Pharmacy Store Person

Job overview

We have an opportunity for a Pharmacy Stores Person,  you will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive and modern pharmacy service by undertaking activities within the pharmacy and at ward level which contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of medicines to patients

There will be an expectation to order and distribute medication to the wards and departments on site, this will include the bulk IV heavy fluids and ready prepared intravenous fluid bags. Due to the nature of these items there will be a requirement for manual handling and using specified manual handling equipment

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

Duties are mainly, but not exclusively linked to the top up service provided at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, i.e.-

• receipt of orders from wholesalers for bulk heavy fluid
• sourcing urgent medication for wards
• regular deliveries to the wards
• ward top-up services and ordering
• receipt and distribution of bulk heavy  fluids

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To communicate routine information with other healthcare staff to ensure that a safe and effective system of supply of medicines is maintained to patients

To communicate routine information regarding unavailability of pharmaceutical stock to the procurement team as well as Store manager and Pharmacy technician specialist - Logistics within pharmacy and to pass on any relevant information to the end user i.e. alternative pack size, strength or product

To communicate routine information to delivery drivers and porters both internal and external to the Trust

Interprets information from delivery notes to identify the accuracy of orders

Judges whether goods received are fit for intended use (e.g. checks expiry dates, brand.)

Interprets information (e.g. drug, formulation, strength) on delivery notes before placing stock in appropriate locations

Self-checks own work

To be able to assess any errors/warnings that are given via the Omnicell , refrigerators or other equipment within the department and have the ability to take the appropriate action or refer to a senior member of the pharmacy team

In absence of Site lead  expected to prioritise distrubution of bulk IV fluids and top up services over other tasks

Physical skills obtained through practice / Keyboard skills required to use the pharmacy computer system

Operating the use of MHE such as an electric pallet truck and electronic picker/stacker to deliver medication and bulk IV fluid to wards and departments, using trolleys or mechanical aids

The ability to use barcode scanners to read bar coded stock lists to produce picking tickets.

Ability to change speed of work depending on workload pressures

To follow Pharmacy Department Standard Operating Procedures

To be responsible for the stock checking, distribution safe/secure storage of medicines.

Consistent demonstration of due care and regard for the fabric, property, fixtures and fittings of all Trust estate, in particular walls and wall coverings when conveying medication supplies to wards and departments and when manoeuvring items within the pharmacy department

Report all faults to equipment and ensure a speedy resolution

Completion of monthly stock takes as required

Ensure stock rotation and adequate supplies are maintained

Monitors ward stock on designated wards. Requirements may change e.g. during busy periods or bank holidays, therefore the post holder is required to use their judgement in this type of event.

To have awareness of stock levels and communicate when critical levels are reached and when out of stock notifications are given so that a solution can be found.

To participate in the training of new staff including student technicians, work experience students and other new pharmacy staff in the post holder’s area of work.

Training will be provided on the job and other specific training as required and as agreed at the annual appraisal or as required to meet the requirements of the service

To use the Pharmacy computer system to input data to facilitate the receipt of goods, issue stock to wards; departments; other sites and external organisations e.g. Clinics, other hospitals.

To ensure that they are aware of the standards, policies, procedures relating to Information Security Management Systems (BS7799) reflected in the IM&T Security Manuals.

To remain aware of the policies and procedures in line with NHS guidance and legislation relating to confidentiality e.g. Data Protection Act 1998; Caldicott Principles; NHS Code of Confidentiality and Human Rights

You will be expected to have basic functional skills, including literacy, mathematics and digital skills. Digitally literacy is the ability to locate, organise, understand, evaluate and analyse information using digital sources. This is in line with ‘digital readiness indicator for health and social care’, which has been developed in the Building a Digital Ready Workforce Programme (BDRW), between Health Education England (HEE) and NHS Digital, and is part of the Government’s Digital Transformation Portfolio (DTP) (2019

To participate in audits and surveys as appropriate

Works to well established procedures, supervision is close by.

To work within the guidelines of Pharmacy Standard Operating Procedures under the supervision of the Store Manager and /or Pharmacy Specialist Technician - Logistics.  Depending on the area of work they may also be supervised by another Senior Technical Manager or Pharmacist.

To work with all members of staff within teams and under own initiative.