Pharmacy Assistant/Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS Trust in Norwich seeks a Band 2 Pharmacy Assistant to support chemotherapy services. You will prepare treatments under supervision and benefit from training to advance to Band 3. Ideal candidates are team players with attention to detail. Full-time or part-time opportunities available. Competitive salary from £24,465 to £26,598 per annum, with accessories like flexible working hours and career development support.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Discounted gym memberships

Excellent pension scheme

Free Park & Ride service

On-site Nursery

Support in career development

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a team.
• Previous experience of working in a pharmacy, healthcare or laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and supply of chemotherapy and other treatments.
• Work under supervision of a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Computer skills

Education

4 GCSEs at C/4 or above

Job description

Job Summary

The Pharmacy Department provides a fully comprehensive pharmaceutical service across the Trust and to external community units. We are a large and busy department with over 180 staff, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants and admin and clerical staff. There are many varied roles and we work as a team to provide services while maintaining a high level of patient care.

To support an expansion of chemotherapy services at the NNUH we have funding for our Aseptics Unit to increase capacity. Pharmacy assistants are vital to the team and work closely with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. You will be based in the Pharmacy Aseptic Services Unit and will work under supervision of a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist. Preparation and supply of chemotherapy and other treatments to patients is a key part of the role.

If you do not already have the required skills/qualifications, this post is an opportunity to join us as a Band 2 Pharmacy Assistant and develop the knowledge and skills to become a Band 3 Senior Pharmacy Assistant. Support, training and assessment will enable you to achieve the core and enhanced competencies required. Postholders who already hold a level 2 accredited pharmacy qualification will start at Band 3.

Main duties of the job

If you are new to pharmacy or have a level 2 accredited qualification and would like to provide a great service to NNUH patients, we would be delighted to receive your application. If you have experience in hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy or a dispensing doctor’s practice and would like to complete the Level 2 Science Manufacturing Process Operative apprenticeship, this would be a great opportunity to advance your career. The apprenticeship is delivered online with fortnightly teaching sessions and protected study time. The course is 12–18 months. Once qualified, the successful applicant will transition from Band 2 to Band 3.

Applicants must be self-motivated and able to work under pressure in a specialist environment. They must pay close attention to detail and consistently produce work to the required standard. They will be expected to use computer-based systems and therefore have appropriate computer skills. Team working is essential.

The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a current requirement to work 1 weekend day every 10 weeks in the dispensary and to cover 3 bank holidays annually in the Aseptics Unit. All rotas are subject to review. Part-time hours will be considered but must be for a minimum of 30 hours per week to meet apprenticeship entry requirements.

About Us

Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff. The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Quadram Institute. We work closely with the University of East Anglia and attract professionals from many countries.

We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity. We offer the full range of NHS benefits and discounts, plus:

• Flexible working hours
• Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
• Multi Faith prayer room
• Discounted gym memberships
• Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
• Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
• Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH
• Free 24-hour confidential counselling support
• On-site Nursery
• On-site cafes offering staff discounts
• Support in career development
• Flexible staff bank
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics

Details

Date posted: 08 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 2

Salary: £24,465 to £26,598 per annum (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 234-25-E0805

Job locations: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY

Job Description

Job responsibilities: Please view the attached job description for full details and use your supporting statement to confirm how you meet the essential and desirable criteria on the job specification.

Note: This position does not meet UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa. The Trust cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role. This post may close before the displayed closing date due to high application volume; please apply promptly.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential: 4 GCSEs at C/4 or above (ideally including Maths and English)

Experience

Essential: Experience of working in a team

Desirable: Previous experience of working in a pharmacy, healthcare or laboratory environment

Skills

Essential: Able to record information accurately

Attitude, aptitude

Essential: Able to work as part of a team with a flexible approach to duties; demonstrate NNUH PRIDE values (People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence); understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure. Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For UK visa information see UK Visas and Immigration. Criminal records checks for overseas applicants guidance applies.