Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services (SATO) | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester

The successful candidate will assist in the aseptic production of clinical trial anti-cancer treatment, Early Access to Medicine and Compassionate Schemes and gene therapy injectable medicines. If you have an interest in the safe manufacture of injectable medicines, then this could be the role for you.

The Aseptic Services Unit at the Christie NHS Trust is a world leader in the production of phase one clinical trial materials and has an extensive portfolio of products for specialist preparation. The ideal candidate should possess a high level of concentration and the willingness to develop the ability to manipulate syringes and needles to withdraw liquid media and to be able to accurately read volumes on syringes. All work is carried out in a clean room environment under the supervision of an accountable pharmacist and a highly trained technical team.

• Preparation of worksheets and labels for aseptically prepared products
• Setting up work trays for aseptically prepared products
• Sanitisation and transfer of all materials required for production
• Aseptic preparation of injectable materials
• In process checks
• General house keeping
• Telephone queries
• Involvement in all aspects of the Aseptic Process

We are an ever-expanding, multi-disciplinary team who strive to produce exceptionally high-quality injectable medicines for each patient that uses our service. The Aseptic team is a diverse and dynamic collective who work in a specialised cleanroom environment where teamwork is the key to efficiency and managing the patient experience. Each day is both challenging and rewarding in equal measures, with cancer treatments constantly evolving and new types of drugs being trialled each year.

We are at the forefront of developments in terms of drug innovation and team development as we were one of the first Hospitals in the country to introduce the progressive role of Aseptic Practitioner to the Aseptic workforce and we are looking forward to adding the Science Manufacturing Technician qualification to our large portfolio of training and staff qualifications here at The Christie Hospital. The Pharmacy department has a developed career pathway for Technical staff wishing to progress as far as achievable. Helping support all qualifications and in-house training that allow for this progression should you wish to further your career within the Pharmacy Aseptic team. So, if you want to work as part of an ever-progressing team and you enjoy a challenge then we could be the team for you.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To aseptically prepare high quality cytotoxic/MABS/EAMS etc. in accordance with departmental procedures, Good Manufacturing Practice and COSHH regulations ensuring that all work complies with all regulatory frameworks and standards. Undertake daily cleaning and disinfection of the aseptic clean rooms including Isolators, according to Standard Operating Procedures. To ensure ingredients and disposables are assembled, disinfected and transferred through the Aseptic Services Unit appropriately. To carry out in-process checks of aseptically prepared products upon completion of appropriate training. Participate in the safe preparation and delivery of Intrathecal chemotherapy in accordance with Trust policy upon completion of departmental training. To accurately prepare worksheets and labels for aseptic products using the unit’s computer system using CMM and iQEMO program if required. To assist with the preparation of documentation within the aseptic unit. To assist with the recording of data, both manually and on the computer. Answer the telephone promptly and politely and refer queries to the appropriate person. To assist the Specialist/Senior/Chief Technician to ensure the validation of all staff, equipment and processes are completed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. To assist the Specialist/Senior/Chief Technician to ensure maintenance and monitoring of environmental monitoring standards of the Aseptic Unit is carried out in compliance with QCNW and Standard Operating Procedures. To be responsible for the maintenance of all stock in the Aseptic Unit including evaluating stock levels within the Aseptic Unit assisting the ordering Technician to ensure adequate stock is maintained at all times. Ensure all Environmental monitoring plates are received and stored in the correct manner to ensure they are protected from contamination. Prepare environmental samples and documentation for dispatch to QCNW. To be responsible for receiving and documenting Environmental Reports from QCNW and referring any variances to senior staff in a timely manner.

Education and Development:

Undertake any mandatory training, updates and courses in line with local and Trust policies. To complete NVQ2 in pharmacy services if not currently in possession of this qualification. To complete all Aseptic Services Unit competency-based training packages. To participate in and co-operate with, individual personal assessment, continuing professional development and continuing education programmes to develop personal competencies and knowledge base. When appropriate to demonstrate activities to, work experience students, pre-registration pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacy technicians and staff undergoing induction.

Communication and Leadership

Communicate with other team members regarding activities within the Aseptic Services Unit. Answer the telephone promptly and politely and refer queries to the appropriate person. To ensure effective communication channels are maintained by all staff and any disagreements are dealt with promptly and in line with the Trusts respect policy. Participate in staff discussions during internal meetings and as part of a group when required.

Finance:

To effectively manage a designated stockholding to ensure that stock wastage is minimised. To assist the Senior/Specialist Technicians in managing the Aseptic Services stock takes. To comply with legal and Trust requirements relating to the purchase, supply, use safe custody and destruction of medicines within Pharmacy and other areas of the Trust.

Effort and Environment Factors:

Demonstrable skills for manipulation of pharmaceutical products. There is a requirement/combination of Manual Handling such as sitting, standing, and walking. The post holder must have the ability to lift and handle pharmaceutical items. The post holder must have the ability to work in a cleanroom environment. In the stores area, frequent lifting and handling of heavy packages and boxes. Regular use of a PC for data inputting and training.

Policy:

To be responsible for the adherence and upholding of all Trust and departmental policies and procedures. To comply with the updated national guidance and local Trust policy for the Safe Administration of Intrathecal Chemotherapy.

Other Duties:

The provision of a high-quality service delivered in a professional and courteous manner is a requirement of all staff employed by the Pharmaceutical Service. It is presently a requirement of the post to participate in a Saturday / Sunday and Bank Holiday rota and be able to work between the hours of 7am and 5pm with the potential for this to change as the service requires.