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Job summary

Main area
Diagnostics
Grade
Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Inclusion in weekend and bank holiday rota)
Job ref
210-2024-925
Employer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Countess of Chester Hospital
Town
Chester
Salary
£26,530 - £29,114 pa
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
30/11/2024 23:59

Employer heading

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Pharmacy Technician - Dispensary/Ward Duties

Band 4

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.  
Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation
Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.
As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit. 

Job overview

Working Full time: 37.5 Hours Per Week 

We are looking to recruit enthusiastic, hardworking registered Technicians to join our expanding Pharmacy Team. We are looking for Technicians who are motivated and keen to develop their skills as part of an integrated team. Our qualified staff are expected to have a positive work ethic, be flexible and reliable.

Hospital experience is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. 

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to further their skills by completing a BTEC level 4 ACT Qualification. As part of our integrated team, there will be opportunities to work on wards within the main hospital performing top ups and ordering medications for inpatients. 

High levels of accuracy are essential as well as the ability to work well under pressure. We are looking for individuals who are confident, have excellent communication and organisation skills and who can use their own initiative to provide a safe and effective service to our patients. 

Dispensary based duties will include preparation, dispensing, and supply of medications to a variety of patients. You will be expected to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to counsel patients effectively. We expect our Technicians to co-operate with all Pharmacy Staff in providing and developing an efficient and comprehensive Pharmaceutical Service under the direction of Senior Pharmacy Management for all patients treated by The Countess of Chester Foundation Trust. 

Main duties of the job

  • To carry out accurately and efficiently the dispensing of prescriptions, including unlicensed and namedpatient medication, oral cytotoxic medication, controlled drugs and Patient’s own medication in 
    accordance with the agreed safe systems of work practice and current medicines legislation
  • To input and maintain accurate computer and register records for controlled drugs, unlicensed drugs and named-patient medication according to departmental procedures
  • To dispense clinical trials in accordance with the dispensing protocol, ICH GCP guidelines and European Directive and under the supervision of the clinical trials technician/pharmacist
  • Calculate formulae for all extemporaneously prepared medicines using manual methods in accordance with safe dispensing practice and standard operating procedures

Working for our organisation

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:

  • The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds
  • Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
  • Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.                                                                

 The Trust employs over 6258 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 407,000. This includes 357,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire which has a population of approximately 50,000.

The Trust is a busy district general hospital and in 2022/2023, there were more than 503,342 patient attendances (inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic) ranging from a simple outpatient appointment to major cancer surgery. This is an increase of nearly 10,000 compared to the previous year when there were 494,387 patient attendances.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £27.50 (standard) or £55.50 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first three months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services with appropriate underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
  • Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC
  • CPD portfolio inline with GPC requirements
Desirable criteria
  • Thorough understanding of policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in Pharmacy
Desirable criteria
  • Good understanding of hospital pharmacy & experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - SilverMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into health

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Emma Williams
Job title
Dispensary Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01244 365251
Additional information

Katie Jones 

Deputy Dispensary Manager 

01244 365251

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