Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To carry out the routine dispensing and issuing of prescriptions, including in-patients, outpatients and discharge prescriptions that have been clinically screened by a pharmacist in accordance with the safe systems of work procedures in the department and on the wards. This will include assisting in the recording and monitoring of dispensing errors.

To ensure the overall tidiness of the working area in the Dispensary and on the wards

To use the pharmacy computer system to dispense, issue, label and return medicines in accordance with level of training provided.

To carry out routine duties in the dispensary including daily stock checks, stock returns, and maintenance of stock levels and checking expiry dates to ensure pharmaceutical waste is dealt with appropriately in a cost effective manner.

To assist in the replenishment and rotation of emergency boxes on the wards and departments.

 To carry out, monitor and check the issuing, stock control, assembly and purchasing of medicines in accordance with safe systems of work with particular emphasis on checking expiry dates, both in the pharmacy and on all wards on a monthly basis.

 Assist in organising the delivery and tracking of prescriptions for the Dispensary courier service.

To participate in the preparation of extemporaneous products demonstrating Good Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practice and adhering to Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.

To participate in the dispensing of clinical trials and unlicensed medicines as required

To replenish bottle, carton and sundry items within the dispensary on a daily basis. This includes liaising with the Senior ATO and purchasing team to highlight any potential stock issues.

To provide a ‘top-up’ service for stock medicines held on all wards and departments on a daily basis, to include Theatres and Accident and Emergency departments liaising with pharmacy and nursing staff to ensure an effective service. This will involve the use and maintenance of ward automated drug storage systems.

 To safely and securely pack ward drug delivery boxes (weighing <25kg) and transfer these ready for delivery by the porter service

To ensure that the pharmacy night room is checked on a daily basis replenishing any used items.

To follow up any outstanding orders to the wards on a daily basis and escalate if necessary.

To efficiently deal with any extra stock requests from wards on a daily basis and in a timely manner to ensure best service to patient and follow up any outstanding orders to the wards on a daily basis.

To dispense non-complex inpatient and outpatient prescriptions

 To assist in the monitoring of fridge temperatures and any other specified equipment as required recording data as required.

To carry out routine procedures associated with the preparation and packing of medicines, including pack downs for Accident and Emergency  to include inflammables and cytotoxics following standard operating procedures

To professionally and politely answer telephone and face to face queries of a routine or basic technical nature from a wide range of staff groups, either in the pharmacy or on the ward, referring appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team when necessary.

To proactively contribute to weekly feedback meetings

To keep up-to date with current pharmacy practice by attending appropriate in-house tutorials or training courses for Pharmacy Assistants

To assist in the training of new pharmacy assistants and student pharmacy technicians

'Candidates that are selected for interview are advised to arrange an informal visit of the department prior to interview '