Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians
About the department
Our innovative pharmacy department works in partnership with organisations across the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) and Integrated Care System (ICS) to support patients in getting the most from medicines wherever they are. This is called medicine optimisation. In the hospital, the work of the pharmacy department is varied and exciting depending on your role but all roles contribute to the safe and effective supply of medicines to patients.
The department is a lively and friendly place to work where everyone is valued and an equally important part of the team. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, a wide range of benefits, and access to good transport links in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
About the role
The role of the pharmacy technician is varied and there are a number of areas in which to specialise. Initially the role is often rotational to allow people to gain experience. Staff rotate between our producement/distribution, aseptic services, medicines management technician service and our dispensaries. The role includes: ordering medicines, topping up wards, dispensing medicines for patients, making up chemotherapy in isolators and counselling patients on medicines usage.
No two days working in pharmacy are the same and learning is continuous throughout your career. Technicians generally control all aspects of the operational elements of pharmacy, from buying drugs to sending them out to patients and everything in between.
The department’s structure, employing technicians from band 4 through to band 8a, means that if you are successful at the interview and work hard you will be able to progress and develop your career within the Trust.
Career routes
You will need to complete a two-year course and work in the pharmacy environment during this period to gain your practical skills. At the end of the two years you will need to complete your end point assessment and pass this to achieve your qualification. At this point you can register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a technician.
Initial qualifications required are 4 GCSEs (grade 1-4)(A*-C) which must include English, Maths and a Science
Mini case study
Humera Raza, Medicines Safety Technician
I’ve worked as a technician for over ten years and worked in all areas of pharmacy. This has helped me in my new role as the departmental medicines safety technician.
On a daily basis I look into the Trust’s reports into incidents relating to medicines. I investigate any issues that have happened and work with the respective teams to resolve them. I also look at the possible causes of mistakes and work with teams to come up with solutions. I work on the wards and departments auditing medicines and using this information to produce reports to improve patient safety. This role requires good communication, computer skills and an eye for detail.
The thing I most enjoy about my job is coming up with creative solutions to problems and improving patient safety. I also really enjoy working with all the teams within the Trust.
