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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

ASEPTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

The apprentice will be trained in aseptics to the standards required to meet the apprenticeship criteria.

• To be part of the dispensing service for systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) requiring aseptic preparation including cytotoxic medication, gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies from point of prescription receipt.
• To be aware of and always follow all departmental operating procedures and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidance.
• To aseptically dispense products within the aseptic facilities including accurately measuring volumes and following aseptic no-touch techniques.
• To be responsible for the transfer disinfection, into the aseptic units, all items required for aseptic processing, following departmental processes.
• To be fully aware of COSHH regulations particularly regarding the safe storage and handling of pharmaceutical products. To be aware of the Aseptic Spillage procedure and what to do in the event of spillage of a drug product.
• To carry out environmental monitoring with swabs, contact and settle agar plates and be responsible for sending and ensuring environmental monitoring samples are sent to Quality Control in a timely manner.
• To provide support to the aseptic prescription management/administration systems.
• To participate in the aseptic unit cleaning rota, including cleaning of the aseptic units before and after core hours, if required. To undertake regular cleaning duties carried out during the working day.
• To set up and assemble work trays according to departmental SOPs in a timely and efficient manner.
• To ensure adequate knowledge and understanding of clinical trials products prepared in aseptics relevant to the job role including accountability, stock control and storage requirements. To follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidance and undertake, where relevant, data collection for aseptic clinical trial products.
• To manage the system for safe retrieval, storage, and re-issue of returned/ deferred chemotherapy.
• To communicate effectively with healthcare professionals both within and outside the Trust. To ensure good team working with other pharmacy staff, ward staff and other service providers as necessary.
• To carry out stock management including receipt, correct storage, stock count, expiry check and weekly ordering of all aseptic items including medication, diluents, and consumables.
• To carry out stock ordering through multiple supply channels and monitor stock levels.
• To be aware of and participate, where required, in departmental audits.
• To perform any other duties as requested by the Chief Pharmacy Technician for aseptic services, the Lead Pharmacist for Aseptic Services or Director of Pharmacy.
• To be responsible for your own personal development within the role through attending relevant in-house, Trust and external training and through review with line manager.

CLINICAL SERVICES DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To participate and be responsible for clinical pharmacy technician services on designated wards in conjunction with the ward pharmacist, to ensure a high quality, patient–focused clinical pharmacy and medicines supply service to oncology patients is delivered.  
• To understand the process whereby each patient is assessed on admission regarding medicines management, taking a complete and accurate medication history.
• To assess the suitability of patients’ own medicines on admission, for use in the Trust, ensuring continuation of supply.
• To participate in the assessment of patients for the self-medication scheme in accordance with local policy.
• To provide a weekly top up service for patients on designated wards to ensure continuous supply of medication.
• To be responsible for and assist the ward pharmacist in ensuring the efficient supply of medication during the patient’s stay in hospital and on discharge, including assessing the suitability of medication for discharge.
• To understand and have a working knowledge of the discharge planning process and liaise with the ward pharmacist and other healthcare professionals to ensure prescriptions are processed and delivered to patients in a timely manner.
• To counsel patients and their carers to ensure a greater understanding of their medicines including its safe use and side effects.
• To have a working knowledge and utilise the Clinical Web Portal and Summary Care Record facility to aid the clinical pharmacy technician role on the ward.
• To undertake all clinical duties in accordance with standard operating procedures and all local, Trust and national guidelines.
• To assist in maintaining optimal stock levels of medication on all ward areas to provide a cost-effective service.
• To participate in departmental, Trust and national risk management schemes such as error reporting systems and intervention monitoring.
• To assist in clinical audit or practice research as required.
• To support ORTC satellite dispensary and day case SACT units, when required, and facilitate the medication requirements for chemotherapy patients.
• To have a working knowledge of pharmacy procurement including ordering medications from wholesalers and processes around the replenishment of ward stock.
• To understand the legal requirements for controlled drugs with respect to receipt, storage and dispensing.
• To support and coordinate provisions of pharmacy services between the wholly owned subsidiary company and the ward area and departments within the Trust.
• To support the provision of ward pharmacy stock replenishment, including the use of automated stock cupboards and training of other pharmacy staff.

PLEASE REFER TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A FULL LIST OF DUTIES.