Royal Alexandra Hospital
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The role:
An opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the friendly RAH Pharmacy Team where you will be integral to ensuring the safe and effective supply of medicines to patients.
You will label and dispense medicines that have been clinically screened by a pharmacist for inpatients and outpatients. You will label and dispense controlled drugs prescriptions, ensuring that medicine balances are up to date and accurate. You will accurately input ward requisitions through the pharmacy stock control system and participate in stock checks, stock rotation and expiry date checks. You will also assist in the provision of emergency medical retrieval bags for the Scottish Ambulance Service.
You should be comfortable in a patient facing role in a ward based environment where you will co-ordinate ward stock medicine top-up services and support nursing staff with good housekeeping of medicines. You will advise on stock levels of medicines and make suggestions to either increase or decrease stock levels in accordance with usage figures. You will identify slow moving or static medicines on wards and take steps to minimise waste.
You must have general education, basic numeracy and literacy skills demonstrated by 3 Standard Grade Qualifications or equivalent which must include English and Maths and you must be able to communicate effectively using clear written and spoken English. Basic IT skills are essential. You must be able to work to set procedures, be willing to learn new skills and participate in training. You should have the ability to plan, organise and prioritise daily tasks using your own initiative to meet the demanding needs of the service.
Experience of training and supervising staff, stock management systems and working as part of a team in healthcare or a similar environment is desirable however full training will be provided.
A SVQ/NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy qualification is desirable in addition to knowledge and appreciation for policies, standard operating procedures and legislation in relation to dispensing and supplying medicines, however this can be learned on the job.
Successful candidates will undertake a SVQ in Pharmacy Services Group Award (at SCQF Level 6) as per the General Pharmaceutical Councils (GPhC) requirements for the education and training of pharmacy support staff. Successful candidates will also complete a comprehensive on the job training programme which lasts on average 18 months to become fully proficient in the Pharmacy Support Worker role.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
1. Location based in Royal Alexandra Hospital
2. Permanent Contract
3. Full-time Contract (36 hours per week)
4. Shift Pattern for this post are 0900-1700 Monday - Friday (one 30min early night or late start one day per week to be agreed)
Key responsibilities:
5. To dispense inpatient and outpatient prescriptions that are clinically/professionally screened by a registered pharmacist to a high level of accuracy following a comprehensive dispensary training package and competency sign off
6. To dispense complex prescriptions for example palliative care prescriptions and patient compliance aids.
7. To have a good knowledge of and pack/prepare/dispense; Unlicensed/Licensed medicines, Clinical Trials, Controlled Drugs, Antibiotic Alert Policy and Non-Formulary medicines ensuring that the necessary paperwork is completed
8. To be able to identify and liaise with senior pharmacy technician/Pharmacist regarding any medication discrepancies found on prescriptions
9. To have knowledge of and comply with current legislation, code of ethics, conduct and practice relevant to Pharmacy and follow the NHSGGC (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) policy on the safe and secure handling of medicines
10. May act as super user for the pharmacy robotic system, fixing any errors that may incur in the day to day running of the machine, following training.
11. To deal with telephone enquiries as appropriate, gathering information, offering resolution, or knowing when to forward to most appropriate member of staff if required
12. To ensure good hand hygiene and use appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) where necessary following any infection control guidance in place.
13. To act as temporary key holder for drug cupboards whilst performing top up service in accordance with NHS GGC safe and secure handling of medicines policy.
14. Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
The Jobholder requires to have knowledge of, be proficient in, or undertake training in the
following: -
15. A proficient level of general education at National 5/Standard Grade level or above
16. Working towards achieving underpinning knowledge in Pharmacy Services SVQ
17. Previous Experience in a Healthcare/Pharmacy or Customer facing role.
18. A good knowledge and appreciation for policies and procedures as well as legislation in relation to dispensing/supplying medication. This is learned on the job.
19. Proficient IT skills including typing and knowledge of Microsoft office packages (word, excel), email systems (outlook). Experience in using stock control systems.
20. Ability to plan and organise workload to meet the demanding needs of the service.
21. Having the ability to use initiative and prioritise workload.
22. Able to communicate effectively by having the ability to persuade/influence people and having excellent people management skills.
23. Experience in moving and handling procedures as well as other health and safety measures.
24. Knowledge of Waste Management Regulations and procedures.
25. Complete a comprehensive on the job training programme which lasts on average 18 months to be fully proficient within the pharmacy support worker role.
What we offer:
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
26. A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
27. Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
28. Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
29. Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
30. Enhanced pay for working public holidays
31. NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
32. Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?