Pharmacy Technician (with ward duties)

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Chester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Chester is actively recruiting registered Technicians for their expanding Pharmacy Team. Ideal candidates should possess NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services and be registered with GPhC. You will be responsible for dispensing medications, maintaining accurate records, and may also contribute to clinical trials. This role offers full training and development opportunities, including a BTEC level 4 qualification in ACT.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in pharmacy, preferably in a hospital setting.
• Good understanding of policies and procedures in pharmacy.

Responsibilities

• Dispensing prescriptions accurately and efficiently.
• Maintaining accurate records for controlled drugs.
• Dispensing clinical trials under supervision.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services

Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC

Job description

Overview

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 21 September 2025

We are looking to recruit enthusiastic, hardworking registered Technicians to join our expanding Pharmacy Team. We are looking for Technicians who are motivated and keen to develop their skills as part of an integrated team. Our qualified staff are expected to have a positive work ethic, be flexible and reliable.

Hospital experience is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to further their skills by completing a BTEC level 4 ACT Qualification. As part of our integrated team, there will be opportunities to work on wards within the main hospital performing top ups and ordering medications for inpatients.

High levels of accuracy are essential as well as the ability to work well under pressure. We are looking for individuals who are confident, have excellent communication and organisation skills and who can use their own initiative to provide a safe and effective service to our patients.

Dispensary based duties will include preparation, dispensing, and supply of medications to a variety of patients. You will be expected to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to counsel patients effectively. We expect our Technicians to co-operate with all Pharmacy Staff in providing and developing an efficient and comprehensive Pharmaceutical Service under the direction of Senior Pharmacy Management for all patients treated by The Countess of Chester Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out accurately and efficiently the dispensing of prescriptions, including unlicensed and named-patient medication, oral cytotoxic medication, controlled drugs and Patient's own medication in accordance with the agreed safe systems of work practice and current medicines legislation
• To input and maintain accurate computer and register records for controlled drugs, unlicensed drugs and named-patient medication according to departmental procedures
• To dispense clinical trials in accordance with the dispensing protocol, ICH GCP guidelines and European Directive and under the supervision of the clinical trials technician/pharmacist
• Calculate formulae for all extemporaneously prepared medicines using manual methods in accordance with safe dispensing practice and standard operating procedures

About us

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:

• The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds
• Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
• Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.

The Trust employs over 5916 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000. This includes 361,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire which has a population of approximately 50,000.

Job responsibilities

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services with appropriate underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
• Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC
• CPD portfolio inline with GPC requirements
• Thorough understanding of policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years experience in Pharmacy
• Good understanding of hospital pharmacy & experience

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.

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust