About this role
Job summary
At University Hospitals Tees we have high ambitions and, as a Group, we are committed to delivering more together for the populations we serve. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Aseptic Services Unit as a Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant (Aseptic Services), supporting the safe and accurate preparation of specialised injectable medicines used in patient care.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary aseptic team, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, patient-focused aseptic service. The role involves the preparation and in-process checking of chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition products within a cleanroom environment, in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
This post is primarily based at the University Hospital of North Tees within North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. As part of the University Hospitals Tees (UHT) group, which includes both North Tees & Hartlepool and South Tees sites, the post holder may be required to work at other UHT locations in the future to support service needs and ensure continuity of the aseptic service.
Main duties of the job
Aseptic preparation and in-process checking of chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition and other sterile products within a controlled cleanroom environment.
Perform routine and scheduled cleaning of all areas of the aseptic production unit, including equipment, isolators and cleanroom surfaces, in accordance with GMP and departmental SOPs.
Assemble, disinfect and transfer ingredients, consumables and equipment through the aseptic unit following defined cleanroom procedures.
Maintain compliance with GMP through accurate documentation, critical self-assessment and adherence to environmental and sterility standards.
Participate in microbiological and environmental monitoring activities to support sterility assurance.
Prepare worksheets, labels and routine documentation using Ascribe and other unit systems.
Support stock management, including monitoring levels, rotating stock and assisting with ordering to maintain operational continuity.
Identify, record and escalate non-conformities to senior colleagues to minimise disruption to production.
Contribute to internal meetings, team discussions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain competency through mandatory training and aseptic-specific accreditation packages.
Demonstrate aseptic techniques and unit processes to trainees and new staff when appropriate.
About us
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organizations.
Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.
We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behavior change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Job description Job responsibilities
Aseptic Production
Aseptically prepare and check medicines using fine judgement within a cleanroom environment.Aseptically prepare and check medicines using fine judgement within a cleanroom environment.(JD)
Perform cleaning of all areas of the production unit, ensuring compliance with GMP and departmental procedures.
Assemble, disinfect and transfer ingredients and disposables appropriately through the aseptic unit.
Maintain high levels of manual dexterity for manipulation of pharmaceutical products.
Quality, Governance and GMP Compliance
Identify, record and report nonconformities to minimise disruption to unit activities.Actively participate in the identification and recording of nonconformities and advising senior colleagues of issues(JD)
Analyse documented GMP observations and escalate deviations to senior staff.
Participate in internal and external audits of the aseptic service.
Ensure adherence to Trust and departmental policies, including infection control, health and safety, safeguarding and confidentiality.
Documentation and Administration
Prepare worksheets, labels and documentation using Ascribe and other systems.
Assist with routine and complex documentation within the aseptic unit.
Support the recording and analysis of data, both manually and electronically.
Stock and Resource Management
Maintain stock levels of medicines and consumables in line with operational requirements.
Evaluate stock levels and support ordering processes to ensure continuity of service.
Training, Competency and Development
Complete all aseptic competencybased training packages and maintain validity.
Undertake mandatory training and updates in line with Trust policy.
Demonstrate aseptic activities to students, trainees and new staff when appropriate.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Work in a cleanroom environment for prolonged periods, including sitting, standing and cleaning floors, walls and ceilings.
Lift and handle pharmaceutical containers and equipment as required.
Gown appropriately and enter cleanrooms via stepover benches in accordance with local procedures.
Education and Training
Undertake mandatory training, updates and competencybased aseptic training packages.
Maintain competence within validity periods.
Demonstrate aseptic activities to students, trainees and new staff.
Hold, or be willing to work towards, a Science Manufacturing Process Operative (SMPO) apprenticeship / NVQ Level 2 an essential requirement for this post.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Essential
oDemonstrates knowledge of current legislations and oregulations, e.g. COSHH and Health and Safety at Work Act oUnderstanding of stock control systems. oUnderstanding of the importance of adherence to SOPs and legislation
Desirable
oDemonstrates practical knowledge of oQuality systems oKnowledge of Safe and Secure oHandling of Medicines requirements oDemonstrates a good understanding of GMP
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential
oGCSE Maths/ English and Science grade C or above or 4 (or equivalent) oScience Manufacturing Process Operative Level 2 or equivalent
Desirable
oPrevious training in aseptic services. oPre and In Process checking within Aseptic Services (PIPC) accreditation.
EXPERIENCE Essential
oExperience of working in a team oExperience of working in a busy environment oExperience in Stock control oExperience working in pharmaceutical or healthcare environment
Desirable
oPharmacy experience in either a ohospital or community setting oRelevant experience of working in technical services or an Industry GMP related environment
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Essential
oExcellent communication skills. oGood numeracy skills. oAbility to work accurately and maintain levels of concentration when checking detailed documents/analysing data. oIT literate and able to use microsoft office oAbility to work under pressure oAbility to problem solve oAbility to motivate self and others oLone and team working skills oDexterity for Aseptic manipulation oAbility to undertake manual tasks eg: mopping floors, walls, ceilings and to clean within an isolator, lift and handle pharmaceutical items oThere is a requirement/combination of sitting, standing, and walking. oThe post holder must have the ability to work in a cleanroom environment
Desirable
oAble to perform pharmaceutical calculations. oAccurate and logical approach to work. oFlexible to changing situations. oExperience of working within a oclean room setting
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 North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Address University Hospital of North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton
TS198PE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)