Hospital Pharmacy Assistant (Dispenser) - suitable for those new to hospital practice

RSCH Pharmacy Ltd; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable outpatient pharmacy in Guildford is seeking a Pharmacy Assistant (Dispenser) to join their team. The ideal candidate will assist in providing patient-centred care and work collaboratively with a healthcare team. The role entails preparing medications and ensuring safety in a busy pharmacy environment. This position offers a competitive starting salary of £27,500 and operates weekdays only, focusing on a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Generous annual leave

Free on-site parking

Flexible working opportunities

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Must be able to understand and meet the needs of patients.
• Previous pharmacy experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong focus on patient safety and quality care.

Responsibilities

• Assist with dispensing medications safely and effectively.
• Prepare and deliver medicines as required.
• Maintain stock rotation and control in the pharmacy.

Skills

Patient care

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

Relevant training/experience in pharmacy

Job description

About the job

Following the successful training of two of our dispensers into registered Pharmacy Technicians, we are once again expanding our successful, friendly outpatient pharmacy team. We are searching for a Pharmacy Assistant (Dispenser) who is looking to expand their role into hospital specialities and use it each day without having to work on a ward.

This role is suitable for people new to the hospital sector, as well as more established individuals who are looking for a change of sector from community or hospital pharmacy practice. Clinically we cover a diverse range of hospital-based specialities, particularly paediatrics, emergency medicine, rheumatology, gastroenterology and ophthalmology, as well as serving the UK’s fourth largest cancer centre. This particular opportunity for the right candidate focuses on non‑oncology practice.

The role is for 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday – there is no weekend, late‑night or Bank Holiday working. The annual salary will start from £27,500 depending on experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an outpatient hospital pharmacy that has a focus on patient safety and experience. You will be working in a busy and supportive environment, providing a patient‑centred service, whilst maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. The role is perfect for people seeking a new challenge, and particularly suits those with a strong focus on patient care and an ability to develop solid working relationships with doctors, nurses and the wider healthcare team.

Work Location: The outpatient pharmacies at the Royal Surrey Hospital

Hours per week: full‑time is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday only; part‑time applications welcome

For more information or an informal discussion please contact [e-mail]

Main responsibilities

• Being part of a pharmacy team of around 10 people, working under the direction of a registered pharmacist.
• Receiving training, support and development to be able to work safely and effectively.
• Helping with the tasks needed to open up and close the pharmacy each day.
• Preparing medicines and delivering them between our on‑site dispensaries.
• Helping ensure medicines are appropriately ordered, received, secured and managed.
• Completing project work with the support of one of our pharmacists or technicians, including audit participation.
• Using effective questioning and listening techniques to understand and meet the needs of patients and colleagues.
• Advising patients about their prescription.

About us

We are ‘PharmCo’, the wholly owned subsidiary outpatient pharmacy of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. We run two dispensaries at the hospital, and one non‑dispensing hub for patients to collect their medicines and get advice.

Clinically we cover a diverse range of hospital‑based specialities, particularly paediatrics, emergency medicine, rheumatology, gastroenterology and ophthalmology, as well as serving the UK’s fourth largest cancer centre.

We have a strong focus on people development and a clear career pathway map for our pharmacist and technical colleagues, which provides opportunities to develop clinical, managerial and leadership skills and knowledge.

Equal Opportunities

We recognise that diversity brings strength and value, so we don’t simply accept difference, we actively encourage and celebrate it. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

Benefits

• Weekday working only
• Competitive starting salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement including bank holidays
• Free on‑site parking
• Flexible working opportunities, including Sabbatical Leave for longer‑term employees
• Competitive private pension scheme
• On‑site nursery (chargeable)
• Staff gym (low annual charge)
• On‑site social club
• Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Discounts and lifestyle savings, plus a 24/7, 365 wellbeing support service through our partner staff benefits organisation

Additional responsibilities

• Be part of a pharmacy team, working under the direction of a registered pharmacist.
• Receive training, support and development to be able to work safely and effectively.
• Work with patients every day, helping them with their prescriptions and medicines.
• Help with the tasks needed to open up, manage and close the pharmacy each day.
• Accurately dispense clinically checked prescriptions.
• Identify potential patient safety or medicine optimisation issues with a prescription and appropriately elevate them.
• Safely handout medicines and advise patients and their representatives about their prescription.
• Help develop and run medicine‑related audits.
• Complete project work with the support of one of our pharmacists or technicians, including audit participation.
• Contribute to the induction and training of new staff.
• Prepare medicines and deliver them between our on‑site dispensaries.
• Order medicines, receive and put away deliveries at the pharmacy, checking accuracy against purchase orders and delivery notes.
• Help ensure medicines are appropriately stored and secured.
• Help maintain effective stock rotation and control, including expiry date checks.
• Help keep the dispensary organised, tidy and running smoothly.