Pharmacy Technician – Palliative Care

Job Purpose

To undertake pharmaceutical tasks within Kilbryde Hospice using Standard Operating Procedures laid down by the relevant Pharmacy Staff to maintain a high quality pharmaceutical service to Kilbryde Hospice.
Organisational Position

Professional guidance and supervision will be provided by pharmacist.

Kilbryde Hospice aims to provide the highest quality pharmaceutical care to the people of Lanarkshire. The pharmacy team provide person-focussed pharmaceutical care to individuals, and supply medicines through systems that ensure safe, effective and economical use.

We strive to ensure patients derive maximum benefit and minimum harm from their medicines, throughout their healthcare journey. We work in partnership with our clinical colleagues, providing high-quality care, timely information and advice to deliver the safe and secure use of medicines. By working closely with external agencies and colleagues across NHS and Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) services, we ensure medicines are purchased, stored, dispensed and prescribed to the highest standards in the hospice care setting.

This involves participation in the following area:

Ward

· To answer telephone and face-to-face enquiries of a technical nature from a wide range of staff groups and patients and refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team, when necessary

· Liaise with nursing and medical staff with regard to prescription interventions e.g. missing details, incorrectly prescribed dosages – passing on any clinical queries to the relevant pharmacist

· To assist in maintaining reasonable stock levels in accordance with hospice procedures and assist in the correct storage and rotation of stock to maintain quality and potency

· To order and accept stock for use in the ward

· To count stock as part of the continuous stock-checking process and investigate and amend inaccuracies

· To collect statistical data as required

· To date-check stock on a monthly basis

· To reconcile the monthly wholesaler invoice and investigate any discrepancies

Controlled Drugs

· To provide accurate record keeping of controlled drugs kept in the ward

· To receive orders into Kilbryde Hospice and perform regular audits of the accuracy of computer and paper records

· To participate in the problem solving process of incorrect stock levels

· To process patient’s own controlled drugs

· To destroy expired controlled drugs following legal requirements

· To perform controlled drugs audits in the ward in accordance with local schedule

Clinical Pharmacy

· To review patients’ notes to gain information on suitability of patient to obtain medication history/identify alternative sources

· To retrieve, reconcile and record information about an individual’s medicines

· To assess patients’ medicines at bedside and check suitability for use in the operation of the patient’s own drug scheme

· To liaise with various members of the pharmacy team and ward staff to solve problems encountered with medicines and to ensure sufficient patient’s supply

· To communicate with patients at bedside when taking medication history

· To educate patient/carer on discharge regarding new/changed medications

· To supervise and participate in the training of others with respect to medicines

Education and Training

· Participate in education and training programmes and other activities to develop own skills as part of commitment to continuing professional development in accordance with registration as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

· To supervise and participate in the training of others within Kilbryde Hospice

· Undertake statutory and mandatory training

· Attend and present at regular departmental training meetings

· Undertake audits and research as required

General

· To participate in Weekend Rota (if required)

· To participate in Public Holiday working (if required)

· Contribute to the development of the pharmaceutical service

· To support other departments within Kilbryde Hospice (if required)

Equipment and Machinery

The post holder is required to:

· Use dispensing equipment ie: measures, syringes, needles, etc

Systems

The post holder will need:

· An understanding of relevant computer systems to enter patient’s details accurately and maintain a high standard of stock control

· An appreciation of the importance of documentation procedures, patient’s medication records and stock control records

· Adhere to standard operating procedures laid down within the department

Work is assigned by the Line Manager and/or Pharmacist.

Performance appraisal will be carried out annually by the Line Manager and Pharmacist

The post holder:

· Will be expected to make judgements on prioritising work within the ward

· Is expected to have sufficient experience to be able to work alone but to know when to ask for guidance

· Will be able to use skills and knowledge to suggest improved work practices and changes to standard operating procedure

The post holder will:

· Communicate with all levels of the healthcare team

· Liaise with pharmacy supplier about urgently required medicines and informing patients and other health care staff about supply problems/delays

· Liaise with medical and nursing staff in clinical areas to discuss prescription anomalies, passing on any clinical queries to relevant pharmacist

· Communicate with patients on wards whilst taking medication history

· Counsel patients when supplying medicines, passing on any clinical queries to relevant pharmacist

· Answer queries from nurses and clinical staff about drug availability, doses and forms of medication, passing on any clinical queries to relevant pharmacist

· Communicate with facilities staff

To manage workload effectively and to maintain an accurate and efficient quality service under the pressures of time management and frequent interruptions

Physical skills:

· Have standard keyboard skills, long periods sitting at VDU

Physical Effort:

· Move stock including heavy infusions (5-10kg) to and from shelves and trolleys

· Sitting for long periods

Mental: – high levels of concentration required

· Checking prescriptions whilst coping with frequent interruptions

· Concentration required for doing repetitive tasks which require speed and accuracy

Emotional:

· Contact with terminally ill patients and patients who may be emotionally disturbed

· Exposure to verbal aggression

Environmental:

· Exposure to unpleasant odours on wards

Education:

· Diploma/SQA National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent to enable registration as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Professional:

· Registered pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Other Knowledge:

· Undertake revalidation required by General Pharmaceutical Council and maintain a portfolio of personal and professional development

The postholder will demonstrate Kilbryde Hospice values in all aspects of their work:

· Welcoming – creating a supportive and inclusive environment

· Honesty – acting with integrity and openness

· Respect – valuing others and working collaboratively

· Responsibility – taking ownership and delivering to a high standard

· Have a good understanding, comply with relevant Kilbryde Hospice Policies and Procedures at all times.

· The Kilbryde Hospice is committed to encouraging volunteering throughout the organisation and as such the post holder will be expected to support and work effectively with volunteers.

· All staff are required to comply with the obligation of confidentiality relating to personal information that could identify individuals. Current data protection regulations, GDPR (2018) safeguards the handling of information held in both electronic and manual filing systems and it is the duty of all staff employed by Kilbryde Hospice to uphold the principles of the legislation

· All employees of the Kilbryde Hospice must be aware of infection prevention and control policies and are expected to follow them at all times. Any breach of infection control policies which places patients, visitors or colleagues at risk may result in disciplinary action.

· The post holder is required to familiarise him/herself with and comply with the Kilbryde Hospice Health & Safety policies.

· The post holder must at all times carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Kilbryde Hospice Code of Conduct.

· The post-holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities in line with the Kilbryde Hospice Dignity at Work policy and Equality, Inclusion & Diversity Policy.

Applicants should be aware that the role includes working with vulnerable groups and as such, successful applicants will be subject to a PVG check by Disclosure Scotland.

Review of Job Description

This job description is an outline of the key duties and responsibilities of the role and is not intended as an exhaustive list. The job description may change over time to reflect the changing needs of the service. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties that could reasonably be considered commensurate with the post. This job description is subject to periodic review and may be changed/updated following consultation.

Kilbryde Hospice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

How to Apply

Please send your up-to-date CV and a detailed covering letter telling us how you would be perfect for the role to Recruitment@kilbrydehospice.org.uk

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