Lead Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services

Job summary

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic pharmacist/pharmacy technician to join our team at St Richard's Hospital as accountable pharmacist (or accountable pharmacy technician when legislation changes come into effect). This is ideal for a pharmacist/pharmacy technician looking to gain leadership experience in Aseptics Services. This post offers opportunities to gain new skills and take on increased responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be supported by a dedicated education and training team, ensuring continuous professional development and growth.

This is a really exciting opportunity to shape the development of the service at St Richards Hospital in Chichester. With early discussions about a centralised Aseptic Unit within Sussex this is a perfect opportunity to be part of this project and shape the service to the Trust.

Main duties of the job

As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of clinical, technical and administrative tasks, ensuring the safe and effective preparation of SACT medicines. We are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance for all our staff.

Daily responsibilities:

• To support and maintain the work of the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy
• Accountable (pending legislation changes for pharmacy technician)
• Support/ensure that aseptic facilities meet the standards assessed by external audits
• Help develop and deliver a safe, efficient and effective pharmaceutical aseptic service

Quality Control:

• Assist other Lead Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technician in responding appropriately to internal and external inspections

Education and Training:

• Ensure the training of all staff within aseptic services to be competent in the preparation of all aseptic preparations.
• Identify own learning needs

Patient Safety:

• Monitor chemotherapy regimens and clinically check prescriptions prior to their production
• Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured to available standards.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria

Job Title:

• Lead Pharmacist or Lead Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services (depending on profession)

Job Summary:

• To support and maintain the work of the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy, which provides all injectable chemotherapy treatments in a ready to use form.
• Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured in concordance with medicines legislation and regional QC standards.
• As a progression post you will be provided the education and support to work towards becoming a lead pharmacist managing the Aseptic Service and act as the Accountable Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician (post legislation changes) under section 10 of the Medicines Act.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for or support the provision of a pharmacy aseptic service to the staff of St Richard's pharmacy department
• To Lead and manage/support the management of the aseptic unit service providing clinical, technical and training support to the aseptic service ensuring the health and safety of staff and patients.
• To initially support/be the Accountable Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician for all work carried out under section 10 of the Medicines Act within the site specific Pharmacy Aseptic Unit.

Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must hold a Master of Pharmacy degree or BTEC/NVQ3 Pharmacy Services or equivalent and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Work Environment:

• This post will require periods of time within an Aseptic Unit alongside desk work.
• You will be working with cancer patients
• There will be time pressures within the role
• There may be periods of standing/sitting

Reporting Structure:

• You will be responsible to the Lead Pharmacist Preparative Services .
• You will be accountable to the chief pharmacist.

Salary and Benefits:

The post is a band 7 or 8a post. Your position within this salary scale will be based on your current experience.

In this role you will be instrumental in providing exceptional care, contributing to the overall success of our team and the support of our patients. Your dedication to quality, safety and continuous improvement will be key to your success and the success of our service. We also place a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuing you have the support you need to thrive both professionally and personally.

If this sounds like the job for you, give us a call or arrange a visit. Further details of the role can be found in the job descriptions.

Please see Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for full details.

Person specification

Experience/Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Pharmacy at a British School of Pharmacy, BTEC/NVQ level 3 Pharmacy Services or recognised equivalent
• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council with significant experience on the register, working in hospital pharmacy.
• Experience of working within a hospital pharmacy department post qualification, including experience in cancer services or aseptic services provision at least at a band 7 level.
• MPharm/PTQA or equivalent level 7 experience.

Desirable

• BOPA membership
• Good Clinical Trial Practice (GCP) training
• Extensive portfolio and evidence of CPD with identifiable outcomes

People Management and Development

Essential

• Experience of working with different healthcare professions and managers across the wider healthcare economy
• Experience in training of other staff
• Able to identify own development/training needs

Specific Requirement

Essential

• Awareness of financial aspects of chemotherapy funding
• Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision
• Experience with the use of chemotherapy prescribing systems

Freedom to Act

Essential

• Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
• Excellent problem solving skills

Desirable

• Previous experience with Chemocare (e-prescribing system)
• Previous experience with Wellsky (e-prescribing system and stock control system)

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).