J O B D E S C R I P T I O N Job Title: Pharmaceutical Technician
Duration: Specified Purpose Contract to cover Maternity Leave
Grade: Pharmaceutical technician – grade code 3212
Department: pharmacy
Report to: pharmacist executive manager
Responsibilities & Accountabilities (in no particular order of priority)
The pharmaceutical technician will participate and support the professional and technical work of the pharmacy department in providing a quality pharmaceutical service.
All duties of the post are to be carried out under the supervision of a pharmacist and the
Post holder is responsible to the Pharmacist Executive Manager (PEM) / deputy
The Pharmaceutical Technician's responsibilities include management of dispensary workflow, procurement, extemporaneous compounding, dispensing, distribution and management of medicines in wards and clinical areas under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Team working and excellent communication skills are essential.
The successful candidate will be an important part of the Pharmacy Team and will help us to meet our aims of providing world class pharmacy services, ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines for the women and babies in our care.
Duties and Responsibilities: Core Duties Participate in the provision of a comprehensive pharmacy service as part of a professional, punctual and dedicated team. Provide a top-up service for wards and clinical areas, both manually and via the automated dispensing cabinet. Work with other Pharmaceutical Technicians and pharmacy staff as assigned by the PEM/deputy. Participate in pre-packaging of bulk products and the assembly of stock and non-stock ward and department orders. Assemble prescriptions for outpatients and assist with the dispensing process. Triage calls and queries to pharmacy and refer to appropriate personnel Maintenance of emergency trolley medications in the hospital, ensuring medications in date and keep appropriate records of expiry date checking process. Perform daily environmental checks of temperature in medication fridges, freezer and dispensary Plan and participate in extemporaneous compounding as required. Act as a representative of the Pharmacy Department at ward level and report to the PEM or deputy any unusual situations, occurrences, conditions or complaints related to medications, medication requests, medication usage or security. Assist in the maintenance of pharmacy records and use electronic filing systems to organise and retrieve clinical and non-clinical information. Procurement & Costs Engage in the procurement of medicines in collaboration with the PEM Ensure that medication procurement, storage and supply processes are in line with the Pharmacy Act 2007, the Falsified Medicines Regulations and HIQA standards Ensure orders are received, checked in and stored appropriately, and returns to wholesalers are made in an accurate and timely fashion. Assist in the efficient management of requisitions, despatch notes and invoices and assist in the development of systems to streamline current workflows and introduce IT solutions to minimise paper work. Participate in stock rotation, ensure adequate stock levels are maintained and ensure that stock expiry dates are monitored and expired stock is removed from the shelves / wards and disposed of as per departmental procedures, both in the pharmacy and on the wards. Participate when necessary in the sorting, labelling and revalidation of packages of returned drugs for recycling or destruction. Capture waste costs for medications and develop QIP to improve same. Ensure that supplies from stores are checked and reordered. QI/Audit Participate in quality improvement projects focusing on the logistical and distributive functions of the Pharmacy Department in collaboration with other team members and the multidisciplinary team across the hospital. Participate in audit and research, and clinical trials dispensing Development and implementation of reports to audit medication consumption at ward level Collaboration with PEM & other pharmacists Participate in policy formation and the development of pharmacy services under the leadership of the PEM. Write and update relevant standard operating procedures in collaboration with the PEM or deputy. Work collaboratively with other members of the team to ensure that patient care is central to all activities of the Pharmacy Department. Make recommendations to the PEM or deputy as to how methods and procedures can be improved and participate in service development Help with drug information queries as appropriate. Participate in the process of stocktaking, streamlining the process and ensuring that stock sheets reflect current stocks. Miscellaneous Create, promote and maintain open communications and healthy working relationships. Maintain the principles of equity, accountability and quality of service in daily work. Participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the post.
Participate in ongoing professional development. Train and manage work experience staff and students as appropriate. Ensure that work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act. Perform such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time by the PEM or deputy. Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post.
Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.
