REFERENCE NUMBER: PHA/NHSL/2015/16/003
JOB TITLE: Pharmacy Technician
GRADE: Band 4
LOCATION: The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh/The Royal Hospital For Sick Children/The Western General
Hospital, Edinburgh
CONTRACT DURATION: Permanent/Fixed Term (9-12 Months)
HOURS: 37.5 per week
CLOSING DATE: 21st May 2015
SALARY SCALE: £19,502 - £22,458 per annum
Apply on-line www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
**Please note – the e-mail address you provide on the application form will be used to communicate any
further correspondence relating to this vacancy**
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is not a
current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to
be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.
NHS LOTHIAN JOB APPLICATION PACK
This information package has been compiled to provide prospective candidates with details of the post
advertised.
The contents of this package are as follows:
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General Information for Candidates
Working in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s
Working Time Regulations Form (please complete and return with application form)
Person Specification and Job Description
NHS Lothian - Our Values
Information on Application Process
Workforce Equality Monitoring
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
Data Protection Act 1988
Please note that any personal information obtained from you throughout the recruitment process will be
collected, stored and used in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. Information will be available to the
recruiting manager and to the Human Resource staff.
Counter Fraud
NHS Lothian is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end will use the information
you have provided on your application form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It will also share this
information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. More
detail on this responsibility is on NHS Lothian’s intranet (Counter-Fraud and Theft page) and further
information is available at http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php.
References
All jobs are only offered following receipt of two satisfactory written references. At least one reference must
be from your current/most recent employer, or your course tutor if you are currently a student. If you have
not been employed or have been out of employment for a considerable period of time, you may give the
name of someone who knows you well enough to confirm information given and to comment on your ability
to do the job.
Disclosure Scotland
Where a Disclosure or Protection of Vulnerable Groups Check is deemed necessary for a post, the
successful candidate will be required to undergo an appropriate check. Further details on the Recruitment of
Ex-Offenders are available from the recruitment centre.
Work Visa
If you require a Work Visa, please seek further guidance on current immigration rules which can be found on
the Home Office website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Overseas Registration and Qualifications
NHS Lothian will check you have the necessary professional registration, where appropriate. If you require a
qualification for this role but are not regulated by a professional body (e.g. NMC, GMC, HCPC etc), you will
need to provide an official translation, notarised by a solicitor, of your overseas qualifications to be checked
by the recruiting manager. Please ensure that this is available before applying for this post.
Job Interview Guarantee Scheme
As a Disability Symbol user we recognise the contribution that all individuals can make to the organisation
regardless of their abilities. As part of our ongoing commitment to extending employment opportunities, all
applicants who are disabled and who meet the minimum criteria expressed in the job description will be
guaranteed an interview.
Terms and Conditions
For an overview of our Agenda for Change terms and conditions visit: www.msg.scot.nhs.uk/pay/agenda-forchange
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses are not normally reimbursed for interviews, if you are selected for interview and wish to
enquire about the possibility of being reimbursed then the request should be directed to the recruiting
manager or interview panel chair.
WORKING IN EDINBURGH AND THE LOTHIAN’S
NHS Lothian offers excellent career prospects and a wide range of job opportunities for potential employees.
It employs approximately 24,000 staff and offers training and development opportunities as well as excellent
staff benefits.
The information provided below aims to help support and guide both prospective applicants and new
employees unfamiliar with Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Edinburgh and the Lothian’s
NHS Lothian serves a population of approximately 800,000 people living in and around Edinburgh,
Scotland’s historic capital city. The geographical area known as Lothian region covers 700 square miles,
comprising the City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.
It is a region of exceptional beauty and contrast, from the splendour of Edinburgh to the beauty and variety of
the hills, countryside and coastline. The nearest major town outside of Edinburgh is Livingston, a thriving
location in the heart of West Lothian. As well as many sites of historic interest, the region boasts a host of
recreational activities for all ages.
Useful Contacts
For useful guidance on relocating to Scotland visit: www.talentscotland.com
For a comprehensive list of services to help moving to the City of Edinburgh, please visit the City of
Edinburgh Council Website at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk
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NHS Lothian
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WORKING TIME REGULATIONS
RECRUITMENT PRO-FORMA
In accordance with Working Time Regulations, no individual should knowingly be
contracted to work for more than an average of 48 hours per week.
For Completion by Applicant (to be submitted along with application form)
- Do you intend on holding any other employment (either NHS or non-NHS)
YES / NO
If yes please complete the details below:
Name and address of additional employer(s)
Average number of hours worked for this employer per week
Signed
Name
For Completion by Appointment Panel
- Would the offer of this post put the applicant in a position whereby they would
exceed the 48-hour working limit?
YES/NO
Signed
Please Note - It is the responsibility of the appointment panel to ascertain whether the
prospective employee intends to retain any other post held in addition to the one for
which they are applying.
Refer to the Recruitment Guidance Pack for further information regarding working
time regulations.
NHS Lothian Pharmacy Services
Rotational Pharmacy Technicians
Band 4 – 10 posts
£19,502 - £22,458
“We are Lothian Pharmacy”
Are you a registered with the GPHC as a pharmacy technician (or expected to join the register this summer)?
Are you currently working in community pharmacy, but looking for a change in career direction?
NHS Lothian Pharmacy Services are currently recruiting rotational pharmacy technicians to join their teams
across various sites in Edinburgh and the surrounding area. We are dedicated to providing the highest
quality pharmacy services and on these positions you will have the opportunity to develop your skills across
multiple rotations in a variety of technical and clinical pharmacy services.
RIE
4 posts (permanent) Fiona McIntyre, Lead Pharmacist
WGH 3 posts (temporary) Jeanette Mulgrew, Senior Technician
RHSC 3 posts (permanent) Janet Nicholson, Technical Services Manager
0131 242 2900
0131 537 1439
0131 536 0327
We are committed to supporting our staff to develop their career opportunities, not only in the range of
rotations available but also in offering opportunity for further study for HNC, accuracy checking technicians
and SVQ assessors. NHS Lothian offers supportive and progressive employment conditions.
Please contact one of our team on one of the above numbers to find out more.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Pharmacy technician, rotational
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Responsible to (insert job title):
Pharmacy technician, rotational
Department(s):
Senior pharmacy technician, Dispensary, Aseptic, Distribution,
Stores and Radiopharmacy
Pharmacy, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Directorate:
Pharmacy
Operating Division:
Pharmacy
Job Reference:
U-CN-PHM-RIE-PTROT
No of Job Holders:
7.9 wte
Last Update (insert date):
April 2013
2. JOB PURPOSE
To perform pharmacy technician duties and assist in the operational arrangement of the section,
deputising for the senior technician as required.
3. DIMENSIONS
The planned rotational programme involves work and training in the following areas.
General and one stop dispensing
Aseptic dispensing
Medicine supply (stores, procurement and distribution)
Radiopharmacy
Lauriston Pharmacy services
The pharmacy technician staffing establishment consists of (whole time equivalents)
22.4
4
12
Pharmacy technicians
Trainee pharmacy technicians
Assistant Technical Officers
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
See Attachment
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The aim of the Pharmacy Service is to assure quality of patient care in the provision of treatment with
medicines. To this end the objectives are: to provide pharmaceutical care to individual patients by meeting their particular needs while
maximising efficiency in the use of resources.
 to provide medicines through systems of quality control which ensure safe, effective and economic
use.
The Pharmacy Department has a major role in the teaching and professional development of
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians and other health care staff.
The Pharmacy Department participates in and supports the Division’s clinical effectiveness programme
through participation in clinical audit and research and development.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Main duties and responsibilities (60%)
Dispensary
participate in the dispensing of inpatient, outpatient, discharge, controlled drugs, and clinical trials
prescriptions
prepare and undertake in-process checks in extemporaneous medicines
order and receipt stock
participate in continuous stock control by means of stock checking and expiry checking to ensure
continuity of supply
replenish the emergency cupboard as required
suitable candidates may be nominated to undertake the Designated Checking Technician course
(Dispensary) and practise on completion
One stop
Maintain one stop dispensing at ward level as part of a multi-disciplinary team:
assess suitability of patients own medicine
arrange supply of required individualised patient supply medicines
ensure the safe and secure return and disposal of unsuitable medicines
cover one stop services as required
Lauriston Pharmacy Services
Provide pharmacy services in an outpatient clinic setting:
participate in the supply of medicines to outpatients
order and receipt stock
participate in continuous stock control by means of stock checking and expiry checking to ensure
continuity of supply
top up dermatology clinics
develop competencies to counsel patients within protocols
Medicines supply
participate in the accurate and efficient issue of stocks to wards and departments
issue controlled drugs and accuracy check controlled drug issues by trainees
participate in continuous stock control by means of stock checking and expiry checking to ensure
continuity of supply
participate in the receipt of pharmaceutical preparation from suppliers
participate in the distribution of medical gas cylinders to wards and departments
participate in ward top-up activities, as required
develop competencies to procure medicines, follow up and resolve medicine supply problems
Aseptic
prepare and undertake in-process checks for cytotoxics, IV additive (Adult and neonate), intrathecal,
parenteral nutrition (Adult and neonate), and clinical trials
generate worksheets and labels for Aseptic products
participate in the aseptic facilities cleaning programme
complete quarterly aseptic manipulation operator validation tests
maintain competency to prepare intrathecal products, as required
order and receipt stock
participate in continuous stock control by means of stock checking and expiry checking to ensure
continuity of supply
suitable candidates may be nominated to undertake the Designated Checking Technician course
(Aseptic) and practise on completion
assess requirements for Intravenous preparations in the Neonatal Unit, by reviewing individual patient
records
Radiopharmacy
participate in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals and in blood labelling procedures
measure and record the radioactivity of each radiopharmaceutical
ensure radiation monitoring equipment is working properly by performing calibration and functional
checks
handle and dispatch radioactive materials safely to minimise personal radiation exposure
order and receipt stock
participate in continuous stock control by means of stock checking and expiry checking to ensure
continuity of supply
clean and disinfect the radiopharmacy Aseptic suite
Other duties (40%)
Participate in the safe and appropriate disposal or waste materials according to legal requirements.
Undertake calculations required to prepare medicines
Assist in the ordering and receipt of sundries
Contribute to the collection of workload statistics
Assist in archiving records
Assist in ensuring good housekeeping practices are followed
Participate in the daily/weekly monitoring and quarterly environmental monitoring checks
Resolve routine customer enquiries
Assist in the training of other pharmacy staff
Act as a mentor to assigned members of technical staff
Participate in continuing professional development
Train other pharmacy staff
Provide SVQ witness testimonies for trainee technicians
Delegate routine tasks to more junior staff
Maintain patient confidentiality when accessing patient health records
Develop competencies to:
Organise the daily workload of the section
Improve the efficiency of the sections by undertaking agreed projects
Participate in the review of standard operating procedures, worksheets and documentation
Assist in the resolution of complex customer enquiries
Deputise for the senior technicians as required
Participate in the recruitment and selection of pharmacy staff.
Jointly responsible with other pharmacy staff for the security of pharmaceuticals, security of keys in the
department and use of alarm system.
Attend the fire lecture and the life support training annually and manual handling every two years.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
To use Ascribe pharmacy stock control system
To use microsoft office for e-mail, internet enquiries and word processing
To use uni-directional air flow cabinets, isolators and clean room clothing, calibrators and radiation
monitors
To manipulate needles, syringes and transfer devices to reconstitute and measure doses of aseptically
dispensed medicines
Use of electronic balances, glass measures, mortar and pestle for extemporaneous dispensing
Use of clean room clothing, isolators and vacuum cleaners.
7b. SYSTEMS
Comply with the quality policy of the hospital pharmacy service
To ensure that the requirements of the quality system (BS EN ISO 900:200) are met
Comply with the safe and secure handling of medicines policies in clinical areas
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
Achieve and maintain a record of competence specified in the training plans in the areas defined in the
job dimensions
Review of performance and objective setting is carried out by the senior technicians in accordance with
the principles of the personal continuing professional developments
Carries out duties appropriate to grade as delegated by the senior technicians
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Follows standard operating procedures and uses initiative to deal with matters independently where
appropriate.
A supervisor is available for reference.
May be asked to deputise for supervisor.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Working effectively as a member of the pharmacy team whilst continually developing supervisory and
management skills.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder liaises with the senior pharmacy technicians, technicians and trainee technicians,
pharmacy support staff, clinical pharmacists, nurses and other ward staff.
The post holder liaises with a mentor to support training plan completion.
The post holder is required to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary ward team.
The post holder is required to communicate with patients, in a professional and sympathetic manner.
The post holder is required to train identified staff.
The post holder participates in departmental meetings as required.
The post holder is required to communicate in a professional manner to pharmaceutical companies and
suppliers.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
general keyboard skills while sitting at a visual display unit
validate aseptic manipulation skills
working at isolators for periods of up to three hours with short breaks (getting up to stretch)
moving stock using manual handling guidance (including heavy fluid containers) to and from shelves,
trolleys and aseptic transfer hatches
high levels of concentration required to dispense accurately, to meet deadlines, and subject to frequent
interruptions
high levels of speed and accuracy required in measuring of raw material in aseptic manipulation and the
non-sterile dispensing of medicines
potential exposure to toxic pharmaceutical materials
weighs and measures raw materials for the extemporaneous preparation of products
monthly aseptic cleaning procedures demand physical movement, above head height, to wash down
walls and ceilings
move heavy radio nucleotide generators between rooms and the aseptic suite
deals with patient and other customer enquiries and concerns
follow infection control policies in clinical areas
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
NC in pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
SVQ level III qualification or working towards SVQ level II qualification (or equivalent)
Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
Relevant experience in hospital or community pharmacy practice
Basic dispensing skills including knowledge of national standards
Safe and secure handling of medicines
Basic aseptic dispensing skills and knowledge of national standards
Good written and oral communication skills
Advanced numeracy skills
Management of people and resources
Basic computing and keyboard skills
Able to work within teams, interpersonal abilities
Able to work under time pressure and manage own time
Able to assign and organise the work of others
Record of continuing professional development
Able to work flexibly out-with normal core working hours
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom
the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
Rotational Technician
RIE
Director of Pharmacy
Associate Director
Director of Pharmacy
Principal Pharmacist
Radiopharmacy
Site Lead
RIE
Senior technician
Radiopharmacy
Radiopharmacy
technician
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
Dipsnesary
Manager
Head of Medicines
Procurement
Aseptic Services
Manager
Senior Technicians
Dispensary
Senior Technicians
One-Stop
Senior technician
Senior technician
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
Lead Pharmacist
Lauriston/Chalmers
Rotatinal
Pharmacist
Rotational
technician
THIS POST
NHS LOTHIAN - OUR VALUES
NHS Lothian is determined to improve the way their staff works so they have developed a set of common
values and ways of working which they now need to turn into everyday reality - to the benefit of everyone
working in the organisation and, most importantly, to the benefit of their patients.
NHS Lothian – Our Values into Action:
Care and Compassion
• We will demonstrate our compassion and caring through our actions and words
• We will take time to ensure each person feels listened to, secure, understood and is treated
compassionately
• We will be visible, approachable and contribute to creating a calm and friendly atmosphere
• We will provide a safe and caring setting for patients and staff, and an efficient, effective and
seamless care experience
• We will meet people’s needs for information and involvement
in all care, treatment and support decisions.
Dignity and Respect
• We will be polite and courteous in our communications and actions
• We will demonstrate respect for dignity, choice, privacy and confidentiality
• We will recognise and value uniqueness and diversity
• We will be sincere, honest and constructive in giving, and open to receiving, feedback
• We will maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
Quality
• We will demonstrate a commitment to doing our best
• We will encourage and explore ideas for improvement
and innovation
• We will seek out opportunities to enhance our skills
and expertise
• We will work together to achieve high quality services
• We will use our knowledge and enthusiasm to implement positive change and overcome challenges.
Teamwork
• We will understand and value each other’s role and contribution
• We will be fair, thoughtful, welcoming and kind to colleagues
• We will offer support, advice and encouragement to others
• We will maximise each other’s potential and contribution through shared learning and development
• We will recognise, share and celebrate our successes, big and small.
Openness, Honesty and Responsibility
• We will build trust by displaying transparency and doing what we say we will do
• We will commit to doing what is right – even when challenged
• We will welcome feedback as a means of informing improvements
• We will use our resources and each other’s time efficiently and wisely
• We will maintain and enhance public confidence in our service
• We will be a positive role model.
Throughout the recruitment process candidates will need to demonstrate they meet all of Our Values.
NHS SCOTLAND APPLICATION PROCESS
The purpose of an application form is to help evidence that the applicant has all the requirements applicable
to carry out the job applied for.
Once in receipt of the application pack it is essential to read both the job description and person specification
to gain a full understanding of what the job entails and the minimum criteria required.
Please note for equal opportunity purposes NHS Lothian do not accept CV’s as a form of application.
General guidance
There are currently three ways of applying for vacancies within NHS Lothian:
- On-Line: www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
- Telephone (hard copy): 0131 536 3030
- Email: recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
If you are applying by ‘hard copy’ please use black ink and write clearly in block capitals.
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The vacancy reference number, job title and location can be obtained from the job advert.
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The candidate number will be populated by recruitment team once the application has been returned.
This is to ensure each application remains anonymous.
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Only part C of the application form will be sent for short listing. The application form will be identified by
the candidate number only to ensure that no applicant will be unfairly discriminated against.
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Please complete all sections of the application form. Those sections that are not relevant please indicate
‘not applicable’, do not leave blank.
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Please feel free to use additional paper if required. Please do not add your name to any additional
information provided; secure it to the relevant section and Recruitment Admin will add a candidate
number.
For general help and advice on how to complete an application form visit:
www.myworldofwork.co.uk/content/job-application-form-advice
Please return completed application forms to:
The Recruitment Centre, Staff Residencies, St John’s Hospital, Howden Road West, Livingston, EH54 6PP
When returning your completed application and any associated enclosures by Royal Mail, please ensure that
the correct postage is paid. Underpaid mail will be retained by the Post Office which will result in applications
not being returned until after the closing date and not being included for shortlisting.
WORKFORCE EQUALITY MONITORING
NHS Lothian is committed to supporting and promoting dignity at work by creating an inclusive working
environment. We believe that all staff should be able to fulfil their potential in a workplace free from
discrimination and harassment where diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued.
In order to measure and monitor our performance as an equal opportunities employer, it is important that we
collect, store and analyse data about staff. Personal, confidential information will be collected and used to
help us to understand the make-up of our workforce which will enable us to make comparisons locally,
regionally and nationally.
NHS LOTHIAN
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT
NHS Lothian considers that it has an important role to play as a major employer and provider of services in
Lothian and accepts its obligations both legal and moral by stating commitment to the promotion of equal
opportunities and elimination of discrimination.
The objectives of its policy are that no person or employee receives less favourable treatment on the
grounds of sex, disability, marital status, age, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin),
creed, sexuality, responsibility for dependants, political party or trade union membership or activity, HIV/AIDS
status or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Our Equal Opportunities in Employment policy can be viewed at:
www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/WorkingWithUs/Employment/Pages/EqualOpportunities.aspx