Rotational Pharmacy Assistant

West Suffolk Nhs Foundation Trust; West Stow; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Rotational Pharmacy Assistant based at West Suffolk Hospital. The role covers dispensing, ward stock management, medicines reception, and distribution across inpatient and outpatient areas.

You will rotate through areas including Inpatient and Outpatient Dispensary, Reception, Distribution, Goods‑In and Pharmacy Stores, with training support and opportunities to progress in pharmacy.

Qualifications

• Customer care experience.
• Good general education including Maths and English (GCSE E–D / 2–3).
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent desirable; if not held, start within 6–12 months.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and label medicines, including controlled drugs, for wards and departments.
• Undertake regular ward stock checks and ensure stock medication is available.
• Receive medicines and bulk fluids from wholesalers, unpack and store correctly per manufacturer instructions.
• Assist with inpatient and outpatient reception duties using effective communication and customer service skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Prioritisation

Attention to detail

Computer literacy

Organised

Deadline orientation

Education

General education (GCSE Maths & English)

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent

Job description

Job summary

At West Suffolk, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to delivering the best quality and safest care to our local communities and need committed and skilled people to help us achieve this.

Are you a pro‑active, and passionate person who wants to provide exceptional care for our patients and a quality service to all?

If the answer is yes, we are currently recruiting for a Rotational Pharmacy Assistant to join our team and be based at West Suffolk Hospital.

The postholder will form part of the rotational team and work in different areas of the pharmacy department according to rotation plans and departmental needs. This includes Inpatient and Outpatient Dispensary, Reception, Distribution, Goods‑In and Pharmacy Stores.

Rotational Pharmacy Assistants are valued members of the team. They play an essential part in maintaining effective workflow due to their versatility and knowledge of work practice.

This is a great opportunity to build a career in pharmacy and make a real difference to the lives of those who need our services.

Main duties of the job

As part of the pharmacy team, the post holder will dispense and label medicines, including controlled drugs, for supply to wards and departments located internal and external to the Trust.

Regular ward stock checks and top-ups will be undertaken throughout the hospital to ensure stock medication is available when it's needed.

Medicines and bulk fluids procured from wholesalers, including controlled drugs, will be received into the department, unpacked, and stored correctly according to manufacturer's instructions.

Inpatient and outpatient reception duties will be included in daily activities utilising effective communication, customer service and organisational skills.

If not already qualified to the required level, the post holder will commence study at the earliest opportunity from start date (approx 12 months) of an appropriate pharmacy assistant course to ensure satisfactory levels of knowledge and understanding are attained alongside work based learning. Through our commitment to training and development, support from internal and external sources will be available to achieve this qualification and provide a foundation for career progression.

About us

#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.

Job responsibilities

Please see job description for full details.

With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education (including Maths and English to a minimum of functional skills level 1 (GCSE E-D / 2 to 3).

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Equivalent. (If you do not hold this qualification you will be expected to start this qualification within 6 - 12 months of appointment.)
• GCSE English and Maths, level 2 (C/4 or above)

Experience and knowledge

Essential

• Customer care experience.

Desirable

• Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or retail).

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients and pharmacy staff, verbally, digitally, and in writing.
• Able to manage time effectively.
• Able to prioritise and manage workload.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
• Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
• Occupational health clearance to carry out duties of role.

Personal qualities

Essential

• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working ethic.
• Shares information and good practice appropriately
• Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
• Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
• Flexibility to work in different areas of the department.
• Positive attitude towards personal development.
• Expected to participate on the Saturday, Sunday, Bank holiday and late rotas

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.