Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job summary:

To assist in the provision of a high quality, patient focused aseptic service. To ensure that all products are aseptically prepared following standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and guidelines detailed in the ‘Rules and Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Distributors and Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services.

Job responsibilities:

Key Tasks

Production

1. a) To be responsible for the ‘start of day’ and ‘end of day’ procedures, and the reading and recording of relevant HEPA filter and pressure gauges.

1. b) Using aseptic technique and GMP, accurately prepare and dispense preparations including cytotoxic drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and preparations for ectopic and ocular use.

1. c) To participate in the dispensing of parenteral nutrition (PN) and Methotrexate, using approved protocols and guidelines.

1. d) To complete all booking out and filing of parenteral nutrition (PN), chemotherapy and trial paperwork.

1. e) To ensure an adequate supply of chemotherapy and supportive drug stock levels. To supervise and assist with the rotational movement of this stock.

1. f) To top up supplies of equipment, materials, and consumables used within the department.

1. g) To supervise the monitoring process within the unit, using settle plates and contact plates, and labelling these plates appropriately.

1. h) To supervise and assist with cleaning the unit according to procedure, and to supervise and train other staff in these procedures. To ensure that cleaning materials are in stock at all times.

1. i) To supervise and assist with the dedicated garment collection for Microclean®.

1. j) To be responsible for placing orders using SupplyChain and Powergate computer programmes.

1. k) To participate in the dispensing of prescribed oral chemotherapy and supportive medication.

1. l) To assist the Principal Pharmacy Technician – Aseptic Services and Senior Pharmacy Technician – Aseptic Services in the co-ordination of the activities of other assistant and student technicians within the aseptic unit.

1. m) To supply emergency extravasation boxes to wards and departments, and to ensure that they are kept within their expiry dates.

1. n) To ensure the correct handling of cytotoxic/monoconal medication, and disposal of waste and management of drug spills in accordance with COSHH and Trust guidelines.

Dispensary

1. a) To dispense prescriptions for both inpatients and outpatients in accordance with departmental guidelines.

1. b) Receptionist duties, including dealing with internal and external customers, receiving cash and debit/credit cards for payment and operating the dispensary till.

1. c) Maintenance of stock rotation, expiry date checking, and appropriate storage of medicines in the dispensary environment.

Distribution

1. a) To issue ward stock items from a picking list, under appropriate supervision and in accordance with written guidelines.

1. b) Ensure that ‘to-follow’ items are issued promptly.

1. c) To assist with return of drugs to the department

1. d) Act as a messenger in the delivery of controlled drugs and other items.

1. e) Participate in the ward top-up service, under appropriate supervision.

1. f) Assist the storekeeper in booking in goods received and compiling bulk fluid orders as necessary.

Additional Duties

1. a) Receptionist duties, when necessary, including dealing with internal and external customers, receiving cash and debit/credit cards for payment and operating the dispensary till.

1. b) To ensure that statutory requirements are met at all times and to implement Trust policy as directed by the Chief Pharmacist.

1. c) Undertake Trust mandatory training and in-house competencies to ensure continued compliance.

1. d) To undertake other reasonable duties within the framework of the post as directed by the Chief Pharmacist.

1. e) To act as an ambassador for the pharmaceutical service at West Suffolk Hospital.

1. f) Assist in the training of pharmacy staff, and other hospital staff, as required.

1. g) To attend relevant training courses and meeting, where appropriate.

h) Participate in the departmental appraisal process.