Job summary
This is a training post, to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a registered pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The successful candidate(s) will enrol onto the Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship course in September 2024. This will involve working in different pharmacy teams across CNWL and completing assignments/exams as set by the training provider
The pre-registration pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician carrying out all the required duties of a registered pharmacy technician.
This is an apprenticeship post and will include working remotely 1 day per week to attend a virtual classroom and/or undertake independent study to complete the GPhC-recognised qualification
The apprenticeship and workplace duties will involve:
1. Enrolment onto a 2 year education programme, that provides the underpinning knowledge to become a registered pharmacy technician
2. Practical training in the workplace, to develop skills across multiple pharmacy departments
3. Regular 1 to 1 educational supervisor support and 12 week progress reviews with the course provider
4. Collecting evidence, completing assignments and creating a portfolio, to demonstrate your application of knowledge and skills
5. Rotating to different CNWL Pharmacy sites to provide medicine optimisation services and dispensary services
Main duties of the job
6. Labelling, dispensing and final accuracy checking a variety of prescribed medicines
7. Understanding how different medicines work and what they are used for
8. Ordering, receiving and maintaining medicines safely
9. Providing excellent customer care and maintaining confidentiality when interacting with patients, staff and the public
10. Meeting with patients at the point of hospital admission to conduct medicines reconciliation and other medicines optimisation activities
11. Providing advice and education to patients/carers on the best use of medicines
12. Working closely with other healthcare professionals to promote safe management of medicines
13. Completing assignments and coursework in a timely fashion, as set by the training provider
14. Engaging with trainee professional forums (internal & external) and other workplace networks where appropriate
About us
You will rotate into different CNWL sites such as - St Charles Mental Health Unit, St Pancras Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, Park Royal Mental Health Unit and Harrow Mental Health Unit at Northwick Park.
Your base hospital will be St Charles Hospital in Ladbroke Grove but you will be expected to travel between sites to achieve competence in all areas.
Rotations will allow you to gain experience in mental health and physical health pharmacy - working on the wards under the supervision of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, as well as Pharmacy Operations (dispensary, stores and homecare).
Job description
Job responsibilities
15. To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating procedures, and local Medicines Policy
16. To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions including clinical trials under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
17. To receive prescriptions and orders from patients and hospital staff in accordance with dispensary procedures.
18. To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy, wards and departments.
19. To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems
20. To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
21. To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessary cover for other staff.
22. To provide wards and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
23. To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
24. To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.
25. To work at other pharmacy sites when necessary, for training and education purposes
26. To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times
27. To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
28. To meet the requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training
29. To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
30. To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
31. To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
32. To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
33. To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
34. To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
35. Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent OR Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent
36. Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard
Desirable
37. Pharmacy Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification
38. Completion of NVQ level 2 in pharmacy services
39. Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)
Experience
Essential
40. Experience of working in a team
41. Experience of Health and Safety practices
42. Experience of working to deadlines
43. Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting
Desirable
44. Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
45. Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
46. Computer literate (practical experience of Microsoft Word and Excel)
47. Good organisation and prioritisation skills
48. Ability to use initiative to solve problems
49. Fluent written/spoken English
Desirable
50. Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
51. Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems