Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Pharmacy Technician in West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust to join the Pharmacy Department at Watford General Hospital. You will be responsible for providing technical pharmacy support to the Pharmacy Production and Aseptic Services, ensuring that all products are prepared efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and departmental procedures. You will support patients, carers, and ward staff by providing pharmaceutical advice, as well as supervise the activities of Pharmacy Assistants, Student Production Technicians, and Production Technicians. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining the pharmacy manufacturing unit facilities, including monitoring, calibration, validation, and general upkeep.
Main duties of the job
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will be responsible for manipulating a variety of pharmaceutical compounds into patient-specific, usable products, including aseptic dispensing of cytotoxic and biological medicinal products, following approved guidelines, monographs, and protocols. You will be managing your competency in aseptic dispensing, ensuring that all products are prepared according to standard operating procedures. You will support the team by participating in the isolator cleaning rota and maintaining the controlled environment. Additionally, you will be responsible for stock management and control within Technical Services Pharmacy, including monitoring inventory, tracking stock usage, ordering and procurement of goods, and conducting expiry date checks.
About us
Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.
Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges
Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave
Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want
Job Roles & Responsibilities
* To support the MHRA specials licensed aseptic manufacturing unit by ensuring all production activities meet statutory requirements and MHRA standards, including participation in audits and inspections.
* To contribute to the development and documentation of safe systems of work within Technical Services, including drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments.
* To participate in quality assurance and compliance activities, including maintaining Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, reporting incidents, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
* To provide training and support for pharmacy staff, including accreditation of technicians, induction of new staff, and guidance on departmental procedures and safety standards.
* To assist in the planning and implementation of new developments and innovations within the department, contributing suggestions for improving pharmacy services and operational efficiency.
* To support research and clinical trial activities, including applying Good Clinical Practice (GCP), maintaining trial documentation, and liaising with investigators, sponsors, and research staff.
Person Specifications & Qualifications
* NVQ 3 or BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent qualification.
* Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 apprenticeship completed.
* Registered with a relevant professional body.
* Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience, including hospital preparative/aseptic services.
* Practical knowledge of GMP, QA, Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, and familiarity with chemotherapy regimens; experience with EMIS (Ascribe), BD Cato, or ChemoCare systems desirable.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
NHS Professionals Limited
Location
Watford General Hospital,
60 Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0HB