An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Pharmacy Technician to act as a lead in managing and developing our Aseptic Production Unit as part of a dynamic and collaborative team. We operate under an MHRA specials licence providing high quality pharmaceutical IV medicines to patients, from our busy licensed unit at Moor House.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a passion for technical services and who can demonstrate high professional standards. We are looking for someone with the necessary skills and experience to lead and develop our service, delivering all aspects of the role including contributing to the Quality Management System, and ensuring continuous improvement of the service by introducing innovative ways of working.

This is a great time to join the department as we are a national pathfinder which plan to build a new pharmacy aseptic medicines hub which will support the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT). The Pharmacy Manufacturing unit is therefore significantly expanding and is at the forefront of developing this exciting new service.

You must have a BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services and be registered with the GPhC.

This a full-time post of 37.5 hrs per week over a 4- or 5-day working week (between 7am to 7pm) you will be expected to work until 7pm on some shifts and act as a lead on the PMU Bank Holiday and Weekend rota (1 weekend in every 8).

Main duties of the job

To manage and develop the busy specialist unit, ensuring the service is delivered safely and in a timely manner whilst ensuring the adherence of the regulations and legislation of the MHRA and GMP requirements.

Participation in all aspects of the Pharmaceutical Quality System including raising and investigating non-conformances, change controls, and CAPAs.

To assist in the development and reviewing of practices and procedures for cleanroom working, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and guidance.

To be responsible for producing daily, weekly, weekend, and late-night rotas ensuring sufficient staff with the correct skill mix are available to deliver a safe and efficient service.

To ensure all staff can safely to perform the range of duties required for service delivery by carrying out regular 1-1s, annual appraisals, Attendance and Performance Management, and HR work.

Work closely with Quality Assurance and our Education and Training Team to ensure that staff are highly trained and assessed against current procedures and competencies.

As part of the management team participate in ensuring that the facility and equipment are maintained and fit for purpose and schedule regular PPM, servicing, and re-validation of the unit

As part of the management team in PMU this role will assist in the development and planning of the service, with a focus on continuous improvement and new ways of working

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is one of the biggest NHS Trusts in the country, offering a range of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, research and academic training.

The Pharmacy Department at LTHT is highly respected, forward thinking and recognised within the organisation for collaborative working.

The department is expanding to build a new Pharmacy Aseptic Medicines Hub which is part of a national programme to transform aseptic services in England. WYAAT has been identified as a pathfinder site for the programme which will oversee the implementation and operation of a new aseptic facility to supply large volumes of injectable medicines to WYAAT organisations. Its an exciting time to join our team to deliver real change and to work within a supportive and dynamic environment.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB DIMENSIONS

Line management and supervision of staff within assigned area. Direct and support staff assigned to the specific area on rotation including other technical grades, pre-registration and qualified pharmacists. Responsible for training and development, attendance management including co-ordination of annual leave and lieu time for staff assigned to that area. Maintain links with other Specialist Pharmacy Technicians, managers and other pharmacy staff to ensure a safe and efficient service.

Ensure departmental work is completed within agreed deadlines. Ensure equipment and materials are used responsibly relating to Trust risk assessments. Ensure all staff complies with Trust and Pharmacy Policies and Procedures. Responsible for all stock control ensuring optimum stock levels and minimal wastage, including ordering and receipt of medicines and consumables into designated area. Report departmental statistics, including dispensing errors and incidents, to relevant services manager on a monthly basis.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Works under guidance of SOPs, GMP and COSHH. Works independently and manages others in the department. Works to agreed objectives with annual appraisal with operational lead. Provides specialist technical service to wards, departments and out-patients.

Maintain high professional standards at all times and ensure compliance with statutory regulations concerning pharmaceuticals and the provision of the Health and Safety at work act are complied with.

Responsible for recruitment and selection of technical staff to assigned area.

Responsible for training and supporting all grades off staff designated to area

Line management and appraisal for staff ensuring opportunities for personal development

Involvement in writing procedures relating to the service in conjunction with other appropriate staff and managers. Delivery and implementation of agreed procedures and monitor compliance with all SOPs

Ensure departmental work is completed within agreed timescales

Manage resources within department

Ensure quality monitoring is carried out and reported appropriately :ie error monitoring ,environmental controls and turnaround times

Provide monthly statistics on workload

Develop and lead a team of staff

Identify training needs of staff and devise individual training plans

Act as Key Trainer for your area ensuring all staff are trained in safe practices

Contribute to service developments ensuring change is managed smoothly

Responsible for stock control and stock management within the department, ensuring rolling stocks are completed and audit requirements are met

Liaise with GPs, community pharmacists, external organisations and colleagues in order to improve the medicines management process

Assist in auditing the service against set targets

Arrange pilot schemes to assess benefits of new ways of working

Develop an induction & training package for area

Participate in accuracy checking training sessions

Develop efficient communication channels with the rest of pharmacy to ensure a good understanding of the service and the roles and responsibilities of staff

To forge links nationally and regionally with other technicians in your area in order to share best practice.

Responsible for ensuring good dispensing/distribution/manufacturing practice

Undertaking technical responsibilities at ward level and in out-patient clinics. This will include reviewing prescriptions, taking drug histories and initiating medicine supplies

Ensure that medicines are stored safely, securely and are in date and suitable for use

Prioritise workload and analyse situations to resolve problems

To participate in labelling, assembly, preparation, dispensing and other dispensing duties should the need arise to ensure service provision.

Ensures accurate documentation and records are maintained within the service area

To coordinate cover for annual leave and lieu time

To manage absence levels of staff and be involved in return to work interviews and adherence to Trust Absence management policy

To deal with initial grievance and disciplinary issues for designated staff. Communicate with Operational Lead at all times and refer issue if unresolved.

Identify and implement risk reduction strategies in your area of work.

Participation in the weekend and bank holiday rotas on a rotational basis

Ensure all staff are briefed on a regular basis

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Excellent verbal, numeric and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritise
• Able to work accurately under pressure and manage and large and varied workload
• Able to cope with conflict and handle difficult situations

Experience

Essential

• Broad range of technical skills
• Experience of training others
• Experiance of accuracy checking
• Experience of Good Manufacturing Practice
• Experience of incident and error reporting
• Management or supervisory experience of technical and support staff
• Hospital or industry experience at Pharmacy Technician higher level

Desirable

• Recruitment and selection
• Managing Change
• Developing and implementation of procedures
• Experience of line management

Qualifications

Essential

• BTEC in pharmaceutical science or NVQ level 3 in pharmacy services
• Registered Technician of General Pharmaceutical Council

Desirable

• Supervisory or management qualification

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9298-MMP-214