Pharmacy Support Worker (Acute/Mental Health sites only)

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Role

Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) is a large acute teaching hospital and home to major specialist services such as National Burns & Plastics Centre, Cardiology, Gynaecology, Critical Care and Princess Royal Maternity Hospital. It has a capacity of around 1000 beds spread over a large campus situated on the outskirts of Glasgow City Centre. GRI sits under the North Sector Pharmacy Management Team; other sites include Stobhill ACH, Gartnavel General Hospital, The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and the Vale of Leven Hospital.

An opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the friendly pharmacy team at GRI where you will be integral to ensuring the safe and effective supply of medicines to patients.

You will label and dispense medicines that have been clinically screened by a pharmacist for inpatients and outpatients. You will label and dispense controlled drugs prescriptions, ensuring that medicine balances are up to date and accurate. You will accurately input ward requisitions through the pharmacy stock control system, and you will participate in stock checks, stock rotation and expiry date checks.

You should be comfortable in a patient facing role in a ward-based environment where you will co-ordinate ward stock medicine top-up services and support nursing staff with good housekeeping of medicines. You will advise on stock levels of medicines and make suggestions to either increase or decrease stock levels in accordance with usage figures. You will identify slow moving or static stock of medicines on wards and take steps to minimise waste.

You must have general education, basic numeracy and literacy skills demonstrated by 3 Standard Grade Qualifications or equivalent which must include English and Maths, and you must be able to communicate effectively using clear written and spoken English. Basic IT skills are essential. You must be able to work to set procedures, be willing to learn new skills and participate in training.

You should have the ability to plan, organise and prioritise daily tasks using your own initiative to meet the demanding needs of the service.

Experience of training and supervising staff, stock management systems and working as part of a team in healthcare or a similar environment is desirable however full training will be provided. An SVQ/NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy qualification is desirable in addition to knowledge and appreciation for policies, standard operating procedures and legislation in relation to dispensing and supplying medicines, however this can be learned on the job.

Successful candidates will undertake an SVQ in Pharmacy Services Group Award (at SCQF Level 6) as per the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) requirements for the education and training of pharmacy support staff. Successful candidates will also complete a comprehensive on the job training programme which lasts on average approximately 18 months to become fully proficient in the Pharmacy Support Worker role.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a or a NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

This is permanent, full-time post of 36 hours per week.

The post will be based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, however there may be a requirement to work on other sites within the North Sector.

The shift patterns are 08.50 17.00 or 09.50 18.00. You will also participate in weekend and Public Holiday rotas.

Key Responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description below.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• A proficient level of general education at National 5/Standard Grade level or above
• Working towards achieving underpinning knowledge in Pharmacy Services SVQ
• Previous Experience in a Healthcare/Pharmacy or Customer facing role.
• A good knowledge and appreciation for policies and procedures as well as legislation in relation to dispensing/supplying medication. This is learned on the job.
• Proficient IT skills including typing and knowledge of Microsoft office packages (word, excel), email systems (outlook). Experience in using stock control systems.
• Ability to plan and organise workload to meet the demanding needs of the service. Having the ability to use initiative and prioritise workload.
• Able to communicate effectively by having the ability to persuade/influence people and having excellent people management skills.
• Experience in moving and handling procedures as well as other health and safety measures.
• Knowledge of Waste Management Regulations and procedures.
• Complete a comprehensive on the job training programme which lasts on average 18 months to be fully proficient within the pharmacy support worker role.

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact

Chris Devlin or Amanda Hepburn, Pharmacy Technician Team Leads on View phone number on uk.workus.org or e-mail

***email_hidden***, View email address on uk.workus.org

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various” , we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community . We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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