Job Description

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role. We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.
This is a 12 months fixed term contract.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated individual to the post of Pharmacy Assistant - Dispensary at The Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
This dynamic role sees you as the first point of contact for all face to face and telephone enquiries to the Department from healthcare professionals, pharmacy colleagues, patients, carer's, the general public and visitors referring them to the appropriate pharmacy staff as required.
You will facilitate an effective and efficient workflow and communication through the department and assist dispensary staff by coordinating the receipt, logging, prioritisation and collection of prescriptions.
Applicants should have excellent communication & organisational skills; be self-motivated and possess excellent interpersonal skills, be flexible and able to work well in an environment of change and transition. Applicants must also have good computer skills and be able to work well under pressure.
Main duties of the job
The post holder may expected to support the department with medicines related tasks such as ward medicines tops ups and managing medicine waste on an ad hoc basis. Basic knowledge of medicines may be useful but full training and guidance will be given.
An NVQ level 2 in customer care would be an advantage but is not essential, but you will need previous customer service experience. You will be expected to complete certain units of the QCF level 2 in pharmacy services that are relevant to the role. Previous experience of working in a primary care/NHS/pharmacy setting is also desirable.
Please note this vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if interested.
About us
Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives
Details
Date posted
05 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
24,465 a year per annum pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
10 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
249-7631482
Job locations
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Job description
Job responsibilities

• Attend to all staff waiting at the pharmacy reception and deal with their requests in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
• Answer all telephone calls in a timely and prompt manner.
• Ensure optimum communication via teams or telephone with the wider department team.
• Monitor the dispensary email inbox for external unit requests and print / receive all in-patient and take-home medication requests, entering them onto the prescription tracking system, and passing the work onto the relevant person in a timely manner.
• Prioritising all prescriptions according to their urgency, updating information on the prescription tracking system as to the status of prescriptions as required.
• Responsible for ensuring that the prescription tracking system does not exceed our expected turnaround times. Identifying urgent work to an appropriate member of the pharmacy team to enable quick completion and transport to the ward.
• Co-ordinate the packing and sealing of all ward bags ready for the Pharmacy porter collection times, logging them off the prescription tracking system.
• Ensure all visitors to the department who are external to the Trust read, understand and adhere to the official information provided within the visitors logbook. andsign the Official visitors logbook.

Please read attached JD for full information. Job description
Job responsibilities

• Attend to all staff waiting at the pharmacy reception and deal with their requests in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
• Answer all telephone calls in a timely and prompt manner.
• Ensure optimum communication via teams or telephone with the wider department team.
• Monitor the dispensary email inbox for external unit requests and print / receive all in-patient and take-home medication requests, entering them onto the prescription tracking system, and passing the work onto the relevant person in a timely manner.
• Prioritising all prescriptions according to their urgency, updating information on the prescription tracking system as to the status of prescriptions as required.
• Responsible for ensuring that the prescription tracking system does not exceed our expected turnaround times. Identifying urgent work to an appropriate member of the pharmacy team to enable quick completion and transport to the ward.
• Co-ordinate the packing and sealing of all ward bags ready for the Pharmacy porter collection times, logging them off the prescription tracking system.
• Ensure all visitors to the department who are external to the Trust read, understand and adhere to the official information provided within the visitors logbook. andsign the Official visitors logbook.

Please read attached JD for full information.
Person Specification
Education / Training
Essential

• Good level of literacy and numeracy e.g. GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths
• Working towards NVQ2 or equivalent experience

Experience
Essential

• Previous customer service experience
• Working as part of a team in a busy environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in a pharmacy department
• Previous administrative work
• Previous experience of working in a primary care/NHS setting

Person Specification
Education / Training
Essential

• Good level of literacy and numeracy e.g. GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths
• Working towards NVQ2 or equivalent experience

Experience
Essential

• Previous customer service experience
• Working as part of a team in a busy environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in a pharmacy department
• Previous administrative work
• Previous experience of working in a primary care/NHS setting

Skills Required