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.
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
Responsibilities
* Assist in the provision of Pharmacy Services across Trust hospitals, community clinics and external providers.
* Prioritise ward‑level work and collaborate with the dispensary to meet deadlines.
* Liaise daily with ward staff to determine new admissions to ward and visit new admissions to check Patients Own Drugs.
* Check patients’ own medications and assess suitability for use following set criteria.
* Liaise with the 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, ensuring validation by the pharmacist.
* Provide patient counselling on appropriate use of newly prescribed medications and discharge medication, referring to the pharmacist when necessary.
* Endorse drug charts against set criteria and participate in Drug History Taking following established guidelines.
* Liaise with ward staff/doctors regarding patient discharge planning and ensure each patient has at least 14 days of “Take Away” medication for discharge.
* Clinically pre‑screen prescriptions, provide feedback to the pharmacist, and highlight safety concerns.
* Maintain effective and accurate communication with clinical pharmacists regarding concerns and discrepancies.
* Provide pharmaceutical information to other healthcare workers and patients to support seamless care.
* Organise stock and non‑stock provision, including Controlled Drug supply.
* Assist in Self‑Medication Schemes and in the use of compliance aids where appropriate.
* Undertake specific project or audit work as agreed by the Pharmacy Department.
* Write and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related policies.
* Identify, select, dispense and distribute drugs for in‑ and out‑patients, including Controlled Drugs, Clinical Trials and extemporaneously prepared products, in accordance with SOPs.
* Carry out reception duties, manage out‑patient prescription reception and telephone enquiries.
* Use computer systems to track prescriptions and operate automated pharmacy storage and dispensing systems.
* Participate in ward top‑up system accuracy checks following Regional Checking Accreditation.
* Maintain stock control, rotation, and accurate manual and computer records.
* Adhere to SOPs for disposal of pharmaceutical waste and to safety and health regulations.
* Assist in the training of Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Pre‑registration Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Medical Technical Officers, Pre‑registration Pharmacists, and vocational/workplace students.
* Supervise and assist with ongoing training as required.
* Participate in the dispensary stand‑by and on‑call rota.
* Escalate issues outside trust processes or nationally agreed terms and conditions.
* Prioritise own workload effectively in busy, pressurised environments.
* Adhere to the Pharmacist Council’s Standards of Conduct, Ethics, and Performance.
* Ensure safe and legal systems of work are maintained at all times in compliance with quality standards.
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
Communications & Relationships
* Main working relationships with Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Department Managers, Assistant Technical Officers, Clerical Staff, Pharmacists, multidisciplinary team (nurses and doctors), and Pre‑registration Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.
Physical Demands
* Walk between different departments within Pharmacy and across the Hospital daily.
* May involve sitting or standing for extended periods, including at a computer screen.
Essential Qualifications
* 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 a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Desirable Qualifications
* Regional Technician Self Development Scheme.
Essential Experience
* Accuracy checking and/or Medicines Management experience.
Desirable Experience
* Hospital Pharmacy Experience.
* Supervisory experience.
Person Specification
To be registered and maintain registration as a Pharmacy Technician, to act in accordance with the code of ethics, and to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including the Regional Technician Self Development Scheme, the Regional Accredited Technician Checking Scheme, and Counselling and Medicine Management Regional Accreditation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service 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
Website: https://www.pah.nhs.uk
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