Trac proudly powers the recruitment for
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
About
We are an integrated hospital and community services healthcare organisation serving around 400,000 people in Hartlepool, Stockton and parts of County Durham. We also provide bowel and breast screening services and a number of community based services to a wider population in Teesside and Durham.
Our turnover is around £365m and we employ a number of medical, nursing, clinical and non-clinical support staff totalling approximately 5,500 people.
We operate our services from two main hospital sites, University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool.
The University Hospital of North Tees provides emergency and planned medical and surgical care, maternity services and a wide range of diagnostic services and outpatient clinics
The University Hospital of Hartlepool provides patients with a wide range of diagnostic services and outpatient clinics, day case and low risk surgery
We also run services from various other sites across the local area including Lawson Street (Stockton), One Life Centre (Hartlepool) and Peterlee Community Hospital.
Panacea Pharmacy Dispenser
Closed for applications on: 7-May-2024 00:01
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 7-May-2024 00:01
Key details
Location
- Site
- Panacea Pharmacy, University Hospital North Tees
- Address
- Hardwick Road
- Town
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Postcode
- TS19 8PE
- Major / Minor Region
- Durham
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 32 hours per week
Salary
- Salary
- £11.67 Terms and Conditions of post differ from Agenda for Change.
- Salary period
- Hourly
Specialty
- Main area
- Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant
- Interview date
- 14/05/2024
We are on a continuous journey of improvement and transformation , however our main priority is, and always will be, providing safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. If you share our passion then apply for this opportunity and help us make our patients’ experience the best it can possibly be.
With a budget of around £365m, three hospitals and 5,500 staff, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital-based services to the population of Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees and parts of East Durham and Sedgefield as well as community, therapeutic and screening to a wider population across Durham and Teesside.
Job overview
Panacea Pharmacy is the pharmacy wing of Optimus Health Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. We operate as the out-patient pharmacy of the trust, based at the University Hospital North Tees, we provide pharmaceutical services to the out-patient clinics and day-units on both the North Tees and Hartlepool sites.
The post holder will be part of a well-established and friendly team responsible for a range of technical duties in the dispensaries, to aid in the smooth and efficient running of the department. To work to provide patients with an accurate and timely supply of medication as an outpatient. To dispense medication on prescriptions for out patients and for discharge. Performing stock checks each day in the rotated area and maintaining the stock in that area ensuring fitness for purpose at all times. Dispensing of controlled drug prescriptions. Delivery of a high quality dispensing service to patients and users, adhering to standards of service delivery, and managing stock control.
Optimus Health Limited are a forward looking, people focussed organisation. We work closely with the foundation trust to ensure our people are supported to develop personally and professionally, as we look to develop a pharmacy service that not only delivers exceptional care to our local population, but also for our team members too.
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The main thrust of the role will be working within our out-patient dispensary team in line with the regulations of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Prescription Process
Prescription receipt.
Managing Controlled drugs
‘Over the counter ‘sales.
Stock control
Cash reconciliation
Filing
Working for our organisation
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.
We support the Making Every Contact Count approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
We recruit for values and “Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool”
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Job Title: Pharmacy Dispenser
Department: Optimus Health Panacea Pharmacy
Directorate: Optimus Health Ltd
Location: Panacea Pharmacy. University Hospital of North Tees.
CRB Disclosure Level: Enhanced
Job Purpose
The post holder will be Responsible for a range of technical duties in the dispensaries within the pharmacies, to aid in the smooth and efficient running of the department. The post holder will be based in Panacea Pharmacy at North Tees Hospital. To work within a dispensary team to provide patients with an accurate and timely supply of medication as an outpatient. To dispense medication on prescriptions for out patients and for discharge. Performing stock checks each day in the rotated area and maintaining the stock in that area ensuring fitness for purpose at all times. Dispensing of controlled drug prescriptions. Delivery of a high quality dispensing service to patients and users, adhering to standards of service delivery, and managing stock control.
Manaerially Responsible to: Superintendent Pharmacist
Professionally Responsible to: Responsible Pharmacist
Liaises with: Ward staff, service users, other Pharmacy Staff and patients
Key Result Areas (Dispensary, plus counter)
Dispensary services
Prescription Process
Check prescription prior to dispensing to ensure that the professional check has been completed and all annotations are understood to facilitate accurate dispensing and error reduction. Interpret prescriptions and temporary stock orders, convert abbreviations to English prior to dispensing. Utilizing the EMIS Ascribe computer system accurately input data to produce labels for each individual patient. Utilize the program to search for specific patients. Ensure stock is charged to correct patient, consultant, ward and division to ensure accurate financial reporting. Maintain accurate patient medication records with accurate data input of medication, strength form and dose. Accurately select the medication to be dispensed, dispense following SOP. Calculate the quantities required to ensure correct supply and maintenance of patient’s treatment. Identify any supply problems inform pharmacist and ward staff of problems, place order for medication via buying office to ensure continuity. Self check to ensure quality and correctness of dispensed items prior to final technical check. Manage time effectively and prioritize own workload when necessary to meet deadlines and complete complicated tasks.
Prescription receipt.
Receive prescriptions directly from patients, healthcare staff, carers and their representatives. Inform patients / representatives how to adhere to the legal requirements for completion of the prescription form. Identify patients who are exempt from payment by having up-to-date knowledge of national exemptions. Calculate and collect prescription charges, handle cash /cards and operate the cash register. Inform patients when medication may be purchased over the counter for less than the prescription charge due to knowledge of medication cost and legal classification of products. Issue official receipts. Maintain work flow by placing prescriptions in order prioritizing where necessary and alert professional checker and dispensing staff when there are prescriptions to be dispensed.
Controlled drugs
Dispense controlled drug prescriptions and ward orders following SOP’s. Accurate entries to be made in controlled drug registers to maintain stock control and legal requirements. Responsible for each individual entry any discrepancies to be reported immediately to manager.. Monitor stock levels and inform manager when supplies are required.
‘Over the counter ‘sales.
‘Over the counter’ medicines to patients after ascertaining the appropriateness of purchase through effective questioning to identify any contraindications to issue of medication. Follow national guidelines for patient questioning. Evaluate information given and refer any queries to the pharmacist and inform pharmacist of the sale.
Stock control
Responsible for counting daily stock takes. Monitor accuracy of stock levels by reporting any discrepancies to line manager to ensure investigation. Maintain stock quality with regular expiry date checks and record log maintenance .accurately transfer stock between sites through correct data input. Accept the twice daily orders from the store check items supplied against the order to maintain adequate stock levels before inputting data. Inform manager or store when items are required urgently to fulfill prescription/orders. Ensure all stock is stored correctly and according to manufacturer’s recommendations and departmental procedures. Dispose of expired / discontinued medication in a safe manner following the trust and departmental waste management procedure and COSHH regulations. Return re usable stock into the department following SOP to ensure fit for purpose.
Cash reconciliation
Reconcile the daily payment for prescriptions following SOP for ‘cashing up’. Inform the cashier when change is required
Filing
Organizes, maintains and develops storage of dispensary generated forms and prescriptions
General
Tackle discrimination and harassment and promote equality and diversity in the workplace.
Reduce sickness absence, workplace accidents and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff.
Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan
Control of Infection
Be aware of and comply with all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to included hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control.
Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that he/she is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence based practice and maintaining patient safety.
Communication and Working Relationships
The post holder must have good communication skills in order to:
- Act as link person between the pharmacy department, and the ward staff which involves frequent contact with nursing and medical staff in relation to providing information on progress of prescriptions and queries relating to dispensing/dosage/previous supply/availability and delivery.
- Daily contact with pharmacists and technicians and support workers higher level and assistants to ensure that medication is purchased and issued efficiently to meet the individual patient’s needs.
- Daily contact with patients face to face and on the telephone giving general information as well as information, advice, explanation and counselling on their medication.
- Act to ensure that medication is received within the required timescale from the suppliers. In case of an emergency to arrange the supply from an alternative supplier i.e. Ward/ department/site. Inform all concerned parties of progress and report any changes that need to be made
- Daily contact with other healthcare professionals, porters, couriers and taxi drivers from outside this organization sharing information where appropriate.
- Answer telephone calls promoting a positive attitude to the department, providing a suitable response when following departmental procedures or redirecting to a suitable member of staff or area.
- Communicate effectively with patients /staff in difficult environments and confrontational situations.
Please check your email address on a regular basis as applicants invited to attend an interview will be notified via this method.
As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to undertake pre-employment screening:
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (previously Criminal Records Bureau)
Where a post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 it may be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Scheme to check for any previous criminal convictions. Should you require a copy of the Trust's Disclosure and Barring Service Policy, please contact a member of the recruitment team on 01642 624023.
It is the policy of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost for their DBS certificate. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay on commencement with the Trust.
Please note the essential qualifications required for the post outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to hold and provide evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted.
For any new employees commencing employment with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust , you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).
As part of our pre-employment screening process, all applicants are required to provide references covering their last three years employment history. Applicants are requested to ensure e-mail addresses for all referees are included on their application form. Personal references are not acceptable.
If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.
North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust operates a No Smoking Policy.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this post please contact a member of our recruitment team on 01642 624023 quoting the vacancy reference.
Equal Opportunities
The details in the Monitoring Information section of your application will be used for monitoring our recruitment process and will not be seen by the interview panel. The information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence. To meet its commitment to promoting equality of opportunity, the Trust’s policy is that individuals will be recruited, trained and promoted according to ability and job requirements only. As such we welcome your application irrespective of your gender, race, disability, colour, ethnic or national origin, and nationality, and marital status, responsibility for dependants, religion, trade union activity and age.
Disability
The Trust gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment received from disabled people. We are a “Positive about Disabled People” employer, and we hold the ‘two ticks’ Disability Symbol, which is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people. If you have a disability, which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form, please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team on 01642 624023.
Armed Forces Covenant
As a supporter of the Armed Forces and an employer of Reservists, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces (and their families) are treated fairly.
We recognise that reservists and veterans bring a variety of transferable skills and qualities to our workplace, developed through their military careers. Our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community has been recognised through the Armed Forces Covenant as a Silver Employer.
What does this mean?
We proactively demonstrate our forces-friendly credentials within our recruitment and selection processes, by having a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for those indicated as part of the Armed Forces Community. We engage with our local and regional Career Transition Partnership representatives and are a member of Step Into Health. We employ veterans and reservists from differing branches of the Armed Forces and actively promote our positive policies for the Armed Forces Community, including our Special Leave policy. We advocate support for defence people issues, including facilitating easier access to Healthcare Services for our patients within the AF Community. We have supported employees through Reservist training, through additional leave for their training and ongoing support under our Special Leave policy.
Applicant requirements
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.
Person specification
desirable
Desirable criteria
- NVQ Level 2 dispensing qualification
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Patrick Russell
- Job title
- Superintendent Pharmacist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01642 624390
- Additional information
Job Title: Higher Support Worker – Pharmacy Dispenser
Job Grade: n/a
Department: Optimus Health Panacea Pharmacy
Directorate: Medical
Location: Panacea Pharmacy. University Hospital of North Tees.
CRB Disclosure Level: Enhanced
- Job Purpose
The post holder will be Responsible for a range of technical duties in the dispensaries within the pharmacies, to aid in the smooth and efficient running of the department. The post holder will be based in Panacea Pharmacy at North Tees Hospital. To work within a dispensary team to provide patients with an accurate and timely supply of medication as an outpatient. To dispense medication on prescriptions for out patients and for discharge. Performing stock checks each day in the rotated area and maintaining the stock in that area ensuring fitness for purpose at all times. Dispensing of controlled drug prescriptions. Delivery of a high quality dispensing service to patients and users, adhering to standards of service delivery, and managing stock control.
Managerially Responsible to: Superintendent Pharmacist
Professionally Responsible to: Responsible Pharmacist
Liaises with: Ward staff, service users, other Pharmacy Staff and patients
- Key Result Areas (Dispensary, plus counter)
Dispensary services
- Prescription Process
Check prescription prior to dispensing to ensure that the professional check has been completed and all annotations are understood to facilitate accurate dispensing and error reduction. Interpret prescriptions and temporary stock orders, convert abbreviations to English prior to dispensing. Utilizing the EMIS Ascribe computer system accurately input data to produce labels for each individual patient. Utilize the program to search for specific patients. Ensure stock is charged to correct patient, consultant, ward and division to ensure accurate financial reporting. Maintain accurate patient medication records with accurate data input of medication, strength form and dose. Accurately select the medication to be dispensed, dispense following SOP. Calculate the quantities required to ensure correct supply and maintenance of patient’s treatment. Identify any supply problems inform pharmacist and ward staff of problems, place order for medication via buying office to ensure continuity. Self check to ensure quality and correctness of dispensed items prior to final technical check. Manage time effectively and prioritize own workload when necessary to meet deadlines and complete complicated tasks.
- Prescription receipt.
Receive prescriptions directly from patients, healthcare staff, carers and their representatives. Inform patients / representatives how to adhere to the legal requirements for completion of the prescription form. Identify patients who are exempt from payment by having up-to-date knowledge of national exemptions. Calculate and collect prescription charges, handle cash /cards and operate the cash register. Inform patients when medication may be purchased over the counter for less than the prescription charge due to knowledge of medication cost and legal classification of products. Issue official receipts. Maintain work flow by placing prescriptions in order prioritizing where necessary and alert professional checker and dispensing staff when there are prescriptions to be dispensed.
- Controlled drugs
Dispense controlled drug prescriptions and ward orders following SOP’s. Accurate entries to be made in controlled drug registers to maintain stock control and legal requirements. Responsible for each individual entry any discrepancies to be reported immediately to manager.. Monitor stock levels and inform manager when supplies are required.
- ‘Over the counter ‘sales.
‘Over the counter’ medicines to patients after ascertaining the appropriateness of purchase through effective questioning to identify any contraindications to issue of medication. Follow national guidelines for patient questioning. Evaluate information given and refer any queries to the pharmacist and inform pharmacist of the sale.
- Stock control
Responsible for counting daily stock takes. Monitor accuracy of stock levels by reporting any discrepancies to line manager to ensure investigation. Maintain stock quality with regular expiry date checks and record log maintenance .accurately transfer stock between sites through correct data input. Accept the twice daily orders from the store check items supplied against the order to maintain adequate stock levels before inputting data. Inform manager or store when items are required urgently to fulfill prescription/orders. Ensure all stock is stored correctly and according to manufacturer’s recommendations and departmental procedures. Dispose of expired / discontinued medication in a safe manner following the trust and departmental waste management procedure and COSHH regulations. Return re usable stock into the department following SOP to ensure fit for purpose.
- Cash reconciliation
Reconcile the daily payment for prescriptions following SOP for ‘cashing up’. Inform the cashier when change is required
- Filing
Organizes, maintains and develops storage of dispensary generated forms and prescriptions
- Tackle discrimination and harassment and promote equality and diversity in the workplace.
- Reduce sickness absence, workplace accidents and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff.
- Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan.
- Control of Infection
Be aware of and comply with all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to included hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control.
Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that he/she is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence based practice and maintaining patient safety.
- Communication and Working Relationships
The post holder must have good communication skills in order to:
- Act as link person between the pharmacy department, and the ward staff which involves frequent contact with nursing and medical staff in relation to providing information on progress of prescriptions and queries relating to dispensing/dosage/previous supply/availability and delivery.
- Daily contact with pharmacists and technicians and support workers higher level and assistants to ensure that medication is purchased and issued efficiently to meet the individual patient’s needs.
- Daily contact with patients face to face and on the telephone giving general information as well as information, advice, explanation and counselling on their medication.
- Act to ensure that medication is received within the required timescale from the suppliers. In case of an emergency to arrange the supply from an alternative supplier i.e. Ward/ department/site. Inform all concerned parties of progress and report any changes that need to be made
- Daily contact with other healthcare professionals, porters, couriers and taxi drivers from outside this organization sharing information where appropriate.
- Answer telephone calls promoting a positive attitude to the department, providing a suitable response when following departmental procedures or redirecting to a suitable member of staff or area.
- Communicate effectively with patients /staff in difficult environments and confrontational situations.
- The most challenging part of the job
To be an effective team member contributing to the provision of an exceptional service to our users, within an environment of providing a critical service to demanding users. Coping with pressure and stress within a professional work environment with high standards of work performance.
- Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Check
This post is deemed to require a Disclosure Check – Enhanced Level with the Criminal Records Bureau.
Further information on the Disclosure Service is available from www.disclosure.gov.uk.
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
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