Pharmacy Assistant

Job overview

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Pharmacy Assistant to join our busy distribution area based at RAEI, covering all aspects of pharmacy distribution & supply to our community services.

The role will involve working across all WWL sites , Boston House and TLC Clinics.

We have received a significant investment into Pharmacy Services to allow us to optimise medicines use in community settings and keep patients and staff safe.

With care increasingly being delivered at home or in intermediate care facilities, this role is vital to how those services are shaped and organised in the next 5 years. Working closely with our clinical and managerial colleagues in community, you will provide the necessary medicines optimisation support to effect that transition.

Previous pharmacy experience is desirable but not essential. Full training will be given.

Please note this vacancy may close earlier than the specified closing date if a high volume of suitable applications are received.

Main duties of the job

To undertake assembly and supply of medicines to wards, departments, and external agencies. To undertake stock control under supervision. Undertakes related clerical and housekeeping duties. To carry out effective recycling and destruction of returned medicines.

Duties may include visiting clinics, departments or wards to assist topping-up, unpacking and assembling orders, receiving medicines from wholesalers / manufacturers and completion of audit work.

You will be expected to contribute to our 7 day working service where, at weekends, you will assist on the pharmacy reception area, taking in prescriptions and helping patients/staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

• To supply medication to wards, departments and other agencies.
• To recycle or destroy medicines returned from wards, departments and external agencies.
• To order, issue and receive medication and maintain pharmacy stock control system.
• To check expiry dates and safe storage of medicines within areas of responsibility ensuring effective action is taken when necessary.
• To assist in audit and surveys as directed by line manager.

Planning and Organisational Duties

• To have understanding of and implement relevant departmental standard operating procedures.
• To suggest improvements to departmental standard operating procedures through line management where appropriate.

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• To communicate in a professional manner, factual information about availability of medicines to other Trust staff, external departments and patients.
• To participate in the induction training of student technicians, pre-registration pharmacists and other relevant members of the pharmacy team.

Responsibility for Finance

• To handle cash + card prescription charges and issue relevant receipts.

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To organise own work patterns within framework provided by line manager.

Responsibility for Health & Safety

• Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
• To ensure known risks are brought to attention of line managers.
• To ensure Datix is used to record and review medicines related incidents. In conjunction with Managers to ensure appropriate systems are put in place to prevent recurrence where possible.