Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) in Liverpool

The Pharmacy department provides pharmaceutical care to a range of specialties, including Cardiology, Chest Medicine, Cardiac and Thoracic surgery, together with a 45 bedded critical care area. In addition, a clinical pharmacy service is provided to Willowbrook Hospice. The pharmacy department houses an automated dispenser and a small shop for OTC sales. An exciting opportunity has arisen at LHCH for 2 full time Assistant Technical Officer's (ATO) - to work in our busy, friendly pharmacy department.

To co-operate in providing a comprehensive and cost-effective pharmaceutical service, ensuring a high-quality service based on teamwork, which recognises the importance of patient-focused care and courtesy with the emphasis on the receipt, storage, distribution and stock control of medicines.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To collect and deliver ward drug bags at the designated times.
• To collect ward/department drug boxes in accordance with the pharmacy topping up system, and then deliver these boxes back when full, including bulky intravenous fluids and dietetic products.
• To book out, through the pharmacy computer system, all stock and temporary stock items to wards / departments, including IVs and Sip Feeds.
• To receive all pharmacy orders into the department and ensure the return of empty containers and pallets to suppliers via delivery drivers.
• To match orders with the correct order sheet, checking product, pack size, price and quantity and recording batch numbers and expiry dates.
• To enter the appropriate records of the delivery into the computer system and ensure that the goods are stored correctly, including appropriate loading of the automated dispenser following departmental procedures.
• To scan all orders into the pharmacy computer system to comply with the Falsified Medicines Directive regulations.
• To deliver Controlled Drugs to wards/departments, checking the items before leaving the department and obtaining a signature from the nursing staff on arrival at the ward / department.
• To top-up stock items on wards and departments, by carrying out the process of monitoring, ordering, issuing, distributing and controlling stock on these wards and departments in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
• To print ward stock lists when required.
• To use and maintain the pharmacy electric truck, within limitations, reporting any defects as soon as possible to the Senior ATO to enable swift repairs.
• To maintain strict stock control within the Pharmacy stores area, performing daily stock checks and monthly expiry checks in accordance with departmental stock control procedures.
• To file requisitions in the appropriate place.
• To handle the return of items brought back to the department appropriately according to departmental procedures.
• To track and log fridge temperatures within the department to ensure correct storage of certain pharmaceuticals.
• To complete documentation and ensure sharp bins are accurately labelled and collected according to Trust procedures.
• To ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with the safe systems of work in the department, and the regulations in respect of the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH are complied with.
• To participate in individual personal assessment and development, including the use of computer technology as required by ATO duties.
• To participate in bank holiday and weekend working as required.
• To participate and contribute to pharmacy meetings and support the development of the pharmacy business plan.

Communication

• To communicate with suppliers regarding missing goods, incorrect deliveries, price discrepancies, items that are to-follow or out of stock and completing the appropriate documentation and reporting any errors to the Senior Technician over Procurement.
• To communicate with nursing staff and other health professionals within the training and experience of an ATO, referring to your Senior ATO, Technician, Senior Technician or Pharmacist when necessary, including alterations to ward stock lists.

Training

• To participate in the training of new ATOs, pharmacy technicians or students as required.

General Statements

• All employees must adhere to policies and procedures relating to Information Governance, Confidentiality and Information Security.
• The Trust is committed to approaching the control of risks in a strategic and organised manner. The postholder must be aware of their individual responsibilities as detailed in the Trusts Risk Management, Health & Safety and Incident policies, and those under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• All staff are required to be familiar with the arrangements for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and support the organisation in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, it is the responsibility of every member of staff to participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role.
• The Trust expects that when you are presented with opportunities to improve the lifestyle of our patients you seek help from appropriately trained clinical staff to ensure patients are supported and assisted in making the necessary lifestyle changes.
• The Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to achieving equal opportunities. All employees are expected to observe this policy in relation to the public and fellow employees.

This document is intended to be used as a guide to the general scope of duties involved in this post. It is not exhaustive and should not therefore be used as a rigid specification. It will be kept under review and amended as required in consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4
• Desirable: NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy Services

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: Proficient in computer skills, Understanding of need for accuracy and attention to detail
• Desirable: Previous experience working in pharmacy

Skills and Abilities

• Essential: Good communication skills, Good organisation skills, Team orientated
• Desirable: Adaptable to different environments and situations

Behaviours and Values

• Essential: Giving or ready to give help, Ability to learn from mistakes, Self motivated

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 previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Address: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/