We spoke to Alice Donkin, pharmacy technician at CUH. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in our pharmacy - working closely with ward teams and patients.
Alice, can you tell us a bit about your role here at CUH?
I am a pharmacy technician working as part of the Pharmacy team in Clinical Services.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like how every day is different when working on the ward. I enjoy interacting with patients and counselling them on their medications.
There are plenty of opportunities to develop.
What was your journey to get to this role?
I have been at CUH for nearly four years. I was previously working in a community pharmacy. During my time at CUH, I have already completed my Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT), Medicines Management, and Medicines Reconciliation courses. These courses have given me the tools and skills to develop within my job role.
What does a usual day look like?
Every day is different working as a clinical pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for completing core tasks such as locker checks to help maintain the supply of medications and confirm they are suitable for use. I also help with patient flow by working with the pharmacists, ordering patients' medications ready for discharge, managing patient discharges and I counsel patients on their medications. I also help the inpatient pharmacy once a week with end-checking of dispensed items.
Tell us about a case study that really stands out to you.
A patient seemed really upset and overwhelmed by their medications. By just taking the time to listen to them and explain what their medications are and why they are prescribed, it really changed their outlook.
How do you feel your role benefits our patients?
Pharmacy technicians can help relieve pressure - we support other members of the team, such as pharmacists and nurses, by helping with discharge and ordering medications so that they can concentrate on other aspects of patient care. We also complete drug history and medicines reconciliation on admission.
We support other members of the team, such as pharmacists and nurses, by helping with discharge and ordering medications so that they can concentrate on other aspects of patient care.