Pharmacy Assistant

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in England is seeking a Pharmacy Assistant to join a supportive team at Sunderland Royal and South Tyneside District Hospitals. The role involves stock management and assisting in the safe distribution of medications. Flexibility in working hours is available, and candidates must be willing to pursue NVQ Level 2 training. Good communication skills and the ability to work within a dynamic team are essential. Applicants are encouraged to apply before 30 December 2025.

Benefits

Access to high-quality education and training

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Ability to prioritise own work to meet service requirements.
• Must be willing to complete NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide an efficient supplies system of Drugs to all wards and departments.
• Check, store, and distribute medicines in the area of responsibility.
• Participate in weekend and bank holiday pharmacy service.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to work as a member of the team

Basic computing and keyboard skills

Good analytical and judgmental skills

Education

Basic numeracy and literacy skills to Level 2 or equivalent

Completed appropriate NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or willing to work towards

Tools

Computer stock control systems

Job description

Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Pharmacy Assistant

The closing date is 30 December 2025

Whether you are just starting off in your career and have a special interest in Pharmacy or if you're an individual with experience in Pharmacy, then we are looking for you! We are seeking candidates with drive, initiative, enthusiasm and good communication skills to join our friendly and forward‑thinking Pharmacy team to work across both Pharmacy Departments at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital.

The posts involve working alongside our Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Dispensing Assistants to provide integrated pharmaceutical care for service users in the Trust to ensure safe, appropriate and cost‑effective use of medicines.

Main duties of the job

You will participate in a range of duties within the Pharmacy Stores including receipt, distribution of medicines to wards and departments, stock management on wards/departments, invoicing and other duties which support the ward‑based Pharmacy service.

An ability to work both in a team and alone is essential and it is vital that applicants understand the needs of patients and other staff members. Candidates must have effective time‑management skills, an ability to work within time constraints and be flexible to changing work routines.

A part of the Pharmacy team, you will be required to contribute to the Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays roster and additionally some late duties until approximately 19:30 Monday to Friday.

Successful applicants will either have, or be willing to work towards, the completion of an NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services. Previous experience of working in a hospital or community Pharmacy would also be desirable but it is not essential.

Flexible working arrangements would be considered including part‑time hours.

For informal enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact Emma Graham on 01915699048.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture/ working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce's health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high–quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities

To provide an efficient supplies system of Drugs and associated products to all wards, departments, units, outreach hospitals and customers in the district and surrounding areas, which includes checking, storage and distribution of medicines in the area of responsibility.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification

Disposition

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as a member of the team.
• To participate in a weekend pharmacy service and relevant bank holiday arrangements.

Qualifications

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills to Level 2 or equivalent.
• Completed appropriate NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or willing to work towards and complete within 6 months of commencing the post.

Skills and Knowledge

• Good organisational skills with an ability to maintain a disciplined approach to work.
• Ability to prioritise own work to meet service requirements.
• Basic computing and keyboard skills.
• Good analytical and judgmental skills.
• A good knowledge and understanding of hospital and pharmacy policy and procedures.

Experience

• Experience of computer stock control systems.
• Experience in a similar post.

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

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust