Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant

Day to day working in the dispensary and at ward level following appropriate training.

To provide a safe and effective dispensing service in areas worked, utilising technology such as EMIS Ascribe dispensing system, BD Rowa robots and Omnicell cabinets.

Supporting pharmacy stores service providing checks to assembled ward orders, support for pharmacy homecare service, Omnicell cycle counts, and ensuring sound stock control is carried out in areas covered.

Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation at the Trust are well developed and we aim to provide high quality care with an emphasis on services to patients, through a modernised lean process.

Following established SOPs to dispense prescriptions and requisitions timely and accurately using the ASCribe/Emis computer system and robotics. Self-check to ensure quality and accuracy of dispensed items prior to final technical check.

Dispense controlled drug prescriptions and ward orders from automated drug cabinets following SOPs. Accurate entries to be made in controlled drug registers to maintain stock control and legal requirements. Responsible for each individual entry any discrepancies being reported immediately to manager. Issue controlled drug stationary, prescription pads and requisition books ensuring necessary records are completed to approved staff. Monitor stock levels and inform manager when supplies are required.

Provide dispensing service on wards. Carry out Patient Orientated Pharmacy service after completing Medicine Management training and compilation of portfolio, subject to service requirements.

Carry out monthly cycle counts on all Omnicells, and reporting any issue to Principal Pharmacy Technician - Omnicells. Replenish A&E emergency Omnicell on a daily basis using generated reports. Assist Principal Pharmacy Technician in Omnicell project work.

Check the accuracy of the generation and selection of items for ward and departmental orders including ad hoc requisitions assembled by pharmacy assistants following SOPs. Ensure all items are correct, fit for purpose and in date. Inform staff of any discrepancies and ensure correction occurs. This includes use of robotics and Omnicell technology. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Responsible for ward stock supplies for designated ward or department. Maintain the stock to agreed levels on a weekly basis following SOPs. Monitor stock to ensure stock in date and fit for purpose. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Undertake training to include prescription/requisition/order entry onto the ASCribe computer system, accurate assembly and dispensing of medication and reception duties. Take responsibility for personal development and education including mandatory training via Electronic Staff Record (ESR) and targets set within annual appraisal. Participate in departmental dispensary training of new staff in SOPs and processes.

Responsible for counting daily stock takes, including robotics and Omnicells. Monitor accuracy of stock levels by reporting any discrepancies to line manager to ensure investigation. Maintain stock quality with regular expiry date checks. Dispose of expired / discontinued medication in a safe manner following the trust and departmental waste management procedure and COSHH regulations.

Record Homecare prescriptions against patient medical records using Ascribe Homecare module following SOPs.

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition - a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

Personal Attributes

Qualifications

Essential: - NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent; - Maths and English GCSE level 4 or above

Experience

Essential: - Experience of dispensing and stock control work within a pharmacy

Desirable: - Experience of working in hospital pharmacy