Pharmacy Assistant

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust seeks a motivated Pharmacy Assistant to support a busy GP practice in Exeter. You will process prescriptions, maintain patient records in EMIS, and handle patient enquiries by phone and email with a focus on accuracy and patient care.

The part-time 20-hour role requires strong organisation and communication within a supportive NHS environment, contributing to efficient prescription services and continuous service improvement.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and IT skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality patient care within a busy NHS environment.

Responsibilities

• Process prescription requests using the EMIS system.
• Maintain electronic patient records with accuracy.
• Respond to patient enquiries by telephone and email.
• Resolve routine prescription queries following SOPs.
• Support service improvement and maintain orderly records.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Administrative skills

Tools

EMIS

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and organised Pharmacy Assistant to join our busy GP practice team. The successful candidate will support the delivery of a safe, efficient and patient-focused prescription service, working closely with both our Reception and Pharmacy teams. Key responsibilities include processing prescription requests, maintaining accurate patient records using the EMIS clinical system, responding to patient enquiries by telephone and email, and resolving routine prescription queries in line with practice policies and standard operating procedures. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and IT skills, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care within a fast-paced primary care environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the smooth running of an essential NHS service while developing your skills within a supportive practice team.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below. More detail about the role The successful candidate will be responsible for processing prescription requests accurately using the EMIS clinical system, maintaining electronic patient records, and ensuring all prescription-related documentation is completed to a high standard. You will act as a key point of contact for patients, carers, community pharmacies and healthcare professionals, helping to resolve routine prescription queries and ensuring an effective service is provided at all times. Working both independently and as part of a team, you will use your strong organisational and communication skills to manage prescription requests, maintain accurate electronic filing systems, and support the ongoing development of prescription processes. You will also contribute to service improvement initiatives and practice developments that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The role includes monitoring medication storage temperatures and stock levels, liaising with suppliers and community pharmacy teams, responding to telephone and email enquiries, and escalating more complex issues to senior pharmacy staff when appropriate. You will also support the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures and help ensure service continuity during periods of staff absence. This position requires excellent attention to detail, the ability to prioritise workload effectively, and a professional, compassionate approach when dealing with patients and colleagues. The post holder will interact regularly with patients, family members, practice staff, community pharmacy teams, external organisations and members of the wider healthcare community through verbal, written and electronic communication. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative skills who enjoys working in a busy healthcare environment and is committed to delivering outstanding patient service.

Working Pattern: 20 hours, Monday - Thursday 8am - 1pm

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust., Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available - if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.