Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To participate in the ACT rota within the department and provide the training in technical pharmaceutical services in all areas, to include:

• Out Patients Services 
• Dispensary Services
• Ward based Medicines Management Service
• Pharmacy Procurement
• Pharmacy distribution  

To operate at all times within the local Standard Operating Procedures relevant to the area of work.

To receive, interpret, validate, dispense and issue routine and non-routine prescriptions for in-patients and out-patients, external hospices, controlled drug dispensing, seeking advice from senior staff where appropriate.

To dispense and self-check medications both manually and with the use of a computerised automated dispensing system.

To take all appropriate action to ensure that patients receive the correct medication, with advice and counselling and that all directions associated with medicines are fully understood.

To support the Education and Training in the Pharmacy Department, including areas such as Dispensary, Ward based Services, Procurement etc.

To participate in the training in the supply, distribution and return of stock to and from wards, departments and community clinics including

• The top up service
• Automated cupboard replenishment

To provide a ward based stock control service as necessary, working with the appropriate ward pharmacist, technician and nursing staff to ensure efficient ward stock control.

To dispense and record appropriate details, according to written protocols for unlicensed and named patient medicines within pharmacy.

To dispense and replenish controlled drugs completing the necessary legal documentation.

To work on wards completing the following tasks:

• Drug histories
• Patients Own Drugs (PODs) assessment
• Medication supply for patient specific medicines
• Locker checks
• Replenishment of stock medicines
• Participation in audits

Completing in-house Medicines Management Training pack.

Post qualification and with  significant experience working within the dispensary, to work towards gaining Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician status (ACPT) and complete the final accuracy of medicines prior to issue to patient. 

To dispose of medicines if unsuitable for use according to SOPs working under the supervision of a technician or pharmacist.

To arrange for medicines to be re-labelled where necessary working to local SOPs under the supervision of a pharmacist.

To demonstrate on request appropriate tasks to unqualified and support staff working alongside the Education and Training team to develop the Walsall Pharmacy workforce.

To participate in education and training programmes when appropriate and ensure that accurate records are kept of Continuous Professional Development, to ensure continued registration.

To develop skills and knowledge in order to extend the professional service offered by pharmacy technicians to patients and staff within the Trust.

To undertake the in-house rotational technician training programme, passing competencies proving ability in each area.

To provide feedback on procedures when requested to by the Senior, Lead and Operational Technician(s), and college tutors where required.

To participate in the provision of extended hours of service, including late night working, Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays, according to formal rota arrangements.

To report any suspected or observed defects in medicinal products and equipment to the appropriate person.

To be familiar with, and maintain, safe standards of work and adequate records of all processes.

To have due regard for, and to conform at all times with, those aspects of the General Pharmaceutical Council Code of Professional Ethics that apply to registered professionals.

To have due regard for all statutory guidance applicable to the pharmacy, including Health and Safety at Work, Manual Handling and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

To maintain at all times the rules relating to patient confidentiality.

To maintain a clean and tidy department, organising the removal of waste to designated areas and transferring them for incineration.

To have due regard for the Trust policies on discrimination.

To encourage and support the needs of the trainee/learner and act as an educator to support and build their confidence

This list of duties is not exhaustive, and is subject to review at all times and in particular in the light of further developments in pharmaceutical services.