Senior Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services

We currently have a vacancy for a motivated Senior Pharmacy Technician to join our small aseptic team working at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington, Kent. The aseptic unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital currently prepares chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody doses in house and dispenses TPN bags for patients having treatment on site. The post will include supporting the Aseptic Services Manager in the provision of aseptic services and to deputise as necessary in the management of the service. They will also be responsible for undertaking the set up, training of staff, dispensing and maintenance of all haematology and oncology trials based on the PRUH site.

The suitable applicant should be highly motivated and show accurate attention to detail. You should be organised and able to prioritise work effectively showing excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience working in a hospital aseptic unit is essential. You will be expected to participate in the extended hours rota which includes working weekends and Bank Holidays in the main pharmacy dispensary.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a section within the Aseptic Services Department.
• The post holder will work to the principles of current Good Manufacturing Practice, within the Aseptic services department at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a large and progressive teaching hospital.
• The post holder will be expected to work to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice, undertake and supervise the day-to-day preparation of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CIVAS, Parenteral Nutrition and clinical trials doses within the Aseptic Services department.
• The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality patient focused service within the pharmacy aseptic unit, including training of junior staff, dispensing, checking and contributing to the smooth running of all Aseptic services activities. These activities may also include stock management, documentation management and QA/QC activities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• 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 for other Aseptic Services staff after undergoing accredited competency process.
• To generate worksheets and labels using the pharmacy computer system.
• To advise the Chief Technician and Deputy Director on amending work practices and documentation which would improve the running of the service including quality, efficiency and health and Safety issue.
• To assist the aseptic services managers in the development of new services for the Trust.
• To participate in the on call rota for trials or short dated aseptically produced drugs out of hours or at weekends, and to participate in the early morning rota for cleaning as required.
• To sit or stand at isolators for long periods.
• To participate in the out-of-hours, weekend and Bank Holiday rotas in Pharmacy Aseptic Services.
• To be responsible for the aseptic preparation, clinical trials, or stock control services on a rotational basis with the other senior technicians including prioritisation and delegation of work.
• To be involved in Quality Assurance ensuring environmental monitoring, sterility testing and validations are carried out and culture media is incubated, read and sent for identification appropriately, and in a timely manner.
• To be responsible for the allocation and daily planning of workload in a section of the aseptic department.
• To assist in the recruitment and selection of technicians, cleanroom supervisors and ATOs.
• To demonstrate and teach aseptic skills to pharmacists, Trainee pharmacists, technicians, pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians, cleanroom supervisors and ATOs as appropriate.
• To be a line manager for technical staff and take responsibility for all the following, according to all Trust procedures: such as Disciplinary, Probation, and Departmental workload allocations. Ensure overall wellbeing of the team is maintained. Continuously support in improving the morale of the team and implementing a culture of zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• NVQ Pharmacy services Level 3 plus accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent) or equivalent plus Professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council OR Completion of Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 apprenticeship OR Academic qualification (at least BSc) related to medicines for Human Use plus substantial experience working in a GMP-compliant facility preparing/manufacturing medicines for Human Use.
• Pre and In Process Checking Accreditation (PIPC).
• Accredited Checking Accreditation (ACT).

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice.
• Considerable experience working in an aseptic unit and using aseptic technique.
• Supervisory and Training delivery experience.
• Be familiar with handling and preparing cytotoxic drugs following approved procedures.
• Knowledge of regulations and legislation relevant to Clinical Trials.
• Experience working in a hospital aseptic unit.
• Experience working in a hospital pharmacy.

Skills and Competencies

• Team worker with good interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills.
• Good problem-solving abilities, able to work on own initiative.