Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description for further details:

1) To carry out dispensing of prescriptions, including extemporaneous prescriptions, unlicensed drugs, controlled drugs, in-patient and out-patient prescriptions in accordance with the agreed safe systems of work practice.
2) To participate in the daily stock check processed, adjusting stock level as per local procedures and escalating significant discrepancies to the Senior Technical Team.
3) To participate in the daily “stock to-follows” processes; processing to-follow dispensing and liaison with stores staff for ordering and out of stock medicines.
4) To co-ordinate dispensing teams ensuring efficient workflow and prioritisation on critical medicines.
5) To accuracy check, assembled items e.g. cardiac arrest boxes and controlled drugs after satisfactory completion of the departmental competency training programme.
6) To co-operate in staff rotation within the pharmacy departments of the Trust including the Aseptic Department and out-patient area (site specific).
7) To observe the recommendations contained in the Guide to Good Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practice and its supplements and to assist in ensuring that work carried out in the department is in accordance with these and any other recommendations which may be issued from time to time by the Department of Health or Medicines Inspectorate.
8) To undertake special dispensing and manufacturing involving the use of aseptic techniques to a suitable standard in preparation of sterile products in accordance with aseptic procedures and under the direction of the Aseptic Services Manager.
9) To undertake cytotoxic reconstitution and dispensing in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Aseptic Production Manual and in accordance with the criteria set out under COSHH regulations and Regional and National Standards.
10) To provide a ‘topping up’ service on wards for individual patient drug supplies under the direction of the Senior Technical Team and in accordance with procedures.
11) To assist in maintaining reasonable stock levels, in accordance with the policies that are in force, in the section of pharmacy in which (s)he is currently employed and to assist in ensuring correct storage and turnover of stock to maintain quality and potency.
12) To provide accurate record keeping of controlled drugs kept in the pharmacy including supplies to wards and departments, orders received into the pharmacy and regular audits of the accuracy of computer and paper records.
13) To answer telephone and face to face queries of a routine or technical nature from a wide range of staff groups, either in the pharmacy or on the ward, and refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team when necessary.
14) To liaise with various members of the pharmacy team and ward staff when solving problems and ensuring the best service to patients.
15) To ensure appropriate instructions, demonstrations and counselling of patients with regard to their drug therapy, is offered and delivered in a professional manner as advised or directed by the supervising pharmacists and according to the prevailing departmental policies and procedures.
16) To dispense clinical trials in accordance with the dispensing protocol, ICH GCP guidelines and European Directive under the direction of the clinical trials technician/pharmacist (site specific).
17) To act as a role model for student technicians and other members of technical and support staff.
18) To provide mentoring, induction and training of student technicians, pre-registration pharmacists, dispensing assistants and any other relevant members of the pharmacy team.
19) To attend appropriate training courses for technicians, to encourage other staff to undertake further training and to participate in such training schemes as necessary to keep relevant pharmaceutical clinical and technical knowledge up to date.
20) To assist in the receipt and issue of goods in the pharmacy and to check delivery notes and invoices if required.
21) To participate in ward based stock audits under the direction of the Senior Technical Team.
22) To co-operate in the operation and development of computerised systems of stock control and medical speciality costing.
23) To participate in pharmacy objectives set by the Trust, the National Patient Safety Agency, the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection, the Department of Health (including the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency) and others to meet clinical governance targets, develop patient care, improve clinical outcomes and ensure compliance with all standards expected for hospital pharmacy services and the interface between primary and secondary care.
24) To undertake Continuing Professional Development in order to keep pharmaceutical clinical and technical knowledge current, ensure best practice and comply with requirements for entry on the pharmacy technician register.
25) To observe the regulations in respect of the Health and Safety at Work Act and Data Protection Act.
26) To undertake any other related duties, which may be required.