Job Description

At West Suffolk, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to delivering the best quality and safest care to our local communities and need committed and skilled people to help us achieve this.
Are you a pro-active, and passionate person who wants to provide exceptional care for our patients and a quality service to all?
If the answer is yes, we are currently recruiting for a Rotational Pharmacy Assistant to join our team and be based at West Suffolk Hospital.
The post holder will form part of the rotational team and work in different areas of the pharmacy department according to rotation plans and departmental needs. This includes Inpatient and Outpatient Dispensary, Reception, Distribution, Goods-In and Pharmacy Stores. Inclusion of Quality Assurance in rotation plans is pending and may form part of the role.
Rotational Pharmacy Assistants are valued members of the team. They play an essential part in maintaining effective workflow due to their versatility and knowledge of work practice.
This is a great opportunity to build a career in pharmacy and make a real difference to the lives of those who need our services.
This position is not covered by the Health and Social Care Visa; and does not meet the requirements for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa.
Applicants must have been ordinarily resident within the UK for 3 years, as training is funded by the UK Apprenticeship scheme.
Main duties of the job
As part of the pharmacy team, the post holder will dispense and label medicines, including controlled drugs, for supply to wards and departments located internal and external to the Trust.
Regular ward stock checks and top-ups will be undertaken throughout the hospital to ensure stock medication is available when it's needed.
Medicines and bulk fluids procured from wholesalers, including controlled drugs, will be received into the department, unpacked, and stored correctly according to manufacturer's instructions.
Inpatient and outpatient reception duties will be included in daily activities utilising effective communication, customer service and organisational skills.
If not already qualified to the required level, the post holder will commence study of the level 2 pharmacy services apprenticeship at the earliest opportunity (approximately 12 - 18 months after start date). Through our commitment to training and development, support from internal and external sources will be available to achieve this qualification and provide a foundation for career progression.
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Details
Date posted
11 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
23,615 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
179-7189667-C
Job locations
West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP332QZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description for full details.
KEY TASKS
All tasks will be undertaken in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures and under appropriate supervision.
Reception Duties

• Receive all inpatient and outpatient requests.
• Ensure appropriate dispensing charges are collected according to written guidelines, including using the till, taking cash, credit cards and dealing with cheques.
• Attend to all staff and patients waiting at the hatch and deal with their requests in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
• Answer all telephone calls as appropriate, in a timely manner and refer to necessary members of the pharmacy team as required.
• Contact Outpatient Clinics when electronic outpatient prescriptions have not been received.
• Contact wards when medications are ready.
• Undertake administrative activities as required including filing of prescriptions and requisitions.

Distribution

• Participate in the ward stock top-up service.
• Process ad-hoc stock orders from wards, referring non-stock orders to the appropriate ward-based staff member.
• Pick and issue ward stock items from a picking list.
• Ensure that to follow stock items are issued promptly, and long-term issues are escalated.
• Sort returned pharmaceuticals for disposal or return.
• Return stock via the pharmacy computer system.
• Assist in administrative duties as required.
• Undertake the daily rolling stock check as required.

Goods-In / Pharmacy Stores

• Receive, unpack and store as required pharmaceuticals and medical devices delivered.
• Query issues encountered with the Procurement team.
• Return unwanted stock to suppliers via supplier specific processes.
• Raise claims for missing/damaged stock.
• Load stock into the Pharmacy Robot.
• Ensure non-robot stock is stored in the correct location.
• Participate in the ward stock bulk fluid top-up service.
• Prepare bulk fluid orders from a picking list as necessary.
• Ensure the bulk fluid store is kept clean and tidy.

Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description for full details.
KEY TASKS
All tasks will be undertaken in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures and under appropriate supervision.
Reception Duties

• Receive all inpatient and outpatient requests.
• Ensure appropriate dispensing charges are collected according to written guidelines, including using the till, taking cash, credit cards and dealing with cheques.
• Attend to all staff and patients waiting at the hatch and deal with their requests in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
• Answer all telephone calls as appropriate, in a timely manner and refer to necessary members of the pharmacy team as required.
• Contact Outpatient Clinics when electronic outpatient prescriptions have not been received.
• Contact wards when medications are ready.
• Undertake administrative activities as required including filing of prescriptions and requisitions.

Distribution

• Participate in the ward stock top-up service.
• Process ad-hoc stock orders from wards, referring non-stock orders to the appropriate ward-based staff member.
• Pick and issue ward stock items from a picking list.
• Ensure that to follow stock items are issued promptly, and long-term issues are escalated.
• Sort returned pharmaceuticals for disposal or return.
• Return stock via the pharmacy computer system.
• Assist in administrative duties as required.
• Undertake the daily rolling stock check as required.

Goods-In / Pharmacy Stores

• Receive, unpack and store as required pharmaceuticals and medical devices delivered.
• Query issues encountered with the Procurement team.
• Return unwanted stock to suppliers via supplier specific processes.
• Raise claims for missing/damaged stock.
• Load stock into the Pharmacy Robot.
• Ensure non-robot stock is stored in the correct location.
• Participate in the ward stock bulk fluid top-up service.
• Prepare bulk fluid orders from a picking list as necessary.
• Ensure the bulk fluid store is kept clean and tidy.

Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential

• Good standard of general education (including Maths and English to a minimum of functional skills level 1 (GCSE E-D / 2 to 3).

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Equivalent. (If you do not hold this qualification you will be expected to start this qualification within 6 - 12 months of appointment.)
• GCSE English and Maths, level 2 (C/4 or above)

Experience and knowledge
Essential

• Customer care experience.

Desirable

• Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or retail).

Skills and abilities
Essential

• Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients and pharmacy staff, verbally, digitally, and in writing.
• Able to manage time effectively.
• Able to prioritise and manage workload.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
• Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
• Occupational health clearance to carry out duties of role.

Personal qualities
Essential

• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working ethic.
• Shares information and good practice appropriately
• Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
• Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
• Flexibility to work in different areas of the department.
• Positive attitude towards personal development.
• Expected to participate on the Saturday, Sunday, Bank holiday and late rotas

Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential

• Good standard of general education (including Maths and English to a minimum of functional skills level 1 (GCSE E-D / 2 to 3).

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Equivalent. (If you do not hold this qualification you will be expected to start this qualification within 6 - 12 months of appointment.)
• GCSE English and Maths, level 2 (C/4 or above)

Experience and knowledge
Essential

• Customer care experience.

Desirable

• Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or retail).

Skills and abilities
Essential

• Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients and pharmacy staff, verbally, digitally, and in writing.
• Able to manage time effectively.
• Able to prioritise and manage workload.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
• Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
• Occupational health clearance to carry out duties of role.

Personal qualities
Essential

• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working ethic.
• Shares information and good practice appropriately
• Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
• Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
• Flexibility to work in different areas of the department.
• Positive attitude towards personal development.
• Expected to participate on the Saturday, Sunday, Bank holiday and late rotas