Pharmacy Technician Band 4-5 Progressive role

Job summary
As a member of the Pharmacy technicianteam,you will provide safe and effective pharmacy support to the dispensary and adult wards within UHBW. You will develop your existing professional, technical and clinical skills through your own continuing professional development to provide and service of excellence to both patients and staff alike.

This role includes 4 days aweek commitment to dispensing and checking of medicines within the dispensary and1day a week embedded in one of the ward-based adult clinical teams: medicine, surgery, cardiacservicesand critical care.

The post holder willbe requiredto work shifts including late duties,weekendsand Bank Holidays on a rota basis.

Progression from a band 4 to band 5 will be subject to successful completion of the 4/5 pathway framework.

Main duties of the job

• Provide patient-facing pharmacy services within specialist clinical teams.
• Complete medicines reconciliation and verify medication histories.
• Support safe and effective use of medicines throughout admission and discharge.
• Assist pharmacists in identifying and resolving medication-related issues.
• Support Patient Own Drugs (PODs) and One-Stop Dispensing (OSD) schemes.
• Undertake final accuracy checking of dispensed medicines where accredited.
• Liaise with patients, carers, ward staff, prescribers, and community healthcare providers.
• Prioritise workload to ensure timely and safe patient care.
• Maintain accurate records using pharmacy and electronic patient systems.
• Support staff training, induction, and supervision.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement, and service development initiatives.
• Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development.
• Work collaboratively across pharmacy services to ensure effective service delivery.

About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

Better outcomes for our Patients
More opportunities for our People
Fairer more consistent care for our Population
Best Value for Public Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.

We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.

More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.

Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.

Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.

We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.

Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.

We will contribute to system financial balance

Job responsibilities
Dispensing Services

• Dispense medication accurately for inpatients, outpatients, day cases and patients being discharged.
• Assess prescriptions for completeness and clarify discrepancies with pharmacists, prescribers and nursing staff when appropriate.
• Accurately generate dispensing labels and assemble medicines according to prescriptions and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate dispensing records using pharmacy computer systems.
• Ensure all medicines are supplied safely and within required timescales

Ward-Based Services

• Participate in ward-based pharmacy services.
• Assist with the management of patients' own drugs and One-Stop Dispensing schemes.
• Liaise with ward staff regarding medication supply issues.
• Support the timely discharge of patients by facilitating prompt medication supply.

Accuracy and Quality

• Maintain high standards of accuracy in all pharmacy activities.
• Undertake final accuracy checking if accredited and authorised to do so.
• Identify and report dispensing incidents, near misses and risks.
• Contribute to service improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Stock Management

• Monitor and maintain stock levels within dispensary and ward areas.
• Ensure medicines are stored correctly and securely.
• Participate in stock rotation and expiry date checking.
• Assist with receipt, storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
• Support management of controlled stationery and emergency stock items as required.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Respond professionally to medication and supply enquiries.
• Escalate complex clinical or operational issues to senior staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Information Governance requirements

Training and Supervision

• Support the induction and training of pharmacy assistants, apprentices and new staff.
• Share knowledge and promote good practice within the team.
• Participate in competency assessments where appropriate.
• Act as a positive role model for professional behaviour and patient-centred care.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

• Use pharmacy computer systems and electronic prescribing systems effectively.
• Maintain accurate electronic records relating to dispensing and medicines management.
• Ensure data quality and compliance with Trust documentation standards.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Adhere to GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.
• Participate in continuing professional development (CPD) and mandatory training.
• Work within own competency and seek support when required.
• Contribute to audits, quality improvement projects and service developments

Please be aware that this vacancy may be closed prior to the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (Or in-process)E (A)
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Accredited Medicines Optimisation Technician (Essential within 12 months of appointment)
• Accredited Accuracy Checking Technician (Essential within 12 months of appointment)

Knowledge, skills and abilities
Essential

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good time management
• Computer literate
• Ability to work alone and in a team
• Flexible and adaptive approach
• Committed to providing a high quality pharmacy service
• Evidence of self-motivation and direction

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience of working within a clinical patient-facing environment
• Proven ability to dispense medicines accurately without errors

Desirable

• Previous experience of supporting, training and teaching of others
• Previous participation in audit or quality improvement work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).