JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Clinical Pharmacy Technician PAY BAND: 5 DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: BASED AT: REPORTS TO: PHARMACY/A5 University Hospitals Birmingham Pharmacy Support Manager PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Pharmacist LAST UPDATED: March 2017 JOB PURPOSE: The post holder will be part of a team of Clinical Pharmacy Technicians involved in providing a range of pharmacy services on behalf of the Trust to its patients and customers. These duties will be carried out following SOPs. KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Internal: Patients and their representatives, Pharmacy staff, Ward Managers, Consultants, Doctors, Nursing staff, Allied Health Professionals, A&C grades, Buying Office staff, Storekeepers, Other healthcare professionals External: Patients and their representatives, other healthcare professional MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Medicines Administration 1. To assist nursing staff in the administration of injectable medicines by preparing these for individual patients during the administration round. 2. To participate in the delivery of medicines administration depending on local need and priorities. 3. To be available during administration rounds to answer queries, locate or order medicines and clarify prescriptions as necessary. Dispensary 1. To interpret and dispense medicines for discharge medication, outpatient prescriptions and Ward Pharmacist requisitions ensuring the work is carried out accurately, safely and efficiently following current procedures of the department on a daily basis.
2. To dispense prescriptions for extemporaneously prepared items. This includes the preparation and manufacturing process involved following protocols and procedures for each specific product. 3. To provide counselling to patients on how to take their medication and supply information as requested to improve patient s understanding of their treatment and importance of concordance on a daily basis. Respect the patient s confidentiality and the sensitive nature of the information. To confirm the patients understanding and employ appropriate information techniques to achieve this. 4. To accurately supply and dispense Controlled Drugs (on request from clinical areas and discharge / outpatient prescriptions) on a daily basis in accordance with departmental procedures and relating legislation regarding record keeping, storage and transportation of Controlled Drugs. 5. To maintain and replenish the out of hour s emergency supplies by issuing medicines to the appropriate wards. Carrying our daily stock checks to identify items taken, recording and monitoring the refrigerator temperatures to ensure storage conditions are within the defined parameters. Replace short dated medicines where appropriate to minimise wastage. 6. To maintain accreditation with West Midlands Dispensing Accuracy Programme and show continuous competency in dispensing accurately and safely. 7. To act as an Accredited Checker Technician under a nationally recognised checking technician framework. To perform a final accuracy check on dispensed items against prescriptions and controlled drug requisitions. To show continuous competency in checking accurately and safely. 8. To dispense private prescriptions where appropriate and obtain the fee for the medication and service. To keep records of private prescriptions dispensed to comply with legislation. 9. To answer the telephone promptly and politely where appropriate throughout the working day, dealing with query/information and responding promptly relaying complete and accurate information while recognising self-limitations and referring to appropriate person. 10. To conduct reception duties when required during the day, in a polite, pleasant and professional manner to receive and issue prescriptions in accordance with departmental procedures. 11. To handle monies in the form of prescription charges on a daily basis, using the cash till according to defined procedures. To establish where there are exemptions from charges and ensure the appropriate evidence is produced and declaration completed. 12. To identify stock shortages and place orders communicating with Buying Office staff regarding urgency and availability 13. To take action to ensure outstanding medications orders to wards or patients are followed up and supply made within a suitable time frame. To refer to a senior person promptly issues obtaining medicines are identified to get advice on appropriate action to be taken. 14. To be responsible for the supply, maintenance and training of staff for the issuing of leeches demonstrating the special handling techniques
15. To order maggots for individual patients and ensuring they are dispensed immediately. Contacting the clinical area to ensure collection is made promptly. 16. To take appropriate daily action to ensure medication requiring delivery is sent to individual patients using a suitable method e.g. registered post, courier. Give consideration to safe transportation of medication, storage requirements and urgency. 17. To ensure Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is adhered to at all time Ward Duties All activities will be carried out as deemed appropriate to the needs of the patient in agreement with the ward Pharmacist and in accordance with Trust SOPs. Any issues which do not fall into the scope of this post e.g. clinical queries will be referred to a Pharmacist. 1. To interpret and check electronic or paper prescriptions to ensure that the information is clear and unambiguous with regard to the drug, dosage etc. annotating additional instructions to improve clarity or compliance where appropriate. 2. To ensure that there is no therapeutic duplication, omission, unnecessary or contra-indicated medication prescribed, referring to the Pharmacist where appropriate. 3. To organise and maintain the patient specific supply of medicines working closely with Pharmacists, Clinical Pharmacy Technicians, assistants and other pharmacy colleagues 4. To be responsible for assessing and authorising for use or destruction as appropriate patients own drugs bought into hospital following Trust SOPs. Seeking the patient s consent for the reuse or safe destruction of their medicines before taking action. 5. To assist the Pharmacist in obtaining an accurate patient drug history using a variety of information sources e.g. interview, patients notes, contacting GP, nursing homes etc. 6. To accurately interpret prescriptions using clinical knowledge of medication and the patients treatment to supply medication for the Patient as required. Liaising with the Pharmacist where the knowledge required goes beyond their scope of responsibility. 7. To endorse PICs with information regarding medication supply or additional information as appropriate. 8. To initiate the medicine supply function in a timely manner with regard to the urgency of prescribed items. 9. To check each patients individual drug locker in accordance with Trust SOP s to ensure they contain appropriate medication as prescribed 10. To liaise with the pharmacy stores/stock function to ensure adequate stock drugs supplies are available at ward level taking into account prescribing variances. 11. To carry out dispensing in ward areas using medication stored at ward level for inpatient or discharge use if appropriate, taking action to replenish stocks used. 12. To support self-administration schemes where operational (as per Trust SOPs), including; patient counselling, involvement in patient assessment, risk assessment, obtaining patient consent, compliance with legal requirements for medicine storage and administration and appropriate record keeping.
13. To continually work to improve patient concordance to prescribed medication. Assessing patient s needs and assisting them by use of information and compliance aids to take the correct medication in the prescribed dose at the right time. 14. To monitor and take appropriate action to ensure the efficient transfer of medication with patients as they move beds or wards. 15. To take action to ensure that once prescribed discharge medication is supplied to patients on their designated wards in a timely and efficient manner. 16. To provide a range of information to Medical Staff, Nursing Staff and other Healthcare Professionals regarding medication and Pharmacy related issues. 17. To participate in the collection and recording of data for audit purposes. 18. To document details of any medicine related interventions made by self and ensure action taken is recorded. 19. To ensure unlicensed and high cost drugs are prescribed in accordance to Trust policy, and correct information is documented. 20. Monitor and be vigilant for usage of potential drugs of abuse, including reviewing usage of such drugs on a monthly basis, in line with trust policy 21. Assist in the development and maintenance of all Standard Operating Policies (SOPs) relating to Medicines Management Service and ensure adherence to them. Stock Supply/ Management 1. To support the ward stock supply service to wards and units as necessary establishing and maintaining a communication link between Pharmacy and the wards/units served. 2. To dispose of waste products according to the Trust waste policy including appropriate handling of corrosive materials, cytotoxics and flammable substances. 3. To participate in the programme to regularly review ward and departmental stock lists in order to reduce waste and ensure appropriate supply of medicines. This involves evaluating the stock used over a set period of time and calculating the stock levels accordingly. This process is ongoing. Education and Training 1. To be compliant with all Trust Mandatory Training requirements including completion within required timeframes and keeping own records up to date 2. To demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) by maintaining a portfolio of evidence. 3. To provide training using appropriate methods to student technicians, pharmacy assistants, visiting students and any other staff as required. 4. To undertake and complete the in-house training programmes for competency in each area. 5. To take part in the Trust Appraisal system and meet objectives set annually. 6. To undertake required activities in order to maintain accreditation and registration e.g. Dispensing Accuracy, Accredited Checking Technician, CPD.
Research and Development 1. To work closely with the clinical Pharmacy team to identify, develop and implement new and improved ways of working 2. To participate in the collection, monitoring and evaluation of data / information for audit purposes to demonstrate compliance with safe medicines management. 3. Dispensing unlicensed products / high cost drugs and completing all relevant documentation accordingly in accordance with SOPs. Checking to ensure before supplying medication that: appropriate disclaimer forms are signed or Funding approval obtained for High Cost Drugs. Contact the doctor when necessary. Professional Roles 1. Provide pharmaceutical guidance to other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to maximise benefit to patient care. 2. To report any suspected or observed defects in drugs and equipment to an appropriate person. 3. To have due regard for, and to conform to at all times with, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Code of Professional Ethics. Other Responsibilities 1. To deputise for Pharmacy Support Manager as required. 2. To assist the Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers (ATOs) in the prompt replacement and recall of used or expired cardiac arrest boxes from and to clinical areas and to maintain accurate records. To check the contents of the cardiac arrest boxes before releasing for issue. 3. To take responsibility for ensuring own computer transactions are performed accurately to maintain accurate stock levels on the Pharmacy computer system. 4. To communicate effectively with other members of the Pharmacy team (Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Technicians, Pharmacists and A&C staff) to ensure a high quality of pharmaceutical service is achieved. (Safe, efficient and accurate) 5. To attend staff briefings and other relevant departmental meetings to 6. contribute to improvements in service delivery. Keep up to date in current trends and knowledge via journals, websites and attending meetings. 7. To comply with requirements of statutory regulations, including Medicines Act, Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH etc and local operating procedures to ensure that the work is to a high standard (accurate) 8. To follow Trust procedures for handling complaints and refer to senior member of staff where appropriate. 9. To use office equipment e.g. photocopier, fax machine as necessary.
10. To participate in departmental rotas including weekend and evening and bank holiday working. 11. To maintain the security of the department at all times. 12. To be aware of and adhere to departmental and Trust procedures and policies at all times. Contributing to the development and review of procedures to improve work practices. 13. To observe a clean, neat, and tidy appearance at all times, adhering to any Trust and departmental uniform policies. 14. To carry out any other daily duties relevant to the post that may be required as necessary e.g. housekeeping duties, filing, tidying. The post holder will undertake other duties as may be required to achieve the Trust s objectives, commensurate with the grading of the post. GENERAL INFORMATION: TRUST VISION AND VALUES The Trust is clear on its vision and values and aims to make sure that they are reflected in all areas of activity. Our vision is simple; To Deliver the Best in Care. Our values apply to every member of staff. They are to treat all with respect, to take personal and team responsibility, to look to improve the way we do things (innovation) and to act with honesty in all we do. TRUST POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The post-holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by and on behalf of University Hospitals Birmingham. In addition if the post-holder is required to work at other organisations premises they must adhere to the specific policies relating to the premises in which they work. CLINICAL GOVERNANCE & RISK ASSESSMENT The post-holder must be aware of and ensure compliance with the Trust s Clinical Governance systems and Risk Management systems. CONFIDENTIALITY Your attention is drawn to the confidential nature of information collected within the NHS. The unauthorised use or disclosure of patient or other personal information is a dismissible offence and in the case of computerised information could result in a prosecution for an offence or action for civil damages under the Data Protection Act. DATA PROTECTION If required to do so, the post-holder will obtain, process and/or use information held on a computer in a fair and lawful way; and hold data only for the specified registered purposes and to use or disclose the data only to authorised persons or organisations. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND DIVERSITY* University Hospitals Birmingham is striving towards being an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or member of staff will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, sex, marital status or on the grounds of disability or sexual preference. Selection for training and development and promotion will be on the basis of an individual s ability to meet the requirements of the job. and for ensuring that staff under his/her control are aware of their equal opportunities responsibilities and their performance in this area is included in appropriate appraisal system.
The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and ensuring that the Trust s Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy is implemented and that staff under his/her control are aware of their equal opportunities responsibilities. University Hospitals Birmingham the post-holder will have personal responsibility to ensure they do not discriminate, harass or bully, or contribute to the discrimination, harassment or bullying of a colleague or colleagues, or condone discrimination, harassment or bullying by others. The post-holder is also required to co-operate with measures introduced to ensure equality of opportunity. HEALTH AND SAFETY The post-holder must make him/herself aware of the responsibilities placed on them by the Health and Safety at Work Act [1974] to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for other members of staff and visitors. The post-holder will have at all times a duty to conduct themselves and to undertake their work, in a safe manner, so not to endanger themselves and others around them. Clearly, the degree of such responsibilities carried out by a particular individual will depend on the nature and extent of his/her work. Should any individual feel concerned over the safety aspects if his/her work, it should be brought to the attention of his/her manager/supervisor and/or Trade Union Safety Representative. The post-holder must adhere to the health and safety rules and procedures of the Trust. He/she has a legal duty to use safety devices and equipment provided. All staff will receive a general introduction to health and safety at work as part of their induction. They will also be given advice on fire, security and lifting procedures. FLU PANDEMIC OR MAJOR INCIDENT In the event of a flu pandemic or major incident, the post holder may be asked to undertake other duties not necessarily commensurate to the banding of this role. This could include duties in any part of the hospital. Prior to undertaking any duties, the member of staff will have full training and induction. No member of staff will be asked to undertake duties for which they are not competent or where they feel unsafe in their environment or could put patients or themselves at risk. NO SMOKING POLICY The Trust has a no smoking policy. Staff are only permitted to smoke in designated smoking shelters. Members of staff must not smoke inside any of the Trust s premises nor in any vehicle used on Trust Business. Members of staff must adhere to the Trust s Uniform Policy and therefore any uniforms must be covered whilst smoking. PUBLIC SERVICE USER AND CARER INVOLVEMENT Under Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act we have a duty to involve patients and the public at all levels within the organisation. The post-holder will be required to recognise and value the benefits of listening and responding to patients and recognise that the patients experience is the catalyst for doing things differently to improve the way we deliver services. UNTOWARD INCIDENTS The post-holder must take responsibility for incident and near miss reporting and must ensure they adhere to all departmental policies and procedures. SAFEGUARDING The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the adults, young people and children who use the services. All staff have a responsibility to report any identified concerns of abuse or exploitation through the appropriate route in line with the respective policies and procedures. REVIEW OF THE ROLE This job description will be subject to review and amendment, in consultation with the post holder, to meet the changing needs of the service and the organisation.
This role profile is designed to identify principal responsibilities. The post holder is required to be flexible in developing the role in accordance with changes within the Trust s management agenda and priorities. Although this is a list of the key responsibilities of the post it is expected that the post holder and manager will develop and define the detail of the work to be undertaken. The Trust is committed to equal opportunities, providing opportunities for flexible working and is a no smoking organisation. Name of Post Holder:.. Signature of Post Holder: Date:... Name of Manager:. Post Title of Manager:.. Signature of Manager Date:..