Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser | UHS Pharmacy Ltd ( UPL )

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

UHS Pharmacy LTD is seeking a Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser to join the outpatient pharmacy. You will assist with accurate dispensing, labeling and preparation of prescriptions, while supporting stock management and patient-facing services in a hospital setting.

The role offers on-site, permanent employment with opportunities to obtain a formal dispensing qualification and develop within a multidisciplinary hospital team in Southampton.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
• 3 GCSEs at grades A*-C in English, Maths and Science.
• Strong customer service, communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Accurately dispensing and labelling medicines from outpatient and inpatient prescriptions.
• Maintain stock control including ordering, receipting, rotating and checking expiry dates; support dispensing robot.
• Assist reception, front counter services and handling prescription charges and customer enquiries.
• Work towards in-house competencies and obtain a formal qualification in dispensing medication.

Skills

Numeracy

Literacy

IT skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

GCSEs English, Maths & Science (A*-C)

Job description

Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser | UHS Pharmacy Ltd ( UPL )

UHS Pharmacy LTD is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us as a Pharmacy Dispenser.

Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.

Job Title: Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser

Contract: Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Trainee Dispenser at UPL, the outpatients pharmacy of UHS, where you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred pharmaceutical care. This position serves as a key foundation in supporting our pharmacy department to provide safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing services to hospital outpatients, ensuring that every patient receives their medication promptly and safely.

Contributing to Team and Organisational Objectives: You will work collaboratively within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment, assisting pharmacists and senior staff with the accurate labelling, assembling, and dispensing of outpatient prescriptions. By maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency, the role directly supports the department's objectives of reducing patient waiting times, enhancing medication safety, and improving overall outpatient healthcare outcomes.

Team and Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Pharmacy Manager and Superintendent Pharmacist, working in close daily collaboration with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensary assistants, and hospital clinical teams to ensure seamless workflow management and patient communication.

UPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, providing pharmacy services for hospital staff, outpatients, and visitors. Conveniently located in the main foyer of the hospital, the pharmacy offers a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and healthcare products.

We are committed to being an employer of choice where everyone matters. The pharmacy operates:

• Monday to Friday09:00 - 18:00

Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.

In this role, your key responsibilities will include:

• Accurately dispensing and labelling medicines from hospital outpatient and inpatient prescriptions while completing documentation for specialist items.
• Maintaining effective stock control, which includes ordering, receipting, rotating, checking expiry dates, shelving, and replenishing the dispensing robot.
• Supporting reception, front counter services, and financial transactions by handling prescription charges, exemption checking, and customer enquiries.
• Working towards achieving in-house competencies and obtaining a formal qualification in dispensing medication.

What Experience and Skills Are Needed

Demonstration of strong numeracy, literacy, and IT skills, including holding 3 GCSEs at grades A* to C (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and Science.

• A proven track record of delivering excellent customer service alongside strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail and concentration skills required for accurate medication handling and working autonomously.
• Willingness and ability to undertake continuing professional development and adapt to workplace change.

Shift patterns will involve weekend working on a rotation as well as some late duties during the week.

• No driving license or travel is required for this on-site hospital dispensary position.
• Standard employment checks and safeguarding compliance apply in line with Trust standards and policies.

This advert closes on Thursday 22 Oct 2026