Apprentice Pharmacy Support Worker | North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust

To undertake an 18 month development programme in Pharmacy through work based learning and by participating in regular training sessions. Supervision and support will be provided during all tasks, enabling the apprentice to work within the organization to gain experience, confidence and to deliver effective and safe patient focused support, to the designated team.
Successfully completing the training programme will lead to a Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship qualification.

Pharmacy Support Worker Apprentices are appointed for a contracted period of 18 months during which time they participate in the general work of the hospital pharmaceutical service as a full team member in each section.

Learn, under the guidance, direction, control or supervision of registered pharmacists, qualified technicians and other staff to practice the skills of a pharmacy support worker.
Undertake a course of study and assessment in preparation for Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship qualification with Buttercups Training Some study will be required outside of workings hours e.g. completion of college assignments, evidence etc.

What we are looking for:

The Pharmacy team at the North Middlesex University Hospital NHS trust have an exciting opportunity to start a career path in hospital pharmacy. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and adaptable Pharmacy Support Worker Apprentice to join a friendly and supportive team in a forward thinking department; committed to delivering high quality patient care.

Successful candidates will undertake an apprenticeship to complete a Level 2 Pharmacy Assistant Services Apprenticeship provided by Buttercups. On completion of this qualification, you will be working as a qualified Pharmacy Support Worker and will be eligible to apply for a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) post (subject to availability).

You will rotate through each area of pharmacy, including in-patient and out-patient services, procurement and stores. Full training will be given in each rotation and you will be supported by Practice Supervisors in each of the rotations.

See documentation for full duties, The following responsibilities are generic to all apprentices within the North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust.
Develop and provide a professional level of customer service for the department.
Respond to enquiries in a friendly, professional and courteous manner, resolving issues where possible or escalating to an appropriate team member when required.
Communicate effectively and use appropriate interpersonal skills with people both internally and externally, maintaining the professional reputation of the Trust and department at all times.
Portraying a professional image, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
To continuously contribute to the progression and development of the chosen department through the provision of a high quality service.
The post holder will be expected to complete all mandatory training provided., STORES
1. To support the ordering process for obtaining medicines from wholesalers and suppliers.
2. To receive Pharmacy stock (medical and non-medical) against the orders placed for all Pharmacy locations.
3. To transport stock, including stock requiring quality control checks, to the correct pharmacy locations safely and securely
4. To unpack all deliveries and match the items carefully against the order sheet, following procedures.
5. To follow the procedures for checking, storing and handling each medicine received.
6. To accurately input data in to the Pharmacy computer system for all deliveries received and for audit records.
7. To attach appropriate additional labels to received stock as per procedures
8. To file order sheets / paperwork as per procedures
9. To pass delivery notes, credit notes and invoices for payment to the appropriate person
10. To assist in putting away Pharmacy stock in the correct shelf location.
11. To follow the procedures for any discrepancies found in the deliveries i.e. wrong items, missing goods etc.
12. To ensure that all incorrectly delivered goods are packed safely and returned as per procedures.
13. To assist in following up delayed orders when requested
14. To use the Electric and manual pallet truck (following training) to unload and stack I.V. fluids
15. To assist in invoice matching duties as required

DISTRIBUTION
1. To assist in the assembly of stock to wards and departments.
2. To mark and assemble I.V. fluids for delivery to wards and departments.
3. To accurately compute stock orders for wards and departments.
4. To assist in ensuring work is prioritised effectively within the department.
5. To assist with the top-up service as directed by the Technician Team manager (after appropriate training.)
6. To complete other tasks within distribution as directed by the Rotational Technician

DISPENSARY
1. To assist in the dispensing of in-patient/out patient prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist/accredited checking technician (after appropriate training), including ward based dispensing.
2. To assist in the preparation of porter bags/boxes and audit records for delivery of medicines to wards and departments
3. To complete other tasks within the dispensary as directed by the Technician Team manager
4. To assist in reception duties including taking in prescriptions, collection of fees and entry of prescription details onto computer system (tracker) as per procedures.
STOCK CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be aware of and put into practice the principles of good stock control at all times, including correctly storing stock, stock rotation and routine checking of expiry dates
2. To participate in stock management, including stock counts & maintaining cold chain storage for medicines during receipt, dispensing, checking and delivery processes
3. To assist with the return to stock and /or disposal of returned items following departmental procedures.

ALL AREAS
1. To respond to general enquiries or direct the enquiry to the appropriate person.
2. To provide a high standard of customer service
3. To assist in quality control checks as directed by the QC manager.
4. To assist with tracking activities and maintaining appropriate audit trails
5. To assist in maintaining departmental security at all times.
6. Maintain high standards of cleanliness and tidiness in working areas at all times.
7. Observe safe working practices to avoid placing themselves, other staff, patients or visitors at risk by their actions.
8. To communicate and liaise with other pharmacy staff.
9. To participate in any training deemed appropriate by the Technician Team manager and to complete all compulsory training within a specified time period
10. To participate in a system of performance appraisal.
11. To deal with all trust staff, patients and their relatives in a respectful, polite and courteous manner at all times.
12. To participate in the Pharmacy Late Duty service, Weekend service, and Bank Holiday service on a rota basis
13. To undertake any other relevant duties, as may be required by the Technician Team manager

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Hospital Trust (NMUH) is one of London's busiest healthcare providers, providing hospital care and community services for the 350,000 people living in Enfield, Haringey and beyond.

Our specialist services include HIV, cardiology, blood disorders, diabetes, fertility, sickle cell and thalassemia. In addition to a full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment services, the Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre is based on-site and provides services to support cancer patients' wellbeing.

We also provide community services and have a dedicated 0-19 service for children and young people in Enfield so that they can get the best possible start in life. This includes health visitors and school nurses who are delivering the national Healthy Child Programme, which provides a structured framework for the delivery of key interventions to support the health and wellbeing of children and families from 0 to 5 and school aged children from 5-19. The 0-19 service aims to improve pathways and partnerships with services in the hospital and deliver excellent care for the children and families.