Rotational Pharmacy Technician

The Methodist Church in Britain; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

STEP programme with career pathways

Rotation through pharmacy serviceAreas

Job summary

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is offering a rotational Pharmacy Technician post aimed at newly qualified or near-registered technicians. The role covers ward service, dispensary and aseptic services with supervision of pharmacy assistants.

You will dispense medicines, perform accuracy checks, and support ward staff with stock and storage advice. Weekend and Bank Holiday work is part of the rotation, and COSHH waste procedures apply.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Accreditation as an Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician.
• BTEC National Certificate, NVQ level 3, City and Guilds or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Dispense medicines, including controlled drugs and inpatient prescriptions.
• Carry out final accuracy checks of dispensed items.
• Provide routine clinical and pharmaceutical advice to healthcare staff.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Verbal & written communication

Accurate dispensing skills

Accurate numeracy skills

Patient rapport & empathy

Education

BTEC/NVQ/City & Guilds level 3 or equivalent

Job description

A rotational post in the hospital pharmacy team at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, for newly qualified or near-registered technicians and those new to hospital pharmacy. The work centres on dispensing, including controlled drugs, with aseptic preparation and ward stock support. Rotation covers the ward service, dispensary and aseptic services, with supervision of pharmacy assistants. Current GPhC registration, or registration due soon, and accuracy checking accreditation are required.

What the job involves

• Dispense medicines, including controlled drugs, medicated dressings, enteral feeds, inpatient and A&E prescriptions and clinical trial prescriptions
• Carry out final accuracy checks of dispensed items
• Give routine clinical and pharmaceutical advice to healthcare staff within the limits of the grade
• Counsel patients on the safe use and storage of their medicines
• Maintain the Controlled Drugs register and carry out regular controlled drug stock checks
• Liaise with ward staff on stock levels, ward-stock lists and storage advice
• Check and replenish out of hours and resuscitation cupboards and take part in the topping-up service
• Monitor stock suitability and drug storage temperatures, arranging removal or destruction and alerting managers to discrepancies
• Carry out aseptic preparation after completing in-house training
• Dispose of cytotoxic drug waste in line with COSHH
• Assist in training pharmacy assistants, senior assistants, pre-registration technicians and pharmacist students
• Take part in the weekend and Bank Holiday rota, including handling bulk intravenous fluids

What’s required

Qualifications

• BTEC National Certificate, NVQ level 3, City and Guilds or equivalent

Registration & licences

• Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Accreditation as an Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician

Skills & knowledge

• Basic computer skills
• Good written and oral communication
• Accurate dispensing skills
• Accurate numeracy skills
• Able to handle angry, upset or ill patients and build rapport

Other

• Available for weekend and Bank Holiday working
• Committed to continuing professional development
• Physically fit, able to stand or sit for long periods
• Good attendance and health record, fit to undertake the job
• Enthusiastic, motivated, reliable, flexible and a team worker
• Good personal presentation and able to use initiative

Nice to have

• Hospital pharmacy experience
• Aseptic services experience
• Knowledge of all rotational technician roles, including dispensary and ward-based duties
• Supervisory skills
• Car driver with use of motorised transport
• Able to use a VDU
• Capable of occasional moderate lifting (under 13kg)

What’s offered

• Ongoing training
• Comprehensive STEP programme with career pathways
• Rotation through pharmacy service areas