Job Summary
Looking for a new challenge? We are offering a fantastic opportunity to come and join one of the best performing Trusts in the NHS which is looking to develop and train their Pharmacy workforce.
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Senior Pharmacy Assistant to support us in the delivery of excellent hospital pharmacy services. This is an opportunity to join our friendly, committed team working in a support role in a variety of pharmacy services.
If you are interested in this post you will need previous experience of working in either a hospital or community pharmacy and have a minimum of NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy services or equivalent, however exceptional candidates without this prior qualification may be invited to join us as a trainee apprentice as part of our STEP programme.
For an informal chat or to arrange a visit to the department, please contact: Louise Foy-Coley on 01926 495 321, Extension 4483; or email Louise.FoyColey@swft.nhs.uk
Standard NHS conditions of service apply.
Main duties of the job
To assist in the smooth running of the assigned area of Pharmacy under direction and supervision of Senior Technicians. To dispense medicines against prescriptions or requests and prepare over‑labelled packs for discharge. To monitor workflow in the distribution area, issuing stock medicines and providing a ward top‑up service to clinical areas.
In the Aseptic Unit, undertake tasks to assist in the smooth running of daily activities and undertake planned Aseptic work under the supervision of the Senior and Lead Technicians. In Procurement, support all aspects of ordering medicines for use within the Trust under the direction of the Lead Technician. Maintain stock using stock rotation and stock management procedures; and process medicines returned from clinical areas.
About us
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford‑Upon‑Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston‑on‑Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity.
Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are 'Trusted to provide safe, effective and compassionate care'. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn't matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.
Contract and Pay
Band 3
Salary – £24,937 to £26,598 per annum
Contract – Permanent
Working pattern – Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share
Job location
Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 5BW
Key responsibilities
* Interpret and dispense inpatient, outpatient, Controlled Drug and discharge prescriptions/dispensing requests, according to department procedures.
* Assist pharmacists and technicians in ward‑based dispensing activities and assemble orders to fill ward requisition sheets and prescriptions.
* Participate in stock supply to wards and departments, re‑order as necessary, and maintain accurate stock levels.
* Assist in the assessment for suitability of recycling drugs returned from inside the hospital.
* Credit cost centres with the value of returned goods as appropriate, using the pharmacy computer system.
* Provide a top‑up service to wards and departments.
* Engage in expiry date checking, daily rolling stock checks, and reception duties including administrative processing of work received into the dispensary.
* Answer dispensary telephones, take messages or refer to an appropriate member of staff.
* Attend to the dispensary hatch as required, dealing with patients, carers, visitors and staff.
* Participate in pharmacy and ward stock‑taking and maintain an accurate record of stock levels.
* Provide training and supervision of pharmacy assistants, student technicians, pre‑registration pharmacists and vacation students.
* Develop and contribute to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in specific areas of work.
* Maintain stocks of pharmacy patient information leaflets for the dispensary.
* Cover for other Assistant duties as required.
* Participate in appropriate storage of drugs on receipt.
* Ensure safe disposal of waste within the department.
* Maintain a safe standard of work in connection with the Medicines Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, and COSHH regulations.
* Participate in Late Duty, Weekend & Bank Holiday rotas as required.
* Adhere to and perpetuate Trust Policies and Procedures.
* Undertake any other appropriate duties as required by the Pharmacy Operations Manager within the nature and grade of the post.
Aseptic Unit responsibilities
* Ensure Aseptic SOPs and other Pharmacy procedures and policies are adhered to and maintain pharmacy services.
* Participate in the top‑up service to wards & departments.
* Carry out daily cleaning on isolators, rooms and equipment.
* Perform stock rotation, stock checks and identify ordering needs.
* Store drugs and sundries on receipt neatly and segregated appropriately.
* Monitor and maintain environmental parameters.
* Report deviations to procedure or environmental parameters.
* Prepare cytotoxics, monoclonal antibodies and CIVAS products.
* Train Pre‑Registration Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants in the aseptic unit.
* Accurately enter data onto the JAC pharmacy computer system.
* Prepare worksheets for products accurately and efficiently.
* Provide pre‑process and in‑process checks to worksheets, transcriptions and drawn doses.
* Plan and prioritise own time and contribute to the planning of work of other junior staff.
* Follow Health & Safety, Good Manufacturing Practice and COSHH regulations.
* Contribute to the safe disposal of waste within the department.
* Participate in Late Night, Saturday & Bank Holiday rotas.
* Maintain an efficient aseptic service as a member of the pharmacy aseptic team.
Wards responsibilities
* Conduct duties in a polite, pleasant and professional manner in accordance with departmental procedures, the Medicines Policy and Medicines Management Handbook.
* Identify new admissions for Medicines Reconciliation and liaise with the nurse in charge.
* Assess patients' own drugs (PODs) for suitability and use the Green Bag Scheme for storage.
* Remove unsuitable medicines, clarify with patient about home supplies, and document accordingly.
* Assist in the urgent collection of items from the Main Dispensary and determine suitability of pharmacy supplies for discharge.
* Collect and deliver TTOs from SWFT Clinical Services as required.
* Unpack, check and put away pharmacy stock orders, reporting discrepancies immediately.
* Lock away patient‑specific medicines into lockers as appropriate.
* Maintain clean cupboards and drug trolleys and ensure they contain no medicines for patients no longer on the ward.
* Return unused, unwanted medicines to pharmacy and dispose of unsuitable medicines as per waste stream guidelines.
* Collect data for stock rotation and waste avoidance; perform weekly ward stock top‑ups and date checks.
* Assist in moving pharmaceutical products when wards move/open/close, ensuring legal storage compliance.
* Record data for audit to demonstrate compliance with safe medicines management.
Procurement responsibilities
* Expedite orders and liaise with suppliers on any order/account queries.
* Identify, analyse and resolve problems with contract/non‑contract prices and drug shortages.
* Provide a friendly, efficient and confidential service, for all visitors, staff and patients to the main Pharmacy.
* Work closely with the Pharmacy Stores team, maintaining an efficient ordering/receipt/invoicing service.
* Undertake ward‑based stock checks.
Key working relationships
* Work closely with Pharmacists, Lead Technicians, and other technicians and support staff.
* Liaise with nursing, medical and other healthcare staff; engage patients and their relatives/carers, including those with language difficulties or other disabilities.
Special requirements
* To be able to lift boxes of moderate weight (up to 13kg).
* To be able to use visual display units and have recent documentary evidence of a satisfactory eye test for this purpose.
* To adhere to and perpetuate Trust and Pharmacy policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English at grade C or above.
* Level 2 in Pharmacy Services including the relevant modules to undertake the Band 3 role plus previous Pharmacy experience.
Essential Experience
* Experience of working with the public.
* Knowledge and experience of pharmacy processes in the specialist service area (equivalent to that of a level 3 standard).
Desirable
* Previous hospital experience.
Essential Skills
* Basic keyboard skills.
* Good numerical skills.
* Knowledge of record keeping.
* Participation in training of others.
* Teamworking ability.
Desirable Skills
* Reception duties.
* Ability to cope with pharmaceutical names.
* Knowledge of hospital environment and pharmacy environment.
* Stores/stock keeping knowledge.
Essential Personal Qualities
* Works to protocols, procedures and SOPs.
* Adaptable to change.
* Good verbal communication (face to face and telephone).
* Good written communication.
* Able to keep accurate records.
Other Essential
* Ability to undertake weekend, Bank Holiday and statutory days on a rota.
* Flexibility in working hours.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Warwick Hospital
Lakin Road
Warwick
CV34 5BW
Employer website
https://www.swft.nhs.uk/
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