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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Communication

1.    Answer queries from patients, nursing and medical staff using appropriate reference sources, whilst recognising own limitations and refer to a qualified Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist if required.

2.    Ensure information is provided in a timely manner, to the appropriate individual, in accordance with the degree of urgency of the request or issue identified.

3.    Be able to present information in a suitable format and style to suit the target audience.

4.    Maintain necessary records and controls

5.    Pharmacy reception duties including receiving prescriptions from out-patients, ward staff and other clients, identify, resolve or refer any queries at point of reception, and forward prescriptions to the correct location for validation and dispensing. The role may also include taking payment for prescriptions depending on the site.

6.    Hand out completed prescriptions with appropriate counselling, under the supervision of the Pharmacist in charge.

2. Analytical and Planning

1. Dispense Clinical Trial medications under supervision according to trial protocol
2. Support data collection for audit and research projects as required.
3. Prioritise and plan own workload ensuring that own qualification and departmental responsibilities are met

3. Clinical Duties (If Applicable)

1. Take patient drug histories and record this according to procedure. Communicate with external healthcare staff and multidisciplinary teams.
2. Identify discrepancies, issues and refer to the ward Pharmacist for reconciliation.
3. Undertake locker checks and assessment of patients own medication.
4. Order medication for patients as required.
5. Label and dispense medication for discharge

4. Policy and Service Development

1. Contribute to departmental procedure reviews and updates.

5. Financial and Physical Resources

1. Ensure the safe and secure storage and transit of Pharmacy stock of drugs and other materials
2. Receive and record payment for prescription charges, issue receipts and refunds according to departmental procedures where this forms part of the service provided by the site.
3. Dispense inpatient, outpatient and discharge (TTA) prescriptions. Process prescriptions using the pharmacy computer system, calculate, select, count, package and label prescription items according to department procedure. Maintain records as necessary. 
4. Complete training for accuracy checking of dispensed items
5. Gain experience and knowledge of the pharmacy ward top-up service. This may include checking ward and department stock of pharmaceuticals against an agreed list and ordering required items, liaising with the ward pharmacist and ward staff when necessary. Understanding how to process stock orders, including picking stock and packaging for delivery appropriately.
6. Assist in stock-keeping duties e.g. unpacking, putting away and stock checking within the pharmacy when required.

7.    To contribute to efficient computer stock control and ordering plus ensure stock rotation procedures are followed, expired medicines are identified and medicines which have been returned to the department are dealt with according to procedure at all times.

8. Prepare individual packs and batches of products including cytotoxic pharmaceuticals under aseptic conditions: Calculate formulae, reconstitute and prepare product, package and label according to GMP and departmental procedures.

9.    Ensure proper cleaning, maintenance and use of equipment

10. Ensure the safe and secure storage and transit of Pharmacy stock of drugs and other materials
11. Receive and record payment for prescription charges, issue receipts and refunds according to departmental procedures where this forms part of the service provided by the site.

6. Staff Management

1. Play an active role in the pharmacy team and provide support to less experienced staff
2. Gain the necessary experience to complete a level 3 diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians.
3. Continually update and maintain own skills and current knowledge of specialty

7. Information Resources

1. Maintain accurate records on pharmacy computer systems as required by law and departmental procedures