Specialist Medicines Optimisation Technician – Cancer ServicesNHS

Job summary

12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity cover) An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our Cancer Pharmacy Team on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity leave cover.

This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable specialist experience within oncology and haematology pharmacy services while supporting the delivery of a comprehensive, patient-centred medicines optimisation service for patients receiving cancer treatment at Great Western Hospital.

Working as part of a highly regarded multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to medicines optimisation activities across inpatient, outpatient and day treatment settings. The role includes medicines reconciliation, patient counselling, discharge planning, prescription verification following competency-based training, and supporting patients receiving oral systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). We are looking for a registered Pharmacy Technician with excellent communication and organisational skills, a passion for patient care, and a desire to develop specialist knowledge within Cancer Services. Previous oncology or haematology experience is desirable but not essential, as full training and support will be provided.

This fixed-term post provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your clinical and leadership experience within a supportive and innovative Cancer Pharmacy Team committed to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for our patients.

Main duties of the job

Key duties include:

• Providing medicines optimisation services to oncology and haematology patients.
• Undertaking medicines reconciliation, medication history taking and assessment of patients' own medicines.
• Supporting safe and timely discharge planning and continuity of medicines supply.
• Providing patient counselling and medicines education, including support for patients receiving oral anti-cancer therapies.
• Working collaboratively with pharmacists and the wider multidisciplinary team to optimise patient care.
• Supporting the training, supervision and development of pharmacy technicians, support staff and trainees.
• Participating in audit, governance, quality improvement and service development initiatives.
• Maintaining compliance with medicines legislation, professional standards and departmental procedures.

This role would suit an experienced Pharmacy Technician looking to develop specialist Cancer Services experience within a supportive and progressive pharmacy team.

Job description

The post holder will support the day-to-day delivery of medicines optimisation services within Cancer Services and contribute to service improvement, governance, training and quality initiatives. You will also assist with the supervision and development of pharmacy technicians, support staff and trainees, helping to maintain high professional and clinical standards across the service.

Participation in dispensary services, maintenance of Accredited Checking Technician competencies (where applicable), and involvement in weekend, evening and bank holiday rotas will be required in line with departmental needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering medicines optimisation services to oncology and haematology patients.
• Undertaking medicines reconciliation, medication history taking and assessment of patients' own medicines.
• Providing patient counselling and medicines education, including support for patients receiving oral SACT following competency assessment.
• Supporting timely discharge planning and continuity of medicines supply.
• Contributing to audit, governance, quality improvement and service development activities.
• Supporting the supervision, training and development of pharmacy technicians, support staff and trainees.
• Working collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Participating in dispensary, weekend, evening and bank holiday services as required.

Why Join Us?

This fixed-term maternity cover role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Pharmacy Technician to develop specialist knowledge and skills within Cancer Services, gain valuable oncology and haematology experience, and work within a supportive and innovative pharmacy team dedicated to improving outcomes for patients.

Please refer to the complete Job Description and Person Specification for more details.

About us

We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people.

We are creating a health and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.