Senior Pharmacy Technician – Limerick Cancer Centre at UPMC Ireland
Location: Limerick Cancer Centre
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role
* 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.
* Demonstrate flexibility in relation to working across the UPMC Cancer Network.
* Support a standardised and integrated approach to Pharmacy workstreams across the UPMC Cancer Network.
* Achieve and maintain competence in the use and administration of the Oncology/Haematology clinical information system (ARIA) and other relevant clinical information systems relevant to the role.
* Be fully conversant with best practice and relevant competency frameworks for the delivery of Oncology/Haematology pharmacy services.
* Review Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) protocols within Limerick Cancer Centre.
* Support the safe and cost-effective management and monitoring of new medications on to the UPMC formulary.
* Support the Lead Technician (Procurement and Technical Services Integration) in establishing and maintaining a robust and resilient system for the proactive and cost-effective management of medicine stock shortages within Limerick Cancer Centre and across UPMC Pharmacy.
* Support the Lead Technician in promoting and sustaining the integration and standardisation of Pharmacy Technical services across the UPMC sites in Ireland.
* Carry out and supervise the assembly of requisitions for wards and departments.
* Carry out and supervise the assembly of prescriptions as may be appropriate.
* Perform and supervise extemporaneous compounding as required.
* Carry out and supervise stock control and procurement procedures for all materials (pharmaceuticals and disposable equipment) used in the Pharmacy in line with best patient and medication safety and cost effectiveness practice.
* Carry out and supervise the pre-packaging of bulk preparations.
* Carry out and supervise top-up medication distribution systems to wards and clinical areas in Limerick Cancer Centre.
* Ensure that the receipt, checking, and storage of pharmaceuticals is performed in line with best practice and all relevant legislation and professional guidance.
* Support the development, maintenance, and audit of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for all aspects of Pharmacy Technical services, including procurement, storage, handling, compounding and dispensing of medicinal products.
* Ensure that these SOPs are updated and implemented in line with changing practices locally, nationally and internationally, and in accordance with Pharmacy law.
* Together with the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy, define standards for Pharmacy Technical service delivery, developing and measuring Key Performance indicators (KPIs).
* Implement and maintain systems to ensure the effective induction of Pharmacy Technician staff and Student Technicians.
* Together with the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacists and Director of Pharmacy, establish and oversee a robust programme to support the ongoing training, development, and performance achievement of Pharmacy Technicians in Limerick Cancer Centre and UPMC which is aligned with service needs and professional best practice and the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Programme.
* As agreed with the Director of Pharmacy and Lead Technician, manage performance of Pharmacy Technicians against measured and reported competency and performance metrics.
* Participate in the Engagement and Competency review process as required.
* Ensure that systems are in place to promptly identify poor performance and that any individuals identified are appropriately managed and supported to achieve the required performance level.
* Together with the Lead Technician and Director of Pharmacy, work to develop and advance the role of Pharmacy Technicians in Limerick Cancer Centre and UPMC to optimise Pharmacy skillmix and enhance the quality, safety and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical care.
* Identify and address deficiencies in medications management systems and processes, where applicable.
* Highlight any discrepancies, incidents, or deficits in services to the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy.
* Report and encourage reporting on incidents/near misses in to support management and mitigation of risk and to inform quality improvement initiatives.
* Act as a leader and role model within Limerick Cancer Centre, UPMC Pharmacy, and across the UPMC Ireland network.
* Propose, lead, and manage innovation and technological improvements in the Pharmacy service, as appropriate to the role.
* Co-ordinate day-to-day operations of the Pharmacy service to ensure a high level of efficient and cohesive teamwork within Limerick Cancer Centre.
* Assist in the development, mentoring and motivation of staff to maximise performance and delivery of service objectives and priorities.
* Ensure that all UPMC Human Resource policy and procedures are adhered to.
* Carry out any other duties relevant to this role as designated by the Director of Pharmacy or delegate.
* Support the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacists, and Director of Pharmacy as required in developing and implementing the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Strategy.
* Engage in continuous professional development appropriate to the role and in compliance with professional obligations.
* Liaise with other departments and services as required, e.g. Clinical Nurse Managers, Quality and Patient Safety, Laboratory, and Finance.
* Perform such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time by the Lead Technician, Director of Pharmacy or nominated deputy.
* Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
* Participate in Limerick Cancer Centre's accreditation process.
Qualifications & Experience
* Eligible applicants must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
o The Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin.
o The Pharmacy Technicians qualification at QQI Level 6 awarded by the Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), Technological University Shannon (Athlone), or South East Technological University (Carlow).
o The Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ 3) offered by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
o Another relevant qualification at least equivalent to the above.
* Have at least 3 years satisfactory post‑qualification hospital experience.
* Possess specialised Oncology/Haematology/Aseptics knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the role; demonstrate evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development and role‑specific learning.
* Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all relevant aspects of Hospital Pharmacy Technical services.
* Possess a current clean driving licence and ability to travel between UPMC sites; occasional relocation to other UPMC sites may be required.
* Formal management and leadership training or equivalent experience in management, training and supervision of Pharmacy Technician staff.
* Experience in working in Pharmaceutical Procurement and Purchasing.
* Experience with Oncology/Haematology information systems (e.g. ARIA, Clinichemo, NCIS).
* Significant, proven post‑qualification hospital practice experience, with broad pharmacy experience and line‑management experience.
* Ability to demonstrate excellent planning, organisational and resource management skills; excellent leadership, interpersonal and people‑management skills; excellent communication (written & verbal) and presentation skills; and experience developing, implementing, and auditing SOPs.
* Experience of change management and quality improvement initiatives; previous experience of conducting performance appraisals and progress reviews.
Equal Opportunity Statement & Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
UPMC provides a total rewards program that is market‑competitive, fair, and offers growth opportunities for all colleagues.
* Compensation – Competitive 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; critical illness cover up to age 66.
* Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that support 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 accommodate 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 is 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. In Ireland, UPMC has provided high‑quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, operating facilities such as UPMC Whitfield Hospital, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, UPMC Kildare Hospital, UPMC Aut Even Hospital, and outpatient services across the nation.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Health Care Provider
#J-18808-Ljbffr