Senior Pharmacy Assistant – Cancer Services

Blmk Icb; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Pharmacy Assistant to support Oncology and Haematology services, focusing on aseptic supply and chemotherapy product handling. The role requires meticulous accuracy and strong customer care, with training provided for chemotherapy medicines.

The post includes rota duties in the late-evening, weekends and bank holidays. Experience in pharmacy and familiarity with EPMA, robotic dispensing and multi-site working are advantageous.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths required.
• IT skills qualification or experience.
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Aseptic Supply Unit (ASU) to supply chemotherapy and other medicines.
• Prepare and maintain documentation and records for aseptically prepared products.
• Accurately dispense outsourced parenteral chemotherapy with traceability.
• Dispense oral chemotherapy and supportive medicines via electronic prescriptions.
• Ensure medicines and materials are stored per manufacturers’ and regulatory requirements.
• Organise, maintain and securely store documentation and records.
• Report incidents or procedural deficiencies to senior staff and assist corrective actions.

Education

Vocational IT skills

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

JAC computer system

Oncology prescribing computer system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Cancer Services

The closing date is 19 October 2026

We are seeking an organised, enthusiastic and motivated Pharmacy Assistant to join our experienced and friendly team, supporting the delivery of a specialist Oncology and Haematology pharmacy service and the supply of aseptic products across the Trust.

The role would suit candidates with previous pharmacy experience. Experience of dispensing or handling chemotherapy medicines would be advantageous, although appropriate training and support will be provided.

The Pharmacy Department has recently completed an extensive Pharmacy Transformation Programme, including refurbishment of the department and the introduction of modern technology and systems. These include a Chemotherapy Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system, automated robotic dispensing, controlled drug dispensing and e-Rostering, providing an innovative and efficient working environment.

The post holder will be required to participate in the dispensary late-evening, weekend and bank holiday rota, supporting the delivery of a safe, responsive and high-quality pharmacy service throughout the week.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake a range of pharmacy assistant duties and provide organisational and administrative support to senior colleagues within the Pharmacy Aseptic Supply Unit (ASU).

The role encompasses a varied range of duties and responsibilities, which will be determined by service requirements and operational demand. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate meticulous accuracy, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of customer care, while maintaining effective communication and strong interpersonal skills when working with patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

To work as a member of the Aseptic Supply Unit (ASU) Team, contributing to the safe, effective and efficient supply of aseptically prepared chemotherapy and other medicinal products in accordance with approved procedures and work instructions.

To prepare and maintain the necessary documentation and records to support the timely supply of ready‑made aseptically prepared products.

To accurately dispense outsourced parenteral chemotherapy treatments, ensuring that products are suitable for use and that batch numbers and expiry dates are accurately recorded and traceable.

To dispense oral chemotherapy and supportive medicines against electronic prescriptions from the Oncology and Haematology Department, ensuring that all products are supplied in accordance with specific drug requirements and established procedures.

To ensure that medicines, materials and products are stored appropriately in accordance with manufacturers requirements, with particular attention to storage conditions and expiry dates. This is especially important for chemotherapy medicines, many of which have short shelf lives and are high‑cost products.

To organise, maintain and securely store documentation and records, ensuring that records are archived appropriately in accordance with legal, regulatory and departmental requirements.

To promptly report any incidents, errors, discrepancies or procedural deficiencies to Senior or Lead Aseptic staff, supporting the investigation and implementation of appropriate corrective and preventative actions

Please refer to the attached JD file.

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in English & Maths
• Vocational qualification in IT skills
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Experience

• Experience working in a pharmacy
• Experience using computer systems
• Experience of clinical administrative work
• Experience working in Hospital pharmacy Aseptics
• Experience working in a team
• Previous interest/experience in cancer services

Knowledge

• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Knowledge of pharmacy JAC computer system
• Knowledge of an oncology prescribing computer system

Skills

• Shows initiative
• Honest and Trustworthy, reliable
• Ability to work as part of a team, supporting others
• Methodical, excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organisational skills
• Calm and able to work under pressure
• Good interpersonal skills
• Evidence of time management skills and prioritisation skills

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.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearPer annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,Part-time,Job share,Flexible working