Pharmacy Assistant Procurement/Distribution

Job overview

To assist in the day-to-day duties of the Pharmacy Procurement and Distribution unit with a specific focus on the receiving and subsequent distribution of all medicines. Work will be carried out under the supervision of the Senior Pharmacy Procurement and Distribution Team. This role will be cross site helping ensure receiving practice across the unit is the same.

Main duties of the job

Key Working Relationships

Procurement and Distribution:

• To accurately use the internal computer system EPIC to issue stock items to replenish wards, departments and community clinics.
• To use information obtained from Omnicell system to respond to stock requests and assist with stock optimisation.
• To accurately assemble items on picking tickets ready for checking
• To accurately check items previously picked by another member of staff and pack appropriately ready for delivery to required areas
• To have responsibility for the top-up of drugs to a designated ward/ department and to provide cover as necessary for any unavailable staff on their wards/department.
• To support the cycle counts for the Omnicell cabinets to ensure that stock levels and re-order quantities are accurately maintained.
• To help maintain stock levels by participating in stock checks and performing expiry checks, ensuring appropriate documentation is completed. Reporting any inaccuracies, expired and short-dated stock.
• To assist in the issue of 'to follow' items for wards and departments daily.
• To check and record environmental temperatures, referring to a senior colleague in the event of any anomalies.
• In the absence of the Senior Assistants, check that all daily ward top ups are completed and refer to the Procurement & Distribution Technicians in case of any problems.

• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Pharmacy Assistants
• Ancillary Staff (including porters)
• Ward staff
• General public
• NHS Supplies and Procurement Staff
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Pharmaceutical wholesalers and supplies
• System Teams e.g. IT, EPIC

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Procurement and Distribution

• Accept and sign the receipt for deliveries of Pharmaceutical products from suppliers, checking that the delivery is for the Pharmacy Department.
• To unpack goods received and;
• Check that items and quantities received match delivery notes and purchase orders
• Check that items are in good condition, and tamper seals are intact
• Check items have an adequate shelf life, referring to senior team for goods with a shelf life of 6 months or less
• Check that prices match those on both the delivery notes and purchase orders, referring to senior team for any discrepancies
• Sign purchase orders and delivery notes to accept goods received as stated above.
• To ensure practice across Denmark Hill and PRUH with regards goods receiving is the same.
• To ensure all good received are mapped correctly onto EPIC at the point of receipt including ensuring each line received is distinct on EPIC
• To assist with the QA release process of unlicensed medicines
• To accurately file purchase orders and delivery notes in line with procedures.
• To maintain a clean, safe, clean and tidy working environment in all areas of Pharmacy Stores.
• To support the daily checks of the medical gas stores to ensure appropriate stock levels and cylinder turnover is maintained
• Put away stock into the Pharmacy Robotic system, onto shelves in the Stores Area or distribute to the Dispensary or Aseptic Department.
• Responsible for daily waste disposal according to strict procedures.
• Carry out general duties within the stores/distribution areas as required.
• To ensure documentation is accurately completed and filed as necessary.
• Cover the picking, issuing and delivery of IV fluids if required.

General Duties

• To participate in the department 7 day service including weekends
• To deal with enquires received over the telephone and within Pharmacy Stores environment, referring to Senior Stores Staff if necessary.
• To attend promptly to all internal and external customers and provide a high standard of customer service.
• To be responsible for data accuracy on the computer system.
• To undergo training to ensure competence.
• To assist where appropriate with the training of new staff.
• To follow all procedures and policies in the department, including any other relevant duties, as may be required by the Director of Pharmacy.
• To maintain satisfactory personal performance and professional standards and achieve, where possible, agreed objectives described in the Annual Staff Appraisal system.
• All King's College Hospital NHS Trust employees must carry out their duties with due regard to the Fair Access Policy and respect the cultural beliefs and customs held by clients and staff.
• To ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation, national and local policies and procedures.
• To comply with the Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions of King's College Hospital NHS Trust.

• To be responsible for returning excess ward stock to the Pharmacy Stores, checking the appropriate shelf life and confirming quantities.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.