Job Description

Are you interested in earning a wage whilst training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification to become a Pharmacy Technician?



An exciting opportunity for Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician(s) (PTPTs) to join the pharmacy department at University Hospitals Sussex Trust based at either Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.



Candidates must have a minimum number of 4 GCSEs or equivalent. They must be GCSE Grade C/4 or above and must include Mathematics, English Language, ONE Science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) and one other GCSE. Certificates will need to be provided at the interview stage in order to be verified. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria for UK Apprenticeships.

Find out more about the role of the Pharmacy Technician here:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/pharmacy/roles-pharmacy/pharmacy-technician



Full educational support is provided, but you will need to be able to quickly learn new IT systems and embrace new technology to provide safe and effective care to patients in a variety of environments.



You will need to be highly committed to achieve the qualification as it requires participation and completion of a vigorous training and competency program. You will need to demonstrate excellent work/life/study balance skills and be very self-motivated.



Four days each week will be based at the chosen hospital site (Brighton or Haywards Heath) with planned rotations between the 2 sites over the 2 year training period gaining vocational experience and completing competencies required to complete the Level 3 diploma. One day per week will be within a virtual classroom to learn the knowledge required to underpin the diploma. Your training will involve working with an educational supervisor to develop a work-based portfolio, undertaking work-based assessments and completing all assignments/projects.



Trainees who successfully complete the training programme, complete an e-portfolio and the end point assessment (EPA) will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council and practice as a registered Pharmacy Technician.



The successful candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to service delivery on a flexible working basis which will include weekends, late duties and bank holidays.



At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Please note:

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.



Fixed term is planned to run from February 2026 to February 2028.



Main Responsibilities



To undertake dispensing of prescriptions for inpatient, outpatient and discharge medication. To dispense ward stock controlled drugs (CDs) in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.



To participate in pharmacy reception duties; includes responding to telephone calls and visitors promptly, inputting all prescription types onto the electronic tracking system.



To process and assemble orders of stock items for wards, departments, and other hospitals .



To check inpatient prescriptions and identify all inpatient medication that is required to be dispensed. To order medications using the EPMA system. To refer any medication changes to the ward pharmacy technician and/or ward pharmacist



To provide daily ward visits and determine the suitability of Patient Own Drugs (PODs) against agreed criteria for re-use and refer (if necessary) to the pharmacy clinical team



To identify whether the patient has sufficient PODs on the ward and determine whether an additional supply is needed and discuss with the clinical team as necessary. When transcribing for a medicine supply attention to detail is imperative and all work would be appropriately supervised and witnessed.



To provide a final accuracy check on prescribed items against a valid prescription. If any dispensing errors identified provide appropriate feedback to the dispenser so the item can be corrected. Or referral to the pharmacist if the query is relating to a medicine or a prescription.



Please see and Person Specification for full details.