Job overview
The Pharmacy department is looking for an Assistant Technical Officer (Pharmacy Assistant) to become part of our friendly, patient centered team based at the Bethlem Royal Hospital. You will support the pharmacy team including the dispensary and pharmacy stores as well as providing a “top up” service to our wards and community units.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the pharmaceutical care of hospital patients through the supply of medicines, and is suitable for qualified Pharmacy Assistants or those new to the field looking to start their career in pharmacy.
Your main duties will be concentrated in the dispensary, supplying medicines for in-patients, community patients plus medication upon discharge. Our pharmacy assistants also rotate into pharmacy stores processing deliveries and ensuring wards are fully stocked with the medicines they require to treat their patients.
Full training will be given, including NVQ level 2 in pharmacy services which will provide a solid foundation to your work, with potential to progress further.
Flexible working:
As one of the few Trusts in London we are proud to offer flexible working as part of our new ways of working, and we are happy to talk flexible working at the interview stage.
Main duties of the job
To ensure the safe, efficient and correct storage and distribution of pharmaceutical stock as appropriate.
Ensuring the timely procurement and correct storage of medication within the dispensary. Being responsible for replenishing stock, using stock rotation methods to ensure minimum waste.
Regularly date check stock medication and assist the dispensary manager in the implementation of systems to reduce waste.
Regularly partake in the dispensing of routine inpatient, outpatient and community mental health team prescriptions and the replenishment of ward medication stock.
Act as a support net for all members of the dispensary team, to allow them to concentrate on more clinical activities.
Working for our organisation
South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK. We are a world leading Trust in research, working closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London. Our services include the Maudsley Hospital, Lambeth Hospital and Bethlem Royal Hospital. We are also part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre.
The pharmacy department provides a clinical and dispensing service to wards and community teams in Croydon, Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham across four hospital sites and a wide variety of community mental health teams. We also provide information about medication to both staff and patients to improve understanding and contribute to evidence based care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To ensure the safe, efficient and correct receipt, storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
2. To participate in stock topping up service to wards and departments.
3. To carry out the routine dispensing and issuing of prescriptions including in-patients, outpatients, and community prescriptions that have been clinically screened by a pharmacist
4. To use the pharmacy computer system to dispense, issue, label and return medicines in accordance with level of training provided.
5. To ensure correct storage and stock rotation of all items.
6. To ensure that the stores, dispensary and distribution areas are kept clean and tidy.
7. To dispose of and recycle pharmaceuticals in accordance with the departmental and local policies.
8. To ensure a supply of sundries in the dispensary area.
9. To assist the purchasing officer to ensure supplies are maintained at optimum levels.
10. To ensure that requisitions are dealt within a timely manner.
11. To ensure the maintenance of efficient stock control, including stock checks and expiry date checks.
12. Any other duties deemed appropriate by the Dispensary Manager
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
13. 5 GCSEs or equivalent (Grade C or above including maths and English)
14. Commitment to undertake and complete NVQ Level 2 in pharmaceutical services
Desirable criteria
15. NVQ level 2 in pharmaceutical services or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Experience of working within a team
17. Experience of working within standard operating procedures
18. Adapting to different computer packages / systems
Desirable criteria
19. Previous experience with computerised stock control system.
20. Experience of working in a mental health setting
21. Previous experience of working in a hospital
22. Previous experience of working in a pharmacy
Skills
Essential criteria
23. Good organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
24. Ability to lift and handle heavy goods
25. Good time management skills
26. Ability to work within a team and individually
27. Good attention to detail and a responsible attitude towards quality and accuracy