Basic Grade Pharmacy Technician - UPMC Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
We are currently recruiting a Pharmacy Technician, Basic Grade, for UPMC Whitfield.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties & Responsibilities
- Act at all times to ensure that the care and safety of patients is assigned the highest priority.
- Understand, model, and promote UPMC core values: Quality and Safety, Dignity and Respect, Caring and Listening, Responsibility and Integrity, Excellence and Innovation.
- Carry out stock control and procurement procedures for all materials (pharmaceuticals and disposable equipment) used in the pharmacy in line with relevant laws and regulations, professional guidance, and best practice.
- Order medications and pharmaceutical products from approved vendors in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Dispense, issue, and distribute medications to wards and clinical areas in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Receive and check in Pharmacy deliveries in compliance with the EU Falsified Medicines Directive and in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure that drugs are stored safely and securely.
- Sort and return medications for reintegration into stock or disposal as appropriate in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Manage, oversee, and control ward stocks of medications and pharmaceutical products in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Perform extemporaneous compounding as directed and in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure the maintenance of standards of clinical hygiene within the Pharmacy department and the wider hospital campus, in accordance with relevant infection prevention control policies.
- Support the safe and cost-effective management and monitoring of new medications on to the UPMC formulary.
- Participate in robust and resilient systems for the proactive and cost-effective management of medicine stock shortages within UPMC.
- Participate in the development, maintenance, and audit of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for all aspects of Pharmacy Technical services, including procurement, storage, handling, and dispensing of medicinal products.
- Participate in the Engagement and Competency review process as required.
- Identify and report deficiencies in medications management systems and processes, where applicable.
- Highlight any discrepancies, incidents, or deficits in services to the Chief Pharmacist, the Lead Technician (Technical Services Integration and Procurement), and/or the Senior Pharmacy Technician as appropriate.
- Report and encourage reporting on incidents/near misses in order to support management and mitigation of risk and to inform quality improvement initiatives.
- Participate in innovation and technological improvements in the Pharmacy service, as appropriate to the role.
- Adhere to all relevant UPMC Human Resource policy and procedures.
- Carry out any other duties relevant to this role as designated by the Chief Pharmacist, Lead Technician (Technical Services Integration and Procurement), and Senior Pharmacy Technician.
- Engage in continuous professional development appropriate to the role and in compliance with professional obligations.
- Assist in the training and induction of new Pharmacy staff as requested by the Chief Pharmacist, Lead
- Pharmacy Technician (Technical Services Integration and Procurement), and/or Senior Pharmacy Technician.
- Participate as required in supporting, promoting, and implementing the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Strategy.
- Participate in the Hospital’s accreditation process.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential Criteria
Eligible applicants must possess:
(i) the Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin
Or
(ii) the Pharmacy Technicians qualification at QQI Level 6 awarded by Technological University Dublin,
Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone), Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), of
South East Technological University (Carlow)
Or
(iii) the Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ 3) offered by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
Or
a relevant qualification at least equivalent to (ii) or (iii) above.
Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development and role-specific learning.
Good knowledge and understanding of all relevant aspects of Hospital Pharmacy Technical services
Ability to demonstrate:
- excellent planning, organisational and resource management skills
- excellent interpersonal skills
- excellent communication (written & verbal) and presentation skills
Desirable Criteria
Previous experience in hospital Pharmacy
Previous experience in procurement of pharmaceuticals
Previous experience of developing, implementing, and auditing SOPs
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.
Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.