About this role
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated production technician to work in the pharmacy production unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The role entails working in a cleanroom environment to undertake all workflow steps required to produce aseptic products, from generation of patient-specific documents, dispensing of the necessary starting materials, and use of negative pressure isolators to undertake aseptic dispensing of chemotherapy doses.
Previous experience in working in an aseptic unit is essential.
Applicants should possess NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services and be a registered Pharmacy Technician or NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, together with a Science Manufacturing Technician qualification with Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceutical Processing. A Science Manufacturing Technician should be registered with the Science Council.
If neither of these registrations are held this post will provide training to complete the Science Manufacturing Technician training and level 3 diploma to register as a Science Manufacturing Technician. The postholder will be paid as a Band 3 until this qualification and registration is gained
Main duties of the job
The pharmacy production unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital supplies in excess of 30,000 ready to administer chemotherapy items per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated production technician to participate in the preparation of cytotoxics and other agents. You will be working as part of a multi-skilled team to supply chemotherapy to oncology and haematology units in Sunderland and South Tyneside hospitals.
The role includes liaising closely with chemotherapy administration units, nursing, medical and pharmacy production staff in order to produce aseptic products in a timely manner.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description Job responsibilities
To support the work in the pharmacy production unit to prepare aseptic, cytotoxic and
extemporaneous products not commercially available.
To work in accordance with professional standards, good manufacturing practices and
legislation, to ensure all health and safety, COSSH and departmental standards are met.
To promote maintenance of adequate stock levels of pharmaceuticals within the department
and to ensure all transactions are correctly entered onto the computer system to minimise
stock discrepancies and out of stock situations.
To identify prescribing practice which does not comply with Trust policy or practice and
ensure the appropriate action is taken to correct.
To undertake quality assurance, particularly by drawing attention to items which appear to
be defective.
To advise staff and patients on routine pharmaceutical matters and to be aware of when to
seek further advice or to refer to a pharmacist.
To carry out relevant administration procedures such as documentation, record keeping.
To assist in the organisation and working within the department to promote most efficient
utilisation of time i.e. prioritisation of workload.
To ensure cleaning and maintenance of environment and equipment used for dispensing
and aseptic/extemporaneous preparation.
To promote the proper storage of pharmaceuticals within the department, rotate stock and
perform expiry date checks to minimise financial loss and out of stock situations.
To provide cover to all areas/sites as and when required.
To Identify and pursue personal training and development needs with the objective of improving personal performance and keeping abreast of new developments
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE
Person Specification
Physical Skills Essential
Manual dexterity to perform detailed technical tasks accurately while handling potentially hazardous solutions. Able to concentrate for prolonged periods. Able to work in an isolator for prolonged periods.
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Adaptable Good communication skills Ability to work on own initiative Manual dexterity to perform detailed technical tasks. Good knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice. Good IT skills.
Personal Qualities Essential
Ability to work to the challenges and deadlines of the post. Ability to work under pressure. Enthusiastic & well motivated.
Experience Essential
Experience in aseptic and chemotherapy production Ability to dispense aseptic products accurately following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and SOPs.
Desirable
Organisational skills Ability to prioritise workload
Qualifications Essential
To work as Band 3 : Basic Numeracy & Literacy Skills to Level 1 or equivalent Basic IT Skills Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services or an equivalent Pharmacy Production Qualification. To work as Band 4 : The postholder must be in possession of Level 3 NVQ Pharmacy with BTEC or equivalent, or Level 2 Qualification in Pharmacy Services, & Science Manufacturing Technician qualification with Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceutical processing. They must be be a registered GPhC or RSciTech Technician to work as Band 4. If the postholder is working towards this or needs to undertake this qualification and registration, they will remain on as band 3 until relevant qualification and registration is gained.
Desirable
Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC or Registered Science Technician with Science Council
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.
Employer details Employer name South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kayll Road
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)