Pharmacy Assistant - Rotational

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the UK seeks a pharmacy assistant to dispense medicines and support ward stock top-ups. The role involves communication with teams across multiple sites and requires GCSEs in Maths and English. Applicants should show a commitment to patient care and flexibility in working hours, including weekends. This position offers full training and opportunities for development within the NHS. Strong attention to detail and teamwork are essential for success.

Benefits

Full training and development support

Inclusive and diverse working environment

Access to staff wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Positive attitude: enthusiastic, reliable and flexible team player.
• Commitment to care: interest in pharmacy services and a desire to support patient wellbeing.
• Methodical with attention to detail and standard keyboard/IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and issue medicines, including controlled drugs.
• Support ward stock top‑ups and emergency orders.
• Input data into the pharmacy computer system.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team player

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/Level 4 or above)

Relevant NVQ 2 or Level 2 Pharmacy qualification

Job description

Responsibilities

• Dispense and issue medicines, including controlled drugs and unlicensed products.
• Support ward stock top‑ups and emergency orders.
• Handle deliveries, stock rotation, and automated dispensing systems.
• Work across multiple hospital sites as part of a dynamic and supportive team.
• Order and supply pharmaceuticals as part of the ward stock top‑up service.
• Load medicines received into the automated dispensing machine.
• Answer basic reception queries within area of competence and refer to senior assistant or other pharmacy staff member as required.
• Input data into the pharmacy computer system to ensure that all appropriate records are made and kept up to date.
• Receive medicines into the Pharmacy Department and ensure that the documentation and computer entry is carried out in a timely and accurate manner.
• Investigate and resolve delivery discrepancies, liaising with invoicing staff and making appropriate records of all investigations and outcomes.
• Ensure that all pharmaceutical preparations are stored appropriately.
• Rotate stock at the point of good receipt.
• Deal with routine enquiries.
• Ensure that all unused medicines are recycled in accordance with the safe systems of work and participate in the safe disposal of medicines in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Manually handle IV fluids, bulk feed deliveries and manoeuvre cages and tote boxes for delivery toward/departments, outside clinics.
• Deliver medicines to ward and departments as required.
• Deal with frequent interruptions such as telephone enquiries from internal and external customers.
• Fix the robot when basic errors occur.
• Participate in daily stock count.
• Issue medicines which are on the "To‑Follows" list.
• Participate in development and project work in line with the objectives of the Trust and Pharmacy Directorate.
• Deal with ad hoc stock requests as they arise (by telephone or portal) from wards/departments and outside clinics.
• Supply emergency orders.
• Ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with current legislation and regulations in respect of Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH and other relevant standards.
• Participate and co‑operate in weekend, bank holiday, statutory holiday, early morning and evening services as per departmental arrangements.
• Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with this role as required.
• Work across sites where required.
• Adapt to changes that may occur within the Pharmacy Department, such as the introduction of new equipment, procedures, policies and hours of working.

Benefits & Development

• Full training and development support, including a nationally recognised NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services.
• Inclusive and diverse working environment.
• Opportunities to grow within the NHS.
• Access to staff wellbeing services and flexible working arrangements.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/Level 4 or above) or equivalent (proof required).
• Positive attitude: enthusiastic, reliable and flexible team player.
• Commitment to care: interest in pharmacy services and a desire to support patient wellbeing.
• Good communication skills and a professional presentation.
• Accuracy and attention to detail, ability to prioritise and adapt to the needs of the service throughout the day.
• Experience of stock rotation and working in stores and distribution (preferred).
• Methodical with attention to detail and standard keyboard/IT skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant NVQ 2 or Level 2 Pharmacy qualification.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment.
• Enthusiasm for the position.

Working Hours and Flexibility

• Participate in weekend, late night and bank holiday rotas.
• Flexibility to travel across multiple hospital sites, primarily based at Royal Liverpool Hospital.
• Flexible working arrangements from day one, including reduced hours, compressed hours, fixed shifts and home working where possible.

Equality and Diversity

The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled, male and age 16‑24.

Legal and Disclosure

Applicants will be required to comply with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and may need to submit to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The cost of DBS applications will be recovered via salary deduction following start of post.