Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Oncology

NHS; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a Higher Level Pharmacy Technician to join their Oncology/Haematology team. This role is pivotal in optimizing medication management and ensuring patient safety through effective counselling and collaboration with healthcare professionals. You will be responsible for dispensing prescriptions, mentoring staff, and contributing to effective medicines management. This position offers an opportunity to work in a supportive environment, dedicated to compassionate care and continuous improvement in health services. If you are committed to excellence in pharmacy practice, this could be the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Registered Pharmacy Technician with experience in hospital or community settings.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and issue prescriptions in the hospital pharmacy.
• Provide skilled pharmaceutical counselling to patients.
• Work closely with pharmacists to ensure medication compliance.

Skills

Patient-focused technical duties

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

BTEC/NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services

Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC

Job description

Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Oncology

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will be an integral part of the Medicine Optimisation team working in the Oncology/Haematology Team alongside Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

They will work seamlessly between primary and secondary care, linking with various 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.

This post requires a Disclosing & Barring Services (DBS) check.

Main duties of the job

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

About us

We employ around 6,000 staff delivering compassionate care across our hospitals, community sites, health centres, and patients' homes. We are committed to modernising and investing in our health services to improve quality and meet community needs.

Job responsibilities

Dispensary Duties:

1. Dispense and issue prescriptions in the hospital pharmacy.
2. Check prescriptions and related items, undergoing annual competency reassessment.
3. Query prescriptions with prescribers within your capabilities or delegated tasks.
4. Contribute to effective medicines management and budget use.
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 activities.
9. Follow guidance on rotas and prioritize workload accordingly.
10. Accurately input data into the computer system and maintain records.
11. Assess complex situations and make informed judgments regarding medicine availability.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training

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

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

• Experience in high-level patient-focused technical duties in hospital or community settings.
• Knowledge of dispensing standards and legislation.
• Attention to detail, workload prioritization, and professionalism under pressure.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and committed to CPD.
• Basic audit skills.

Communication and Management

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

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a DBS check, and applicants must be able to submit to a Disclosure to check for any criminal convictions.

Salary: £29,970 to £36,483 per annum, pro-rata.