Job overview
Join us as a key member of our friendly team dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient supply of chemotherapy and supportive medicines for patients in the Primrose Oncology Unit and Day Treatment Unit.
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic qualified pharmacy technician who is committed to contributing to the best pharmacy experience for our cancer patients.
Once set criteria has been met and reviewed, the post holder will progress to a senior pharmacy technician, undertaking a leadership role including line management responsibilities.
An ACPT qualification is an advantage, but a successful candidate without the ACPT will be required to undertake accreditation.
Main duties of the job
1. To carry out technical pharmaceutical duties and provide organisational support to senior colleagues within Pharmacy Aseptics
2. Assist in the supervision and organisation of the technical aspects of chemotherapy supply to hospital departments to ensure the provision of high quality pharmaceutical products.
3. Support the provision and implementation of effective training for technicians and assistants working in Aseptics.
4. Contribute to developmental/operational proposals for service improvement to maintain a safe, effective, high quality service.
5. To work as an accredited checking pharmacy technician (ACPT) once qualified.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities
6. To assist in the delivery of the safe, effective and efficient supply of aseptically prepared chemotherapy and other medicinal products in accordance with work instructions.
7. To prepare documentation and labels for supply of ready-made aseptically prepared products.
8. To accurately dispense outsourced parenteral chemotherapy treatment, ensuring product is fit for purpose and the batch number and expiry dates are recorded accurately.
9. To dispense oral chemotherapy and supportive medicines on electronic prescriptions from the Oncology and Haematology department, according to specific drug requirements.
10. To ensure materials are stored appropriately according to manufacturer’s requirements; to monitor expiry dates optimising drug usage.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
11. Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
12. BTEC or NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification
13. Evidence of commitment to CPD
Desirable criteria
14. Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician
15. Leadership qualification
16. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training
17. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Experience
Essential criteria
18. Good dispensing practice
19. Working within a Team
20. Recognises own limitation
Desirable criteria
21. Previous experience of working in Aseptic production or oncology
22. Participation in training staff
23. Experience of supporting junior staff
24. Procedure writing
25. Supervisory skills
26. Participation in audits
Knowledge
Essential criteria
27. Working knowledge of chemotherapy treatments
28. Demonstrate ability to perform calculations
29. Accurate dispensing skills
Desirable criteria
30. Understanding of the running of a dispensary service
31. Understanding of Health & Safety requirements
32. Knowledge of JAC computer system
33. Knowledge of chemotherapy prescribing systems - iQemo
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
34. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
35. Methodical with attention to detail
36. Ability to work under pressure whilst maintain accuracy
Desirable criteria
37. Ability to seek advice appropriately from senior staff
38. Ability to cascade information to pharmacy staff accurately and timely
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.