Pharmacy Technician

Job overview

We are seeking a GPhC‑registered Pharmacy Technician to join our expanding Medicines Optimisation Team on a part‑time basis to provide maternity cover. Our small, friendly, ward‑based team is growing as we develop patient‑facing roles across the Trust. You will play a key part in delivering our medicines optimisation strategy, working closely with ward teams and our Pharmacy provider to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred care.

Applicants should hold an accreditation in Medicines Management that meets the National Medicines Management Framework, or be willing to work towards this.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, with flexible options available.

Joining our evolving service at such a pivotal moment means you’ll help shape how medicines optimisation is delivered across our wards, contributing to the development of an innovative and high‑quality clinical service in partnership with our clinical pharmacists.

Main duties of the job

You will work closely with our clinical pharmacists to support the delivery of high‑quality clinical pharmacy services across all community hospital wards, and, when required, to other services within the Trust.

In this role, you will contribute to medicines optimisation, ensure the safe and effective supply of medicines, and help minimise risks associated with medicines use. Working across multiple community wards and services, you will play an active part in providing safe, high‑quality and compassionate care.

You will communicate confidently with patients, carers and healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are safe and well supported with their medicines. This role is central to delivering our medicines optimisation agenda.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Ensure timely medicines reconciliation on the designated in-patient unit as appropriate to facilitate a smooth admission to services.
• Appropriately refer interventions to the clinical pharmacists or liaising with other members of the MDT within scope and experience.  Escalating to the Head of Medicines Optimisation as necessary.
• Ensuring the appropriate management and administration of medications in accordance with Legislation, Trust Policy and Professional Standards.
• Assess, use and destroy patient’s own drugs and encouraging patient’s relatives/carers to use patient’s own medicines.
• Destroy expired or unwanted medicines as per trust procedure.
• Ensure wards have appropriate stock rotation, stock lists and medicines storage and review regularly with the ward pharmacist and ward manager.
• Initiate requests for ward non-stock and when relevant ward stock items.
• Facilitate resolution of medicines supply problems when requested.
• Assisting in training of ward staff involved in medicines management and administration as appropriate.
• Record all patient interventions and medicines management activity in the patient record.
• Assist with the medicines management audit agenda working with NCH&C colleagues.
• Provide patient counselling on the use of medicines to selected patients as identified by the MDT.
• Accuracy checking the quantity, quality of drug, strength, form, dose and directions of medicines contained in bedside medicines locker to ensure there are no discrepancies and sufficient supply for discharge
• As part of the clinical pharmacy team organising timely supply of new or additional items required for discharge.
• As part of the pharmacy team organising where necessary compliance aids for individual patients (medication reminder cards, dosette boxes etc.).
• Minimising clinical risk associated with medicines use by ensuring that: Prescriptions are legible, unambiguous and legally acceptable Medicines are administered according to standards and guidelines
• Prescriptions are legible, unambiguous and legally acceptable
• Medicines are administered according to standards and guidelines
• Support staff when medicine error incidents occur and identify ways to improve safe handling of medicines.
• Liaise with other health care professionals with regard to pharmaceutical discharge needs of patients including checking appropriate risk assessments have been undertaken.
• Liaise with other units and pharmacists on transition for patients from one NHS unit to another.
• Liaise with community pharmacists and General Practitioners regarding difficulties in supply of medicines to smooth the discharge plan.
• Undertake necessary continuing pharmacy education and keeping abreast of new developments in medicines optimisation and pharmacy.
• Undertake other duties as required by the pharmacy team and Head of Medicines Optimisation.
• Undertake prescribed physical and mental health observations as required reporting exceptions as appropriate and using tools available e.g. SBAR, Track & Trigger.
• Monitor and report all omissions in line with the Trust policy and contribute to service trend monitoring.
• Actively monitor and review the effects of prescribed medication for the patient group noting its efficacy and the effect of potential side effects and acting promptly to escalate concerns or seek advice regarding potential medication changes.
• Participate in team meetings, service away days and service development initiatives as required.
• Have a good knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures and raise concerns as required.
• This position will have a degree of autonomy to act on individual patient medicine pharmaceutical care, to bring improvements to safety to the patient as discovered. There is an expectation that the post holder will practice within safe limits and always refer to designated clinical ward pharmacist and Head of Medicines Optimisation when unsure or when there is a need to resolve complex or more challenging situations.
• There is a need to be able to communicate succinctly and effectively with patients and other healthcare staff to deliver the role. Interventions that produce direct improvements in patient safety will be recorded to demonstrate effectiveness. Participating in agreed policy and systems audits will also demonstrate performance and quality of service.