Role Summary
To support the Principal Pharmacist (Technical Services) in the management and leadership of the Northern Technical Service Unit (NTSU).
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic and experienced technical services pharmacist to join the pharmacy team at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to lead, manage and deliver a high quality, patient focused technical service to our Northern services patients in Barnstaple.
You will fulfil the role of Accountable Pharmacist responsible for the provision of chemotherapy, CIVAS, clinical trials, advanced products prepared and released under Section 10 exemption at our Northern Technical Services Unit (NTSU) in Barnstaple This is a unique role which will allow you to develop your specialist technical skillset supported by the Trust Principal Pharmacist for Technical Services.
The successful post holder will already have experience of working in an aseptic production or Quality Control environment with cleanroom and isolator technology and be familiar with GMP, GCP, Section 10 and MHRA standards.
The successful candidate will work closely with the technical services team, quality assurance team and clinical colleagues.
Main duties of the job
- To act as an Accountable Pharmacist within Northern Technical Services Unit (NTSU) responsible for the provision of chemotherapy, CIVAS, trials, advanced products prepared and released under Section 10 exemption
- To ensure all aseptic preparation and requirements of the site quality management system are compliant with and carried out in accordance with the current edition of professional standards, Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services (QAAPS), national and NHS guidance.
- To lead, manage and supervise the day-to-day operation of the aseptic unit, working collaboratively with staff in the unit and wider pharmacy and clinical teams.
- To ensure service delivery meets the needs of our patients
- To monitor quality measures and implement progress against agreed audit action plans within agreed timescales where relevant.
- To report, appropriately investigate and escalate incidents relating to aseptically prepared medicines.
- To line manage the Senior Quality Assurance Technician and Lead Technical Services Technician for Northern Services.
You will be responsible for planning and organising your own workload using your experience and professional judgement to problem-solve providing technical specialist advice to the team and clinical colleagues.
Role Summary
To support the Principal Pharmacist (Technical Services) in the management and leadership of the Northern Technical Service Unit (NTSU):
- To take a lead role in the provision of the aseptic preparation service including providing expert advice and problem solving in this highly specialised area.
- Deputise for the Principal Pharmacist – Technical Services (Accountable Pharmacist Eastern) as required in their absence.
- Assist the Principal Pharmacist Technical Services with implementing service improvements and developments in the aseptic unit in line with best practice and current guidance, taking a lead on identified projects.
- To lead and develop a team of highly skilled pharmacists, product approvers, technicians and other aseptic staff for the provision of chemotherapy and other intravenous additives, providing supervision and carrying out Product Approval on a sessional basis according to rotas.
- Successfully complete Pharmacist Product Approval training course within first 12 months in post (if not already competent on appointment).
- Take a lead role in the training and supervision of staff in the unit, acting as mentor to pharmacists and liaising with the Lead Technician Northern (Technical Services).
- The post holder will ensure that all prescriptions leaving the aseptic unit have been final checked by an accredited product approver.
- To participate actively in service improvement and development projects.
- To work collaboratively ensuring effective communication between relevant clinical teams and NTSU staff
- To investigate and trend analyse errors within NTSU to ensure there is a process of continuous quality improvement
- To actively participate in relevant operational, quality and governance meetings representing NTSU.
- To ensure regular team meetings occur and that all staff are involved and able to contribute to working improvements, problem solving and improvements around quality, safety and efficiency
Job responsibilities
The full job description outlines the key areas of responsibility for the role and the person specification details the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience required. For more information on the job description please view the attachment linked to the advert.
Please note that the job description attached is awaiting the outcome of formal matching and therefore may be subject to change
More detail about the role
This is an exciting permanent position that will allow you to develop working relationships with members of the technical services teams across Barnstaple and Exeter and well as clinical colleagues within the Trust.
You will be an excellent communicator interacting with healthcare professionals and patients working to resolve any medication issues should they arise.
You should be highly self-motivated with an ability to plan, organise and work flexibly, independently and as part of a wider team.
This post is based within the North Devon Technical Services Unit (Barnstaple) but the post holder will be required to travel on an occasional basis to other Trust locations (e.g. Wonford, Exeter) as required for meetings and training.
We understand that relocating for a new role can be a significant step, both personally and financially. That’s why we offer a generous package of support, including financial assistance, to help ease the transition for those considering relocation. If you are relocating to North Devon for this role, we can offer either an annual accommodation allowance or a relocation allowance (the former for those renting a property and the latter for those buying a property). For full details on these packages of support, please contact us.
If you believe you have the skills and experience necessary to fulfill this role we look forward to hearing from you.
This post has been identified as involving access to vulnerable adults and/or children and in line with Trust policy successful applicants will be required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Check/Enhanced Disclosure Check.
Please note that you will be notified via email regarding the result of your application.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. There is a requirement to participate in 7 day working to include late duties, bank holidays and weekend working.
Interview Date: Friday 17th January 2025
For further information please contact: Yvonne Palmer, Principal Pharmacist Technical Services on 01392 404811.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
