Lead Pharmacy Aseptic Technician

The closing date is 6th Oct 2024

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated Specialist Lead Pharmacy Technician in Aseptic Production to be responsible for overseeing aseptic services within our busy but equally welcoming chemotherapy production unit.

This post offers a great career opportunity for someone who is keen and wants to further their technical expertise in aseptic production although a minimum 4-year post-qualification with at least 2 years in Aseptic Services would be essential to undertake this senior role.

The pharmacy department is keen to adopt and encourage a technician-lead aseptic production unit and this is supported by the established inclusion of Pre & In Process Checking (PIPC) and Product Approval Accreditation Programme (PAAP) Technicians within the service. Whilst it would be desirable for any applicate to already have completed either or both of these programmes, applications would still be welcomed for any keen, unaccredited candidate, and they would be supported to undertake appropriate training whilst in post.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

Key duties of the role include:

• To be the Specialist Pharmacy Technician for the Beacon Chemotherapy Production Unit, providing the Technical Lead for the Unit.
• To provide the day-to-day organisation of the Beacon Chemotherapy Production Unit for the Trust, involving delivery of chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and other biological aseptic products for both adult and paediatric patients.
• To maintain equipment according to procedures, documenting all activity appropriately.
• To actively encourage adherence to all procedures relating to the Aseptic Services department and GMP.
• To accurately complete all documentation needed for Quality Assurance, including writing and updating procedures and to archive and file appropriately.
• To perform in-process accuracy checks and final product approval product release after undergoing accredited competency process.
• To generate worksheets and labels using the pharmacy computer system.
• To advise and work alongside the Accountable Pharmacist, Pharmacy Management Group and Cancer Centre management on amending work practices and documentation which would improve the running of the service including quality, efficiency and health and safety issues.

 

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone! 

Job description

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Persons Specification for more information about the role. 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

BTEC Applied Science or NVQ3 Pharmacy Services or equivalent. 

Desirable

South & West Checking Technician accreditation, Accuracy checking dispensary
South & West Medicines Management accreditation

Experience

Essential

Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice, COSHH regulations and safe handling of cytotoxic drugs.
Fully comprehensive understanding of all Pharmacy operations.
Completion of in-house aseptic training and development accreditation.
Minimum 4 years Pharmacy experience, at least 2 years qualified. Minimum 2 years experience in aseptic preparation. 

Desirable

Basic knowledge of standard chemotherapy regimens.
Understanding of actions and uses of chemotherapy, and cancer in general.
Basic understanding of nutrition.
Knowledge of ICH-Good Clinical Practice for clinical trials.
previous general hospital pharmacy experience.
Procedure writing within aseptic unit. 

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 previo