Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Cancer Services

Bedfordshire Hospitals; Bedford, Luton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Pharmacy Assistant (NHS AfC Band 3) to support the Oncology and Haematology pharmacy service and aseptic supply unit. The post involves dispensing chemotherapy-related medicines, maintaining records, and rostered late-evening/weekend shifts.

Candidates should have prior pharmacy experience; training in chemotherapy dispensing is provided.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths, or equivalent.
• IT skills and capable use of computer systems in pharmacy.
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide pharmacy assistant duties and administrative support to the ASU.
• Prepare and maintain documentation and records for aseptically prepared products.
• Dispense outsourced parenteral chemotherapy treatments with traceability.
• Dispense oral chemotherapy and supportive medicines against electronic prescriptions.
• Ensure medicines and materials are stored per manufacturers’ requirements.
• Organise and securely store documentation, with proper archiving.
• Report incidents, errors or deficiencies to senior staff and assist investigations.

Skills

Good communication

MS Office

JAC system

Oncology prescribing system

Initiative

Reliability

Team player

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

GCSE English & Maths

IT skills vocational qualification

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Tools

Pharmacy JAC computer system

Oncology prescribing computer system

Job description

NHS AfC: Band 3

Main area Pharmacy Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Part time
• Job share
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (37.5 hours per week (including late evenings and weekend/bank holiday on rota)) Job ref 418-AHP61681-CW-B

Site Bedford Hospital South Wing Town Bedford Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 19/10/2026 18:00

Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

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 familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main 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.

Person specification

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

It is an exciting time to join Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

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. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

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.

Name Victoria Davies Job title Lead Technician - Pharmacy Aseptics Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01234 355122 Additional information

Point of contact: For further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Vicky Davies, Lead Pharmacy Technician - Aseptics on 01234 355122 Ext 6231