Role Summary
- Undertake a range of clinical and scientific investigations as appropriate to the role.
- Acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out.
- Interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and quality systems.
- Comment and advise on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements.
- Assist in the provision of advice to medical, nursing and other healthcare staff on the optimal and safe use of scientific procedures and highly complex equipment, including assisting in the design of new facilities.
- Assist with the procurement, acceptance and use of medical devices and consumables.
- Be responsible for the safe use of complex scientific and medical equipment, including recording all maintenance and calibration procedures performed and any corrective actions undertaken.
- Use reagents, consumables, hazardous materials and equipment safely and in accordance with Health and Safety policies.
- Participate in risk management procedures including risk assessment and the investigation and reporting of adverse incidents.
- Participate in internal and external audit processes and quality systems.
- Undertake Research and Development within the department as an integral part of training and acquire relevant skills to undertake clinical audit.
- Assist with supervision and training of support staff, students and new starters, and participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to disseminate knowledge acquired through study or research.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
This post provides a unique opportunity to become part of the team working in Pharmacy Aseptic, Production, Quality Control and Radio Pharmacy at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and organised individual with a passion for Aseptic services and an interest in research to support the aseptic service provision and all aspects of Technical Services whilst undertaking the Scientist Training Programme (STP).
The Scientist Training Programme is a three-year programme of work-based learning supported by Manchester University’s accredited Master's degree. The Scientist Training Programme is for well-qualified science graduates with a passion for science and patient care, and with the motivation, behaviours and values needed for the NHS of the future.
Trainee Healthcare scientist’s working in this field train in the following four areas:
- Aseptic dispensing and preparation – oversight and maintenance of the facilities used to prepare sterile medicines
- Production units – developing methods for the safe production of new medicines
- Quality control – undertake a range of chemical and microbiological tests on medicines to ensure they are safe to use
- Radiopharmacy – manufacturing and supplying radioactive substances used in nuclear medicine, which may be injected into the bloodstream, swallowed or breathed in. They are used to treat, diagnose and monitor the effects of therapies for cancer patients and are also used for investigating various other medical conditions such as heart, and kidney disease.
As a Trainee Pharmaceutical Scientist, you will be based in Pharmacy Aseptic and will rotate between all the above areas during your training. You are not required to select one in which to qualify, although you may choose to focus more on one through your choice of project. Once qualified you can apply for relevant roles in any of the areas.
The Royal Devon 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. As a key member of the Trust, you’ll be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients when they need it most.
Main duties of the job
Job Description
Please note that this is a national programme using a non-Royal Devon Job Description.
Please see below links for the Job Description and Person Specification.
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html
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.
More detail about the role
To apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) you must have a 1st or 2:1 in either an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree. Both options must be in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialty for which you are applying. Medical degrees are only accepted for Life and Physiological Science specialties. However, you may apply if you have a higher degree in a relevant subject for the specialty being applied to and have a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.
As a trainee on the Scientist Training Programme (STP) you will be employed in Pharmacy Aseptic department, for a 3-year training period. During this time, you will complete:
- a part-time master’s degree (fully funded)
- a programme of workplace training, using an online e-portfolio
- a final assessment of competence
The training post is salaried at NHS Agenda for Change Band 6. On graduating, you would be eligible for statutory Clinical Scientist registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and would be able to apply for Clinical Scientist roles in the Health Service.
The curriculum for the programme is comprised of a series of core and scientific modules. Each of these modules is made up of two parts:
- academic learning delivered and assessed in the university
- work-based learning and training where you develop and apply your academic and clinical knowledge and skills in the NHS workplace
You should have excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities and demands.
You should be able to work effectively and accurately under pressure and be able to lead others and effectively develop a team.
You will have good computer skills and a knowledge of quality assurance of aseptic preparation and Good Manufacturing Practice.
You will demonstrate values and principles of the NHS Constitution with a focus on patient centred care.
The trainee will work closely with the training officer and more senior members of staff to follow the curriculum for the MSC Scientist Training Programme. The trainee will work in specified areas of the department and be responsible to the Designated Training Officer for their own work and progression through the scheme.
All trainees will be expected to travel to national academic and other courses regularly throughout their training – in some cases this may involve overnight and/or residential stays. Trainees will undertake a master’s degree course at a designated academic institution specific for the training pathway. Trainees will be expected to rotate both through the Aseptic department, as well as through other local/regional/national scientific services, to complete the required pathway work-based curricula. Trainees will be a part of a national training programme and will be registered with the National School of Healthcare Science based in the West Midlands Multi-Professional Workforce Deanery.
If you believe you have the skills and experience necessary to fulfil this role, we want to hear from you!
Please note that you will be notified via email regarding the result of your application.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Please note this position is 3 years fixed term (Supernumerary). Requirement to participate in 7 day working to include late duties, bank holidays and weekend working.
Interview Date: Week commencing 15th April 2024.
For further information and to arrange an informal visit to meet the team, please contact: Yvonne Palmer, Principal Pharmacist – Technical services on yvonnepalmer@nhs.net/01392 204811 or Amy Mckain, Lead Technician for Education and Training –Technical Services on amy.mckain@nhs.net
This is a fixed term contract for 12 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees currently working within the Aseptic Unit (Eastern), therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
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.