Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Dispensary

LEWISHAM AND GREENWICH NHS TRUST; City Of London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a full-time Senior Pharmacy Assistant to work in the dispensary at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich. The role involves dispensing prescriptions, maintaining stock, and supporting senior staff. Applicants should have NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services and excellent communication skills. The position includes weekend shifts and a commitment to high standards of service and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Dealing with the public experience required.
• Desirable: supervision of other staff; previous hospital/pharmacy experience.
• Use of computers in a work environment.

Responsibilities

• Dispensing and labeling of prescriptions.
• Support senior technical staff for efficient dispensary operations.
• Maintain stock control and fulfill pharmacy assistant duties.

Skills

Excellent communication

Ability to work from written procedures

Literacy and numeracy skills

Team player

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent

GCSEs in Maths and English at grades A-C or equivalent

Job description

Overview

This job is offered by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich. We are seeking a Senior Pharmacy Assistant – Dispensary, full time, permanent, to work in the hospital dispensary.

Note: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich, London.

Working pattern: The post holder will participate in a weekend rota system and will be required to maintain a high standard of customer service and accuracy in all duties.

Role summary

Post Title: Senior Pharmacy Assistant – Dispensary

Department: Pharmacy

Site: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich

Grade: Band 3

New/Previous Applicants: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

Responsibilities

• Dispensing and labeling of prescriptions.
• Support the senior technical staff to ensure the dispensary runs efficiently and is customer focused.
• Maintain good stock control and ensure completion of pharmacy assistant duties within the dispensary.
• Receive, check and process prescriptions for inpatients, outpatients, discharges and clinical trials as applicable.
• Provide top-up of drugs to designated wards/departments and replenish stocks to pre-set levels, ensuring proper storage and expiry checks.
• Assist with computer data entry (Ascribe) and generate dispensing labels; ensure accurate assembly of items for pharmacist/technician final check.
• Supply controlled drugs to wards and maintain accurate records, including monthly audits.
• Organise replenishment of controlled stationery and general dispensary supplies.
• Pre-pack items for wards and departments and manage stock checks of the emergency cupboard (temperature and expiry checks).
• Process returns from wards, manage internal distribution of dispensed inpatient items, and coordinate with pharmacy porters for delivery.
• Lead or participate in weekly rosters, tea/lunch rotas, and daily temperature monitoring of fridges and rooms.
• Answer telephone queries and handle inquiries from staff and the public; escalate pharmaceutical questions to a technician or pharmacist as needed.
• Receive drug charts and prescriptions from inpatient hatch and record details in the dispensary system (PTS/Ascribe).
• Maintain accurate stock transfer records and issue completed prescriptions and controlled drugs to ward staff.
• Be one of the computer system trainers for the dispensary department and ensure the dispensary is kept clean and tidy.
• Participate in auditing of dispensary activity as required and ensure adequate stock levels in the emergency drug cupboard.

Requirements

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent; literacy and numeracy skills; GCSEs in Maths and English at grades A-C (or equivalent).
• Experience: Dealing with the public; use of computers. Desirable: supervision of other staff; previous hospital/pharmacy experience.
• Knowledge & Skills: Excellent communication; literate and numerate; ability to work from written procedures; able to prioritise workload; works well under pressure; team player.

General and Compliance

• Adhere to department procedures and policies; maintain patient confidentiality; follow Trust Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.
• Health and Safety responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act; report untoward incidents or hazardous environments.
• Work seven days on rota and accept other responsibilities as reasonably expected by the Chief Pharmacist.

Additional information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered along with all other applications. For further information visit the relevant government guidance.

Employer details

Employer: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH