Pharmacy Senior Assistant Technical Officer - SATO
Job summary
Job overview To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Aseptic Unit. Scope and range This role supports and is part of the Pharmacy Team serving The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust including St. Margarets Hospital in Epping, Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishops Stortford, Saffron Walden Hospital and associated clinics. The post holder will be required to work with and support staff working in the pharmacy aseptic production department to: Apply skills and knowledge to a range of activities concerned with the preparation and supply of aseptic pharmaceutical products with in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. Work with and support the pharmacy technicians in the training of rotational and core staff Maintain a clean working environment in compliance with GMP regulations
Main duties of the job
To work with and support Pharmacy technical and professional staff to: Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items. Maintain a clean and tidy work environment to GMP and local standards Train, guide and supervise staff in their duties, this will include, Rotational Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Pre-registration, Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-Registration Pharmacists, Rotational Pharmacy Technicians and visitors. Maintain accurate records for products produced in the Aseptic Unit. Undertake regular stock checks. Order non-drug items and label them for Quality Control as appropriate. Be involved with all aspects of environmental monitoring including the laying of weekly plates for QC. Help manage daily activity. Liaise with other healthcare workers. Take a lead in workflow planning in the clean rooms. Co-ordinate daily activities including isolator testing and room cleaning. To ensure all staff Follow SOPs. Assist in the maintenance of quality management systems (QMS) within the aseptic unit including error reporting and completion of non-conformance reports (NCRs).
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To participate in the compounding of all preparations produced within the Aseptic Unit, using appropriate equipment:
- To maintain validations.
- To supervise trainees carrying out validation tests and to help co-ordinate the staff validation testing programme.
- Preform in-process accuracy checks (volume checks) during compounding of preparations.
- Preform pre-process accuracy checks (tray checks) before compounding preparations.
- Identify, select and issue drugs, (may include clinical trial materials).
- To follow all standard operation procedures accurately.
- Identify drugs to be booked out using the Pharmacy Computer System to maintain accurate stock control.
To liaise with PAH facilities department, outside companies and the environment agency to organise clinical waste removal
- Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical items in the Aseptic Unit.
- Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical waste for the Trust.
To carry out the following:
- Maintain stock control and stock rotation.
- Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP’s) accurately.
- Maintain a clean and tidy working environment.
- Maintain accurate manual and computer records.
- ‘House-keeping’ duties.
To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures. This includes:
- Report all accidents, incidents and near misses
- Dealing with hazardous chemicals (including cytotoxic drugs) used in the department
- Attendance at all mandatory training
This job profile is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post-holder. The specific objectives of the post-holder will be subject to review as part of the Performance Review and Development Plan process.
SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT
- Pharmacy stock control system (JAC)
- Microsoft Office
- PAH staff Intranet
- Datix incident reporting
- Multifunctional printers
- Negative Isolators in Technical Services Unit
- Personal protective equipment provided
DECISIONS & JUDGEMENTS
Work with other Senior TSU staff in decision making regarding workflow patterns and changes to SOPs.
COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
Main working relationships are with the following groups, and communication is mainly face to face, electronic and by telephone:
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Pharmacy Department Managers
- Clerical Staff
- Pharmacists
- Pre-registration Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Ward staff
- Multi-disciplinary team
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
- Technical Services Unit – Cleaning of all room surfaces including ceilings. Sitting at an isolator in restricted positions for extended periods, dexterity of hands and fingers is required for compounding of preparations.
- Lifting boxes up to 10kg, bending and reaching.
- Will be required to walk between different departments within Pharmacy and across the Hospital on a daily basis to deliver and collect items.
- Maintaining a high standard of concentration, accuracy and standards within a busy pharmacy aseptic environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or demonstrable equivalent literacy and numeracy skills
- Evidence of a good standard of general education
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Manufacturing, or evidence of being in the process of completion/demonstrable equivalent level of knowledge
- Ability and willingness to successfully complete Product Pre and In Process Checking in line with Aseptic Services Accreditation requirements
Experience
- Demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail when following procedures and documentation
- Ability to apply logical thinking and reasoning to routine tasks and problem solving appropriate to the role
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, appropriate to a regulated healthcare environment
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and within a multidisciplinary environment
- Basic IT skills, including use of standard workplace systems (e.g. data entry, email)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.pah.nhs.uk