main working relationships are with the following groups, and communication is mainly face to face, electronic and by telephone:
* Pharmacy Technicians
* Pharmacy Department Managers
* Assistant Technical Officers
* Clerical Staff
* Pharmacists
* Multidisciplinary team including nurses and doctors
* Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
* Will be required to walk between different departments within Pharmacy and across the Hospital on a daily basis
* May involve sitting or standing for extended periods including at a computer screen
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
* Ensuring safe and legal systems of work are in operation at all times following quality standards whilst ensuring a timely and customer focused service
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* NVQ Level 3 and BTEC or equivalent qualification in Pharmaceutical Science
* Regional Accredited Checking Technician qualification and/or Clinical Certificate in medicine management for Pharmacy Technicians
* Ability to complete NVQ A1 Assessor Award
* Current registration as Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Desirable
* Regional Technician Self Development Scheme
Experience
Essential
* Accuracy checking and/or Medicines Management experience
Desirable
* Hospital Pharmacy Experience
* Supervisory experience
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* NVQ Level 3 and BTEC or equivalent qualification in Pharmaceutical Science
* Regional Accredited Checking Technician qualification and/or Clinical Certificate in medicine management for Pharmacy Technicians
* Ability to complete NVQ A1 Assessor Award
* Current registration as Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Desirable
* Regional Technician Self Development Scheme
Experience
Essential
* Accuracy checking and/or Medicines Management experience
Desirable
* Hospital Pharmacy Experience
* Supervisory experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------
Employer details
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------