Job Description

You will play a key role in supervising Assistant Technical Officers (ATOs) and Pharmacy Technicians within the cleanroom, ensuring adherence to aseptic procedures and the safe preparation of products for both inpatient and outpatient use. This includes performing assembly checks, maintaining procedural compliance, and promoting best practices in aseptic technique. Therefore, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and strong organisational abilities are essential.

In addition to supervisory duties, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of the service through the development of new worksheets (in line with approved templates), the review and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the planning and coordination of daily workloads. This role requires a proactive team player who can also work independently, with a positive mindset and a commitment to delivering a high-quality, patient-centred service within set deadlines.

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is a mandatory requirement for this position.



You will play a key role in planning and coordinating the day-to-day workload within the Aseptic Services Unit (ASU). This includes receiving and processing emails and prescriptions, managing entries into the ASU diary, and supporting the smooth operation of daily tasks. Strong communication and IT skills are essential for maintaining accuracy and efficiency in this fast-paced environment.

Your responsibilities will also include:

Accurately printing worksheets and labels for aseptic preparation, ensuring all documentation aligns with relevant prescriptions and protocols. Developing new worksheets for the preparation of products within the ASU using approved templates. Performing pre-process accuracy checks on assembled components, in line with authorised worksheets. Conducting in-process accuracy checks for CIVAS, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), and cytotoxic products within the cleanroom, to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Meticulous attention to detail, a methodical approach, and a commitment to delivering high-quality service are all essential attributes for success in this role.



Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust is a centre of excellence in specialist paediatric care and is recognised as one of the largest and busiest children's hospitals in Europe. Within its state-of-the-art facilities, the Pharmacy Aseptic Services Unit plays a vital role in supporting clinical care.

The aseptic team is comprised of dedicated Assistant Technical Officers (ATOs), Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacists, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, safe, and timely medicines. The unit prepares approximately 1,300 items per month, including CIVAS (Central Intravenous Additive Services), parenteral nutrition (PN), Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT), and cytotoxic preparations. In addition, the unit houses a dedicated suite for the preparation of Advanced Therapy Investigational Medicinal Products (ATIMPs), reinforcing Alder Hey's commitment to innovation and research in paediatric healthcare.



Communication



1. Liaise closely with the Authorised/Accountable Pharmacist, the Senior Technician and the Senior ATO with regard to staffing and skill mix.

2. Responsible for reporting Aseptic isolator faults.

3. Responsible for reporting and identifying risks in the isolator cleanroom and supporting the implementation of change to maintain a safe environment.

4. Responsible for ensuring that any defective products are reported to the Aseptic Senior Technician, Production Manager, Accountable Pharmacist or the Head of Aseptic Services with relevant packaging and batch numbers.

5. Assist in the recall of defective products.

6. Responsible for liaising with wards to discuss with the nurse in charge orders for the day.

7. Regularly meet with the other senior technicians in the aseptic unit to share ideas and integrate working practices and procedures.

8. Liaise with purchasing technicians and the head of aseptic services to review new products and ensure the department uses the most up to date cost effective equipment.

9. Responsible for communicating on a regular basis with the regional Q.C. lab arranging routine monitoring and ordering supplies of plates and swabs.



Planning and organising skills



1. Responsible for the co-ordination and allocation of work to junior technicians and ATO's in the cleanrooms to maintain a safe and efficient aseptic dispensing service

2. To organise and supervise the day to day workload and problems that may arise within the designated area of work ensuring the implementation of department rotas and planning and referring any issues to relevant senior pharmacy staff.

3. Responsible for planning and organising daily preparation of Aseptic drugs

4. Co-ordinate the provision of cytotoxic spillage and extravasation kits to all clinical areas where cytotoxics are administered.

5. Liaise with Specialist Oncology Pharmacists to co-ordinate and plan workflow.



Physical skills



1. Responsible for ensuring appropriate cleaning and maintenance of the Aseptic isolator(s).

2. Assist in the implementation and training of new specialist aseptic equipment.

3. Responsible for ensuring the safe handling, storage and transport of Aseptic drugs at all times by pharmacy, ancillary and ward staff.

4. Responsible for specialist cleaning and operational maintenance of the Aseptic isolators including performing pressure decay tests, manometer readings and glove and sleeve changes.

5. Following SOP's and GMP Regulations prepare Aseptic products such as pre filled syringes and parenteral nutrition, cytotoxic drugs in either negative or positive pressure isolators.

6. Responsible for preparing intrathecal chemotherapy, ensuring that local and national guidelines are adhered to.

7. Input patient data onto computer database used for the preparation of worksheets

8. Check for accuracy of ingredients and volumes dispensed by ATO's and other technicians.

9. Generate worksheets and labels for aseptically dispensed products using department computer systems.

10. Perform complex calculations with zero margins for error for Aseptic products, checking the calculations of others.

11. Responsible for the stock control of Aseptic materials including ensuring products are booked out of the stock control system, reviewing and amending stock levels depending on workload patterns and ensuring effective ordering systems are in place.



Responsibility for patient/client care



1. Ensure the provision of a safe and effective Aseptic reconstitution service responsive to the needs of patients.

2. Supervise the work of junior technicians and ATO's, checking for compliance with SOP's, GMP, COSHH and local and national standards.

3. Assist with recalls, complaints and non-compliances as required, completing CAPA actions and change controls as appropriate.



Responsibility for policy/service development



1. Contribute to the planning and development of the aseptic service to meet changing demands of workload and continued compliance with local and national standards.

2. Contribute ideas and assist in the implementation of changes in order for the department to obtain a specials manufacturing license.

3. Contribute to the risk analysis of errors and formulation of ideas to reduce risk.

4. Prepare and implement new SOP's and other documents related to Aseptic reconstitution.

5. Prepare new worksheets and labels for new Aseptic products not previously prepared at Alder Hey.

6. Assist in the organisation of supervision and training for new aseptic staff.

7. Active participation in regional aseptic training courses and ATO facilitator courses, including assisting in the development of regional training packages.

8. Undertake CPD in order to keep pharmaceutical, clinical and technical knowledge current, ensure best practice and comply with requirements for entry on the pharmacy technician register.

9. Keep up to date with current pharmacy practice by attending appropriate in-house tutorials or training courses for technicians.

10. Partake in planned internal audits, clearly documenting and reporting findings.

11. Assist in the implementation and supervision of changes to technical services following external audit.

12. Assist in the review of stability data for Aseptic products.



Responsibility for information resources



1. Assist in the validation, implementation and development of complex Aseptic computer packages (e.g. Chemocare/CMM) particularly with respect to technical aspects.

2. Provide costing information when required for business planning and produce monthly activity reports.

3. Assist in developing and maintaining a computer database for the preparation of Aseptic worksheets.

4. Update and create new worksheets following an approved template.