Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Oncology

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a compassionate healthcare team as a Pharmacy Technician, playing a vital role in optimizing medication use and patient care. This position involves working closely with pharmacists and healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary care settings. You will be responsible for dispensing medications, providing professional advice, and mentoring staff. With a commitment to quality and community needs, this role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in patient health outcomes. If you are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and passionate about pharmacy services, this position is for you.

Qualifications

• Must hold current UK professional registration.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and issue prescriptions at the hospital pharmacy.
• Provide pharmaceutical counselling to improve medication concordance.
• Assess medication compliance and related factors.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Self-motivation

Education

BTEC/NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services

Registered Pharmacy Technician

Accredited Checking Technician status

Job description

Job summary

The post holder will be an integral part of the Medicine Optimisation team working in the Oncology/Haematology Team alongside pharmacists and healthcare professionals. They will work seamlessly between primary and secondary care, linking with healthcare professionals to optimize concordance and compliance with prescribed medication. The role includes practicing as a mentor in all areas of competence, in line with The Pharmacy Development Mentor training. A Disclosing & Barring Services (DBS) check is required.

Main duties of the job

Medicine Optimisation duties:

1. Work closely with pharmacists and ward staff to maximize patient benefits from prescribed medication.
2. Assess medication compliance and related factors that may lead to readmission.
3. Provide pharmaceutical counselling to improve medication concordance and reduce medication-related risks.
4. Check patient's own medicines on admission for suitability and alert pharmacists of discrepancies.
5. Obtain accurate medication histories from sources including healthcare professionals, patients, and carers.
6. Offer professional advice to healthcare professionals and patients on safe, appropriate, and cost-effective medicine use.
7. Reduce missed medications and incidents by managing ongoing prescriptions from the Dispensary and Aseptic Dispensing Unit.
8. Counsel patients and carers on medicine use and ensure appropriate supplies at discharge.
9. Liaise with nursing staff regarding medicine use and storage safety at ward level.

About us

We employ around 6,000 staff delivering compassionate care across Calderdale Royal Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, community sites, health centres, and patients' homes. We are modernizing and investing in health services to improve quality and respond to community needs, driven by independent boards and engaging with patients, staff, and the community.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Dispensary Duties:

1. Dispense and issue prescriptions at the hospital pharmacy.
2. Check prescriptions according to the Accredited Checking Technician program and undergo annual competency assessments.
3. Query prescriptions with prescribers, within the technician's capabilities or delegated authority.
4. Manage medicines efficiently to support the drug budget.
5. Check Electronic Medicines Management work lists.
6. Mentor staff through Controlled Drug training and rotations.
7. Process controlled drug orders and prescriptions.
8. Participate in stock management to ensure efficient use of pharmaceuticals.
9. Follow guidance on rotas and prioritize workloads with senior staff.
10. Input data accurately into computer systems and maintain related records.
11. Assess complex situations and make informed judgments about medicine availability, informing senior staff as needed.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training

• BTEC/NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent recognized by the GPhC.
• Registered Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC.
• Accredited Checking Technician status.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development.

Knowledge, Experience & Expertise

• Experience of technical duties in hospital or community pharmacy.
• Knowledge of dispensing standards and legislation.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Professional and calm under pressure.
• Good communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with a commitment to CPD.
• Basic audit skills and computer literacy.

Communication and Relationships

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Training and supervisory skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure submission will be made to check for any criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Pharmacy Department, Huddersfield, HD3 3EA

Employer's website: [URL]