Apprentice - Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy TechnicianinSloughinSloughPUBLISHED WED 30 OCT 2024

A rewarding and challenging role that enables you to earn, while working towards professional qualifications and registration.

You will be studying as an apprentice which will include practical on the job training alongside successful completion of an in-house competency package and formal qualification s that will enable eligibility for registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

We are looking for individuals who can commitment to this training as this post would be suitable only for those dedicated to becoming a pharmacy technician and who are able to put in the necessary hard work consistently over the 2 year contract.

Post involves working late evenings, weekend days and bank holidays on a rotational basis.

Previous applicants need not apply.

A rotational post allowing training, experience and competence assessment in many aspects of hospital pharmacy, under the supervision of registered Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.Development and demonstration of professional attitudes and behaviours in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) 'Standards for Pharmacy Professionals' Practical on the job training alongside successful completion of an in-house competency package and formal qualifications will enable eligibility for registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

About us

Training and development of self and others

• To successfully complete the current approved Level 3 qualification including Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, and Employee Rights and Responsibilities Workbook (if applicable), to enable registration with The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• To attend allocated study days / events to complete relevant learning and assessments.
• To undertake practical work in the Pharmacy department, including practical assessments to demonstrate on-going competence against set standards. Each duty to be allocated and supervised according to the level of skill the trainee has achieved. This may involve under supervision, passing on practical skills to others.
• To learn and work within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times and complete in house competency training and assessments in a timely manner.

Maintenance and Distribution of Pharmaceuticals

• Assist with the ordering and receipt of pharmaceuticals to ensure adequate stock available for use.
• Assist with the maintenance of stock through participation in stock checks, stock rotation and evaluation of fitness for purpose.
• Assist with environmental monitoring e.g. temperature control, checks and maintenance of storage areas.
• Work within health and safety guidelines including COSHH and complete risk assessments as required.
• Accurately select required stock and participate in the distribution service for stock drugs to wards, departments and community clinics to minimise wastage and to ensure adequate stock, which is fit for its purpose.
• Assist in identifying stock not fit for purpose and carrying out safe disposal including controlled drugs and expired / damaged stock.
• Identifying unavailable stock and ensuring any items owed are communicated to relevant parties before monitoring the progress of outstanding orders.
• Maintaining stock in the out of hours Emergency Cupboard to ensure vital medication is available 24 hours a day.
• Co-ordinating dispensing of prescriptions for external units, ensuring they are packaged correctly, correct documentation is completed and that transport deadlines are met.

Dispensing - Labelling and dispensing a variety of prescription types according to departmental procedure to provide a safe, accurate and timely service.

• Recognising what is required for a prescription to be legal and valid to dispense.
• Producing high quality prescription labels using the EPR system in line with prescribers requirements.
• Completing accurate calculations to ensure correct dosage and quantities provided.
• Working with automated dispensing systems and open shelf stock control to issue required medications.
• Accurately dispensing medication for a variety of prescription types.
• Performing routine self accuracy checks to ensure safe dispensing.
• Dispensing of controlled drugs including maintenance of written legal records in register.
• Dispensing of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) bags in compliance with cold chain requirements and manual handling requirements.
• Handling Chemotherapy including receipt of orders and maintaining records for oral cytotoxic dispensing.
• Dispensing complex prescriptions such as palliative care prescriptions.
• Processing prescription queries from staff, patients and the public both face to face, by phone and email in a professional manner within limitations.
• Maintaining legible, accurate written records relating to endorsement of prescriptions and any other required records.
• To undertake any further duties that may be necessary to help provide the dispensary service.

Preparation and Assembly of Pharmaceuticals

• Participate in the preparation and assembly of non-sterile medicinal products / batches and the cleaning and maintenance of other equipment in a manner that meets Good Manufacturing Practice and departmental procedures.

Pharmacy Computer System

• Take personal responsibility for the accurate timely input of information on the pharmacy computer system to ensure the maintenance of a reliable database and adequate stock control.
• Access a variety of patient records while maintaining confidentiality and complying with information governance.
• Book out medication to the correct cost centre to ensure accurate drug budgets are maintained.

Medicines Management (involves patient contact and working in wardenvironments)

• Working in ward and clinic environments while complying with infection control requirements.
• Checking patients own medication (PODs) and determining suitability for use.
• Counselling patients on safe and effective use of their prescribed medicines.
• Completing patient medication histories to determine pre-admission medicines.
• Liaising with patients, relatives, carers, community pharmacies, care homes and GPs as required to ensure seamless transmissions of care on admission and discharge.
• Participating in a Medicines Information rotation.
• Participating in a Homecare services rotation.

Pharmacy reception and shop

• Take in prescriptions from staff over the counter.
• Take in prescriptions from outpatients and use. questioning to determine and accurately document allergies, other medications and exemption status.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Take cash / card payments and process through the till as required.
• Participate in the sale of Over The Counter (OTC) preparations to staff and visitors, under supervision required.
• Recognising patients who require Pharmacist referral.