Detailed job description and main responsibilities

•    Provide a technical MM service to medical and surgical wards on a daily basis at the RSCH. Provide cover to outside hospitals when required by the service.
•    Interpret prescriptions and refer to ward clinical pharmacist regarding dosing, route of administration, timescales and methods of drug delivery.
•    Responsible for taking accurate medication reconciliation.
•    Responsible for the assessment, suitability and quality of patients own drugs (PODs) for extended use on the wards according to local procedures.
•    Accurately re-label medicines for patients where doses and /or frequencies have changed.
•    Organise timely supplies of new, additional or absent medicines, accurately transcribe for individual patients for use in hospital, and at discharge as part of the one stop dispensing procedure.
•    Identify the need for, where necessary, compliance aids for individual patients prior to discharge from hospital (e.g. blister packs, pink cards etc).
•    Responsible for the management of patients’ own medications in their bedside locker during their stay. This includes PODS on admission and regular POD checks to ensure continuation of care and avoiding missed dosing, whilst also anticipating discharge.
•    When necessary, assist the Ward Pharmacist with final checking of all clinically screened discharge medication at ward level. Ensure there is a sufficient supply in line with Trust Guidelines.
•    Counsel patients on the medication they receive at ward level to ensure compliance.
•    Provide advice on formulary guidance in liaison with a ward clinical pharmacist to medical and nursing staff and encourage POD’s to be brought in.
•    Provide advice on the availability of medicines to pharmacy, nursing and medical staff at ward level.
•    Receive information and answer or refer queries from patients, doctors, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team relating to the technical aspects of the MM service within the scope of your practice.
•    Report any technical issues, problems with daily ward visits and any issues from other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding their MM service to the Lead Technician Medicines Management (LTMM).
•    Communicate with the Nurses/Nurse In Charge regarding new patients and patients for discharge, problems relating to POD lockers & keys, and any medication queries within the scope of your practice.
•    Prioritise own workload to ensure the smooth running of the service and ensure turnaround times are met.
•    Proactively anticipate MM admission and discharge issues relating to provision of seamless care and take appropriate action.

Clinical

•    Counsel patients on the medication they receive.  Provide technical advice on the medication, administration, dose and any changes in dose and frequency to ensure patient compliance.  Provide compliance aids as needed.
•    Provide advice and information to other healthcare professionals and patients under the guidance of a pharmacist.  
•    Liaise closely with clinical pharmacists and nursing staff to ensure the legality and clarity of all prescriptions.
•    Interpret prescriptions and intervene regarding dosing, route of administration, timescales, and methods of drug delivery and appropriateness of treatment under the supervision of a pharmacist.
•    Assist in completing all necessary paperwork for requests for non-formulary and/or unlicensed drugs in liaison with a pharmacist.
•    Deal with chronically ill, distressed or verbally aggressive patients on a daily basis.