About this role
Job summary
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role where delivering exceptional pharmaceutical care is at the heart of everything you do? We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Pharmacy Assistant in the Aseptic Supply Unit to join our vibrant team at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in supporting patients through accurate prescription dispensing and effective stock management.
To be considered for this position, you will need prior experience in either a hospital or community pharmacy setting, along with a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or an equivalent qualification. We are looking for someone who brings energy, adaptability, and a genuine passion for enhancing the patient experience.
This position requires a proactive and dynamic individual to work closely with peers and uphold the high standards of patient care and medicines optimisation. You must be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for trying new roles, supporting innovation and delivering an excellent patient experience.
As part of our seven-day pharmacy service, the role will include some weekend and bank holiday shifts. If you are ready to take on a varied role in a forward-thinking department, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
To assist the Aseptic Supply Team with the dispensing of outsourced aseptic products, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
To be involved in pharmacy ordering activities within the Aseptic Supply Unit.
To be involved in dispensing activities, within both the Aseptic Supply Unit and the Dispensary.
To assist the Aseptic Supply Unit Pharmacists with administration activities relating to the electronic chemotherapy prescribing system.
To supervise the activity of trainee Pharmacy Assistants and Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be involved in the dispensing of outsourced aseptic products and supplementary medicines for in-patients, out-patients and unit use. This will include personally receiving prescriptions into the Aseptic Supply Unit and accurately labelling, assembling and dispensing of individual in-patient and out-patient prescriptions according to departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
2. To accurately use computer systems within the Aseptic Supply Unit to record issues, receipts and returns.
3. To answer the telephone promptly and politely and refer queries to the appropriate person.
4. To assist the Senior Pharmacy Technician with the provision of efficient stock control, ensuring correct storage and rotation of drugs, monitoring stock levels and alerting the Senior Pharmacy Technician to any low or incorrect levels.
5. To oversee and participate in weekly stock checks, ensuring checks are completed for expired and damaged goods.
6. To participate in the Aseptic Supply Units cleaning schedule, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
7. To participate in the Aseptic Supply Units ordering schedule for both patient specific and batch chemotherapy / monoclonal antibodies.
8. To maintain the Aseptic Supply Units filing system of QA / QC paperwork.
9. To receive prescriptions and other requests into the pharmacy according to the agreed procedures and deal with straightforward problems.
10. Interpret prescriptions and where necessary, contact either a pharmacy technician or a pharmacist to clarify prescriptions.
11. To assist the Senior Pharmacy Technician with the packing and checking of emergency boxes to the Trust, ensuring continuity of supply.
12. To assist the Senior Pharmacy Technician with the maintenance of the departments emergency box database.
13. To follow up outstanding items promptly.
14. To liaise with the Chemotherapy and St Marys Day Unit clerks to co-ordinate and maintain patient treatment dates.
15. To process and coordinate patient returns in a timely manner.
16. To replenish dispensing sundries such as bottles and cartons and order stock.
17. To maintain high standards of cleanliness and tidiness, personally, and within working areas.
Please see job description and person specification provided. If further information is required, please speak to our contact on advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training Essential
NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services Basic numeracy and literacy
Experience Essential
Experience in a pharmacy, warehouse or customer orientated environment. Experience of supervising staff in training
Desirable
Experience in Pharmacy Aseptic Unit
Skills Essential
Ability to organise own day to day work tasks Standard keyboard skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Luton and Dunstable
Lewsey Road
Luton
LU4 0DZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)