Job description

Job responsibilities

Participate in the provision of environmental monitoring services to a range of aseptic preparation workstations and controlled environments at NGH and customer units. This will involve the following;

• Perform microbiological monitoring using a range of techniques and aseptic manipulation skills both within the trust and at external sites.
• Carry out airflow and particulate testing and monitoring of clean room pressures.
• Undertake temperature mapping and monitoring using thermometers and computerised data-loggers in licenced Pharmacy storage areas.
• Preparation of specialist test equipment for use.

Participate in the testing and assessment of products and samples, against specifications. This will involve the following tasks:

• Examine incubated media and interpret results.
• Testing of starting materials for use in the licenced aseptic unit,
• Assessment of purchased unlicenced medicines.
• Testing of aseptically prepared batches manufactured under licence.
• Assessment of in-house produced and externally sourced TTO packs.

To participate in the provision of Quality Assurance Systems. This will involve the following:

• Ensure accurate reporting of results from testing undertaken by QA staff on both paper and computerised systems.
• Undertake investigations as part of the out of limit reporting process and deviation monitoring system.
• Assist in the production, review and update of procedures and specifications for a range of activities and product testing undertaken by the department.
• To keep abreast of technical developments and legislation in relation to the QA of Pharmacy aseptics and manufacturing.
• To have a working knowledge of relevant HTMs.
• Ensure supplier verification records are being maintained.
• Participate in QA actions for the change control process.
• Participate in QA actions for the deviation process.

Other Quality Assurance departmental duties. This will involve the following:

• To participate in the review of operator validations, ensuring compliance with national guidelines.
• To ensure correct storage and stock levels of media and consumables.
• To participate in the planned preventative maintenance schedule according to procedures.
• To assist with the Quality Assurance audit programme.
• To assist the Pharmacy COSHH coordinator in assessing substances and providing safety data sheets.
• To assist with the collation of statistical data for the Quality Assurance Service
• Perform a range of Quality Assurance department duties in the absence of the Quality Assurance ATO
• To participate in the release of purchased Unlicenced medicines and starting materials.
• Ensure product defects reported to QA are assessed and dealt with according to SOPs.
• Process MHRA drug alerts within the required timeframe.

To assist in the provision of medicines for the treatment of patients.

This will include the following tasks:

• To assist in the procurement of medicines and sundry items including computer generated and manual requested items form Dispensary, Distribution, Quality Assurance and ASU.
• To follow up outstanding orders with suppliers and document replies and escalate when necessary.
• To obtain acceptable medicine alternatives as directed by Stores Manager or Deputy
• To set up new products on the pharmacy computer system on both sites following EQMS approval
• To advise Dispensary Co-ordinator on the availability of requested items including urgently required items.
• To assist in the investigation of medicine shortages and inform Medicines Information.
• To assist in the investigation by exception reporting of high-cost medicines on expiry or stock balance problems
• To assist in sourcing any new medicines or sundries or unlicensed medicines as directed.
• To assist in resolving supplier and invoicing queries
• To co-ordinate the day-to-day workload, ensuring items are ordered in a timely manner and colleagues are supported.
• To assist in ensuring maintenance of adequate and accurate stock levels and proper storage of medicinal products and consumables.
• To participate in the monthly expiry date stock recording and removal process.
• To support the pharmacy procurement officer when needed.

To use technical and pharmaceutical skills to ensure control, security, quality and value for money of medicines. This will include the following tasks:

• To assist in maintaining appropriate storage and stock levels of medicines in Pharmacy departments to ensure quality, potency, and economy.
• To help maintain an accurate computerised pharmacy stock control system; to take part in daily stock checks.
• To assess and return medicines for re-use in accordance with the departmental policy.
• To maintain necessary records. If required, to collate information and present reports.
• To be responsible for supply and recording of all unlicenced medicines in the dispensary.

Other Duties. This will include the following tasks:

• To deputise for Senior Pharmacy Technicians, when necessary.
• To train pharmacy and other staff.

Job responsibilities

Participate in the provision of environmental monitoring services to a range of aseptic preparation workstations and controlled environments at NGH and customer units. This will involve the following;

• Perform microbiological monitoring using a range of techniques and aseptic manipulation skills both within the trust and at external sites.
• Carry out airflow and particulate testing and monitoring of clean room pressures.
• Undertake temperature mapping and monitoring using thermometers and computerised data-loggers in licenced Pharmacy storage areas.
• Preparation of specialist test equipment for use.

Participate in the testing and assessment of products and samples, against specifications. This will involve the following tasks:

• Examine incubated media and interpret results.
• Testing of starting materials for use in the licenced aseptic unit,
• Assessment of purchased unlicenced medicines.
• Testing of aseptically prepared batches manufactured under licence.
• Assessment of in-house produced and externally sourced TTO packs.

To participate in the provision of Quality Assurance Systems. This will involve the following:

• Ensure accurate reporting of results from testing undertaken by QA staff on both paper and computerised systems.
• Undertake investigations as part of the out of limit reporting process and deviation monitoring system.
• Assist in the production, review and update of procedures and specifications for a range of activities and product testing undertaken by the department.
• To keep abreast of technical developments and legislation in relation to the QA of Pharmacy aseptics and manufacturing.
• To have a working knowledge of relevant HTMs.
• Ensure supplier verification records are being maintained.
• Participate in QA actions for the change control process.
• Participate in QA actions for the deviation process.

Other Quality Assurance departmental duties. This will involve the following:

• To participate in the review of operator validations, ensuring compliance with national guidelines.
• To ensure correct storage and stock levels of media and consumables.
• To participate in the planned preventative maintenance schedule according to procedures.
• To assist with the Quality Assurance audit programme.
• To assist the Pharmacy COSHH coordinator in assessing substances and providing safety data sheets.
• To assist with the collation of statistical data for the Quality Assurance Service
• Perform a range of Quality Assurance department duties in the absence of the Quality Assurance ATO
• To participate in the release of purchased Unlicenced medicines and starting materials.
• Ensure product defects reported to QA are assessed and dealt with according to SOPs.
• Process MHRA drug alerts within the required timeframe.

To assist in the provision of medicines for the treatment of patients.

This will include the following tasks:

• To assist in the procurement of medicines and sundry items including computer generated and manual requested items form Dispensary, Distribution, Quality Assurance and ASU.
• To follow up outstanding orders with suppliers and document replies and escalate when necessary.
• To obtain acceptable medicine alternatives as directed by Stores Manager or Deputy
• To set up new products on the pharmacy computer system on both sites following EQMS approval
• To advise Dispensary Co-ordinator on the availability of requested items including urgently required items.
• To assist in the investigation of medicine shortages and inform Medicines Information.
• To assist in the investigation by exception reporting of high-cost medicines on expiry or stock balance problems
• To assist in sourcing any new medicines or sundries or unlicensed medicines as directed.
• To assist in resolving supplier and invoicing queries
• To co-ordinate the day-to-day workload, ensuring items are ordered in a timely manner and colleagues are supported.
• To assist in ensuring maintenance of adequate and accurate stock levels and proper storage of medicinal products and consumables.
• To participate in the monthly expiry date stock recording and removal process.
• To support the pharmacy procurement officer when needed.

To use technical and pharmaceutical skills to ensure control, security, quality and value for money of medicines. This will include the following tasks:

• To assist in maintaining appropriate storage and stock levels of medicines in Pharmacy departments to ensure quality, potency, and economy.
• To help maintain an accurate computerised pharmacy stock control system; to take part in daily stock checks.
• To assess and return medicines for re-use in accordance with the departmental policy.
• To maintain necessary records. If required, to collate information and present reports.
• To be responsible for supply and recording of all unlicenced medicines in the dispensary.

Other Duties. This will include the following tasks:

• To deputise for Senior Pharmacy Technicians, when necessary.
• To train pharmacy and other staff.

Person Specification

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• Both full time and part time candidates should have the ability to work shifts that will cover 7 days of the week as the NHS moves towards 7 day service provision.
• Carrying/lifting of equipment between departments
• Ability to reflect, maintain, develop knowledge and skills required
• Good time management
• Good appearance/personal hygiene
• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust Values and Behaviours

Desirable

• Working in pharmaceutical isolators
• Periods of concentration when entering data

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Computer skills (excel & word)
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to plan and organise work in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively under pressure

Desirable

• Able to collect and analyse data
• Experience of supervisory role and training of other staff

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Current QA/Aseptics experience
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Understanding of MHRA licencing
• Experience of Pharmacy computer systems
• Experience of placing orders accurately
• Current procurement experience
• Knowledge of purchasing and invoice procedures and practices

Desirable

• Experience with Quality Management systems
• Involved with Audits
• Understanding of CMU contracts
• Good knowledge of medicine names

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

• Further education in a Science, Microbiology or Pharmaceutical/Quality Assurance field (Degree level) OR Qualified Pharmacy Technician, registered with GPhC/Qualified Science Manufacturing Technician

Desirable

• Further formal training in QA services
• NVQ Assessor qualification

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• Both full time and part time candidates should have the ability to work shifts that will cover 7 days of the week as the NHS moves towards 7 day service provision.
• Carrying/lifting of equipment between departments
• Ability to reflect, maintain, develop knowledge and skills required
• Good time management
• Good appearance/personal hygiene
• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust Values and Behaviours

Desirable

• Working in pharmaceutical isolators
• Periods of concentration when entering data

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Computer skills (excel & word)
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to plan and organise work in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively under pressure

Desirable

• Able to collect and analyse data
• Experience of supervisory role and training of other staff

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Current QA/Aseptics experience
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Understanding of MHRA licencing
• Experience of Pharmacy computer systems
• Experience of placing orders accurately
• Current procurement experience
• Knowledge of purchasing and invoice procedures and practices

Desirable

• Experience with Quality Management systems
• Involved with Audits
• Understanding of CMU contracts
• Good knowledge of medicine names

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

• Further education in a Science, Microbiology or Pharmaceutical/Quality Assurance field (Degree level) OR Qualified Pharmacy Technician, registered with GPhC/Qualified Science Manufacturing Technician

Desirable

• Further formal training in QA services
• NVQ Assessor qualification

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Northampton General Hospital - Pharmacy Department

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD

Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)