Pharmacy Assistant

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a full-time Pharmacy Distribution Assistant at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. The successful candidate will manage stock replenishments and ensure safe medication delivery, requiring effective communication and good IT skills. This permanent role offers a salary between £24,465 and £26,598. Ideal applicants will have relevant qualifications and a positive attitude towards teamwork and training. Flexible working hours are expected as the role includes weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Must work within Standard Operating Procedures for safe medication supply.
• Excellent at data entry and proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Good problem-solving skills and time management are essential.

Responsibilities

• Complete stock checks at ward level and order medication.
• Monitor expiry dates and manage IV Fluids supply.
• Deliver medication safely across hospital areas.

Skills

Excellent IT skills

Good interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Time-management skills

Accurate data entry

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics – Grade C/4 or above

Relevant units of Buttercups Level 2 (Pharmacy Stock Management)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Pharmacy Distribution is a growing team within the Pharmacy Supply Services family! The ideal candidate will be able to work well independently whilst moving around the hospital to complete ward stock replenishments and work well as part of the team, to achieve the daily workload. This often means getting a lot of steps in each day and managing changing priorities in the hospital environment with good communication!

Distribution is a friendly team, and the successful candidate will be supported by the Distribution Supervisors, Inventory Manager, and the Distribution Lead in learning the role, and achieving the required training for progression to the Band 3 post.

The successful candidate must also be able to work within the department's Standard Operating Procedures and other legal frameworks in place to ensure the safe and secure supply of medication. This includes working within the realms of our Wholesale Dealing Authorisation - WDA(h), and meeting the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP). Sometimes the team is required to support other teams such as Pharmacy Stores when needed.

This role is ideal for candidates with a positive attitude and the ability to work accurately under pressure whilst adapting to the dynamic hospital environment!

About Us

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award‑winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialties. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti‑discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all under‑represented groups.

Main Duties of the Job

• Complete stock checks at ward level against agreed stock lists, ordering required medication against stock levels defined on our Pharmacy IT system.
• Monitor expiry dates of medication at ward level utilising the Microsoft Excel digital database.
• Process and pick orders for stock medication from the requesting app against agreed stock lists and stock levels.
• Check requests against our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ward stock in line with the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP) for both NBT and non‑NBT entities.
• Order, put away, and monitor IV Fluids supplied by our offsite fluid warehouse.
• Deliver medication to the required areas across the North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) site using trolleys and cages as required.
• Ensure prompt, safe, and secure transportation of medication to areas of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), offsite NBT entities, and non‑NBT entities. This includes cold chain products, scheduled orders, and cytotoxic or hazardous substances.
• Communicate efficiently with a wide range of other members of North Bristol NHS Trust, including Pharmacy and ward staff, alongside non‑NBT units. This includes dealing with routine service enquiries from the Pharmacy Distribution inbox and telephone, and escalating when medication is needed urgently.
• Any other duties, which may be required by the Director of Pharmacy for the benefit of the service. This may include potentially changing at short notice to help another team within Pharmacy.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will need to support the Distribution team as a positive and motivated team player, with an open mind to the development of the Distribution service, including the supply of medication to non‑NBT entities under our Wholesale Dealing Authorisation – WDA(h) and in line with the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (GDP). The candidate must also be able to communicate effectively with a range of professionals, both internally and externally. Additionally the individual must use their initiative to complete the most urgent tasks, with an awareness of when to refer to a line manager.

Person Specification

Education / Training / Qualifications Essential

• Relevant units of Buttercups Level 2 (Pharmacy Stock Management), or willingness to work towards.
• GCSE English and Mathematics – Grade C/4 or above.

Work Experience Desirable

• Previous employment in hospital or community pharmacy.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Essential

• Excellent IT skills, including accurate data entry such as Microsoft Excel, and other computer systems.
• Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate effectively.
• Good problem‑solving skills, and aware of when to elevate appropriately.
• Good time‑management skills and working under own initiative to achieve priority tasks.
• Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Desirable

• Knowledge of Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (WDA h) activities and the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP).

Personal Qualities / Special Circumstances Essential

• Working independently and as part of a team.
• Maintaining accuracy and focus throughout repetitive daily tasks.
• Willingness to be trained and instructed, and working proactively to progress training.
• Ability to work within the defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with an awareness of legal frameworks, such as Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• Able to work during the normal Pharmacy hours between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm Monday‑Friday, as well as weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/visas-immigration.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks.

Salary & Benefits

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 2

Salary: £24,465 to £26,598 per annum (Band 2 pay progressing to Band 3)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 339‑CCS6714‑NG

Job location: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Job Posting Information

Date posted: 18 December 2025