Job overview

The pharmacy at Mid Cheshire Hospital is currently going through a very exciting time to make the future of our service even better and we want you to join us! Our department is implementing a state-of-the-art pharmacy robotic system and new pharmacy dispensing/stock management system. This is an ideal opportunity for you to join our team at this exciting time.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed pharmacy Senior Assistant Technical Officers to join our team. The successful applicant for this position will work between our Pharmacy Stores and Pharmacy Dispensary. If you enjoy variety in your job, then this one is for you!

Work will include undertaking ward stock replenishment and dispensing medication against patient prescriptions, as well as a variety of other tasks. We provide a seven-day service therefore the successful candidates will be required to work flexibly, including working weekends, evenings and bank holidays on a rota basis. We have ambitious plans for the future of our service and are looking for an inspirational ATO to join us. Our vision is to become a world class provider of healthcare.

Successful candidates will work as a member of the pharmacy team in delivering high quality, safe and effective pharmacy services in accordance with the Trust’s values and behaviours. You will be directed by Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in your daily work.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to take an assessment test at interview.

Main duties of the job

Main rotational duties include dispensing and labelling prescriptions for patients, replenishment of stocks for use in clinical areas, entering data onto computer systems such as ward orders, patient data and using the prescription tracking system, as well as stock management within the pharmacy and within clinical areas. The role involves a degree of manual handling, for which appropriate training will be given.

You will need a good standard of basic education:

• 4 GCSEs Grade C or above, including Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications and experience) and an NVQ/QCF Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, or a statement of competence from the General Pharmaceutical Council, and significant experience of working in a dispensary
• Basic calculation skills are essential
• Good keyboard skills
• Previous experience of working in a hospital or community pharmacy would be an advantage
• You should be a team player and able to function efficiently

Candidates should be patient focused and keen to learn, be hardworking and able to work under pressure during busy periods. Experience of working in a pharmacy would be an advantage but is not essential.

A flexible approach to the above duties is required, together with good communication and interpersonal skills. You should have the ability to prioritise your workload, be proactive and work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, work on your own when necessary and follow instructions.

Working for our organisation

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides good quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond.

The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was established as an NHS Trust in April 1991 and became a Foundation Trust in April 2008.

We employ almost 5,000 members of staff, provide around 540 hospital beds, with a range of services including accident and emergency, maternity, outpatients, therapies, and children's health.

The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its Be Safe Be EquiPPEd campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.

The results in the 2020 national NHS Staff Survey showed improvements in all elements of the safety culture theme, with 92% of respondents feeling their role made a difference to our patients. We were also recognised nationally for our workforce health and wellbeing initiatives.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our staff and appreciate that in order to give our patients the best quality, compassionate care, we also need to look after our colleagues.