Pharmacy Assistant – Band 2

Location: Coleraine
Salary: Band 2
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Duration: Temporary, Full-Time, up to 6 months
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:45am–5:00pm
Access NI: Standard clearance required

Apple Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Pharmacy Assistant (Band 2) on behalf of a healthcare organisation based in Coleraine.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with relevant pharmacy qualifications or experience to join a busy Pharmacy Department and support the provision of an effective, efficient and responsive pharmacy service.

Key Duties

• Receive, check and shelve pharmacy items in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Accurately receipt delivery documentation onto the EPIC system and ensure documentation is appropriately maintained.
• Participate in the provision of a Bulk Issue “top-up” service to wards and departments.
• Prepare regular orders, remove overstock and carry out appropriate stock rotation and expiry date management.
• Assemble and issue daily ward orders, requisitions and Bulk Issue lists through the EPIC pharmacy computer system.
• Assemble and supply IV fluids and procedure pack orders, maintaining appropriate records.
• Monitor and maintain pharmacy stock levels through regular bin maintenance and physical stock checks.
• Identify stock discrepancies and supply shortages and liaise with senior Pharmacy Assistants and Technicians to resolve issues.
• Cover the pharmacy reception and telephone, responding to requests from service users and referring queries as appropriate.
• Provide a high standard of customer service at all times.
• Carry out broken pack dispensing or pre-packing of solid or liquid medicines, maintaining appropriate records.
• Assist with the supply of drugs, dressings and medical and surgical items to community users.
• Assist in the dispensing and distribution of vaccines to community users.
• Deliver pharmacy supplies, prescriptions and controlled drugs to wards and departments as required.
• Assist in the daily processing of returns in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Participate in the cleaning and preparation of the aseptic unit, equipment and supplies.
• Adhere to relevant requirements relating to the safety and security of pharmaceuticals, including controlled drugs.
• Assist with the development and introduction of new technologies and working practices.
• Following appropriate training, utilise pharmacy robots to load and issue stock items via the EPIC pharmacy system / ARiM.
• Maintain clean working surfaces and equipment at all times.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records.
• Comply with Health & Safety, COSHH, Infection Prevention and Control and departmental procedures.
• Work effectively as part of the pharmacy team and undertake any other relevant duties as assigned.
• This post will participate in regular weekend working as required to meet service needs.

Essential Criteria Applicants must meet one of the following:

• 5 GCSEs (Grades A–G) or equivalent, including English Language and Mathematics Grade D or above;

OR

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff.
• Candidates who do not have an NVQ or BTEC Level 2 certificate in Pharmacy will be expected to undertake the same if successful.
• Mandatory Training Requirements: COSHH training, Manual handling.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Effective communication skills.
• Organisational ability.
• Computer literacy.
• Basic numeracy skills.
• Knowledge of current trends in the HPSS.Knowledge of the job.

How to Apply If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV to Darcie at darcie.donohoe@applerecruitment.com.

Please ensure your CV is accurate and up to date, including your full employment history, qualifications and current contact details.

All details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.