Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant

NTH; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Dispensing Assistant to join the Hospital Pharmacy Team. The role focuses on dispensing medicines, ward services and stock management across sites.

Applicants should have a dispensing qualification and experience in hospital pharmacy, with skills in EMIS/ASCribe and Omnicell systems. The post may require duties at multiple sites and a 37.5 hour week.

Qualifications

• Dispensing experience in hospital pharmacy.
• Experience with EMIS/ASCribe and robotics.
• Stock control and ward dispensing experience.

Responsibilities

• Dispense prescriptions and ward orders following SOPs.
• Maintain stock levels and support Omnicell/robotics operations.
• Provide ward-based dispensing services and assist in pharmacy stores checks.

Skills

Dispensing qualification

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills

Tools

EMIS

ASCribe

Omnicell

BD Rowa robots

Job description

Find out about the current vacancies available at the Trust and take the next step in your career with us.

Main area Dispensing Assistant Grade AFC Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Part time
• Job share

37.5 hours per week (Weekends and Bank Holidays are worked on a rota basis) - 2 posts offered 37.5 hours per week) Job ref 345-CSU7-8262497-B

Site University Hospital of North Tees Town Stockton on Tees Salary £25,760 - £27,476 pro rata, per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 18/11/2026 18:00

Job overview

Advert may close early if sufficient number of applications is reached.

We are looking for an enthusiastic team member with a dispensing qualification to join our Hospital Pharmacy Team. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive and modern pharmacy service by undertaking activities within the pharmacy or at ward level, which provide an efficient and effective delivery of medicines to patients e.g. dispensing medicines to patients, ward services and store based activities. Please note that whilst the posts will be predominantly based between University Hospital of North tees and University Hospital Hartlepool the post holder may be required to work on any site within the University Hospital of Tees Group.

Main duties of the job

Day to day working in the dispensary and at ward level following appropriate training.

To provide a safe and effective dispensing service in areas worked, utilising technology such as EMIS Ascribe dispensing system, BD Rowa robots and Omnicell cabinets.

Supporting pharmacy stores service providing checks to assembled ward orders, support for pharmacy homecare service, Omnicell cycle counts, and ensuring sound stock control is carried out in areas covered.

Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation at the Trust are well developed and we aim to provide high quality care with an emphasis on services to patients, through a modernised lean process.

Working for our organisation

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Following established SOP’s to dispense prescriptions and requisitions timely and accurately using the ASCribe/Emis computer system and robotics. Self-check to ensure quality and accuracy of dispensed items prior to final technical check.

Dispense controlled drug prescriptions and ward orders from automated drug cabinets following SOP’s. Accurate entries to be made in controlled drug registers to maintain stock control and legal requirements. Responsible for each individual entry any discrepancies being reported immediately to manager. Issue controlled drug stationary, prescription pads and requisition books ensuring necessary records are completed to approved staff. Monitor stock levels and inform manager when supplies are required.

Provide dispensing service on wards. Carry out Patient Orientated Pharmacy service after completing Medicine Management training and compilation of portfolio, subject to service requirements.

Carry out monthly cycle counts on all Omnicells, and reporting any issue to Principal Pharmacy Technician - Omnicells. Replenish A&E emergency Omnicell on a daily basis using generated reports. Assist Principal Pharmacy Technician in Omnicell project work.

Check the accuracy of the generation and selection of items for ward and departmental orders including ad hoc requisitions assembled by pharmacy assistants following SOP’s. Ensure all items are correct, fit for purpose and in date. Inform staff of any discrepancies and ensure correction occurs. This includes use of robotics and Omnicell technology. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Responsible for ward stock supplies for designated ward or department. Maintain the stock to agreed levels on a weekly basis following SOP’s. Monitor stock to ensure stock in date and fit for purpose. Site dependent includes the use of Ascribe, robotics and Omnicell.

Undertake training to include prescription/requisition/order entry onto the ASCribe computer system, accurate assembly and dispensing of medication and reception duties. Take responsibility for personal development and education including mandatory training via Electronic Staff Record (ESR) and targets set within annual appraisal. Participate in departmental dispensary training of new staff in SOP’s and processes.

Responsible for counting daily stock takes, including robotics and Omnicells. Monitor accuracy of stock levels by reporting any discrepancies to line manager to ensure investigation. Maintain stock quality with regular expiry date checks. Dispose of expired / discontinued medication in a safe manner following the trust and departmental waste management procedure and COSHH regulations.

Record Homecare prescriptions against patient medical records using Ascribe Homecare module following SOP’s.

Personal Attributes

• Be focused on patient care and the delivery of an effective and efficient service.
• Be able to work accurately under pressure
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a Team

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent
• Maths and English GCSE level 4 or above

Experience

• Experience of dispensing and stock control work within a pharmacy
• Experience of working in hospital pharmacy

Important - Once sufficient applications have been received this vacancy may close early.

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)

It is the policy of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost for their DBS certificate. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay on commencement with the Trust. The DBs check will be undertaken during the pre-employment check screening.

Qualifications
Please note the essential qualifications required for the post are outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to provide original evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted. You will also be required to provide original copies as part of the pre-employment check screening.

New Starters – Probationary Period

For any new employees commencing employment with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).

Employment References

Working Hours

If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.

At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.

We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.

We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Disability

We are a Disability Confident Lead employer. This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.

Right to Work in the UK

The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless they have permission to work via another route. Non UK/RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here: Work in the UK - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk )

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for health or social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

As a supporter of the Armed Forces and an employer of Reservists, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces (and their families) are treated fairly.

We recognise that reservists and veterans bring a variety of transferable skills and qualities to our workplace, developed through their military careers. Our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community has been recognised through the Armed Forces Covenant as a Silver Employer.

Further Important Information

Please check your email on a regular basis for updates on your application. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to email via this method.

Please ensure you read the ‘Guidance Notes for Applicants’ document attached to this advert before completing and submitting your application.

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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