Dispensing Assistant - Fortuneswell Pharmacy

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking Dispensing Assistants for its Fortuneswell Pharmacy in Dorchester. The role involves supporting the dispensing process and ensuring safe, efficient service for outpatient care. Ideal candidates will have a good education background, computer skills, and a proactive attitude. Prior pharmacy experience is highly desirable. The position offers development opportunities, including training in NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services. Salary is negotiable based on experience, contributing to an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Prior pharmacy experience is highly desirable.
• Good eye for detail and accuracy required.
• Willingness to undertake NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of an efficient and safe dispensing service.
• Manage pharmacy stock including ordering and inventory management.
• Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.
• Contribute to policy/service development.

Skills

Computer literacy

Excellent communication skills

Enthusiastic and motivated

Ability to work methodically and accurately

Good analytical and interpersonal skills

Education

GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent

Qualified to NVQ level 2 or 3 in Pharmacy Services

Job description

Dispensing Assistant - Fortuneswell Pharmacy

The closing date is 07 January 2026

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for people to join our Fortuneswell Pharmacy team as Dispensing Assistants. Fortuneswell Pharmacy is a wholly owned subsidiary Outpatient Pharmacy located next to the Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit at Dorset County Hospital. For the last 7 years, our service has supplied medicines to patients and pharmaceutical advice to haematology and oncology outpatients and healthcare professionals. We have recently undergone a major refurbishment programme, and are looking to extend the high level of service offered to the rest of Dorset County Hospital's outpatients. We also provide a home delivery service to patients all over Dorset.

We are a people centred business, where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining Fortuneswell Pharmacy means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff who are committed to leading the way through clinical excellence and great customer care.

Fortuneswell Pharmacy operates as a separate company to Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for enthusiastic and self‑motivated individuals interested in developing skills within hospital outpatient pharmacy services. Working alongside the rest of the Fortuneswell Pharmacy team, as well as medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues from around the NHS Trust, you will be actively involved in the exciting development and expansion of outpatient pharmacy services.

The post will involve duties that assist in the dispensing process to provide a safe and efficient service for Dorset County Hospital's outpatients, as well as the opportunity to sell a limited range of over‑the‑counter products to staff, patients and visitors.

The ideal candidate will have a good general education and demonstrable computer experience. You will be systematic and have a good eye for detail and accuracy. If not already, you will take part in the NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, or an equivalent qualification (in‑house training will be provided). There will also be future opportunities for further development, such as Dispenser Accuracy Checking.

Prior pharmacy experience is highly desirable.

Salary negotiable depending upon experience, including a retention and recruitment premium.

About us

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways that matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well‑being of our communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.

Job responsibilities

• Assisting in the maintenance of an efficient and safe dispensing service.
• Ensuring that work is undertaken in line with policies and procedures.
• Communicating with patients, carers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding routine/sensitive information requiring empathy, reassurance and advisory skills.
• Managing pharmacy stock, including ordering, receipt and inventory management.
• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Contributing to policy/service development by suggesting changes/improvements within own area of activity.
• Review of staff training materials and Standard Operational Procedures under the supervision of the Superintendent Pharmacist.

Person Specification

Experience

• Evidence of general work experience.
• Evidence of work experience in a pharmacy environment.

Education & Qualification

• Evidence of good level of education to include GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent.
• Qualified to NVQ level 2 or 3 in Pharmacy Services AND/OR willing to undertake and achieve specified Units of NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification within an agreed timescale.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Computer literacy and keyboard skills.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and able to use initiative and work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately under pressure.
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
• Ability to have a flexible approach to work and to be open to changing practices.
• Good analytical, judgemental and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent spoken and written language English language skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust