Pharmacy Assistant - Band 2/3 - Bristol

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Job overview

This post will close early when sufficient applications are received.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and trustworthy individual to join our friendly team at North Bristol NHS Pharmacy based at Southmead Hospital.

This is an entry level position, so although desirable, pharmacy qualifications are not essential. All necessary training will be provided in-house whilst on the job for you to be able to carry out the role effectively.

There are several teams that make up Pharmacy Supply Services, including Stores, Procurement, and Invoicing, however, on this occasion we are looking for individuals to join our Distribution Team.

The Distribution Team provides the essential task of ensuring Hospital Wards have their medication accurately stocked and available for Patient Treatment.

To understand more about what it's like to work in Pharmacy at NBT - check out this video

Main duties of the job

As part of the Distribution team, duties will include visiting wards, ordering and processing ward stock requests as well as delivering and putting medicines/IV Fluids away at ward level.

Each and every role across the Supply Services teams is vital in helping to provide exceptional care to our patients, requiring individuals to have great communication skills and a keen eye for detail. You will need to feel comfortable working both on your own (once fully trained) and with other healthcare professionals, all whilst working in a developing and fast-paced environment.

A willingness to learn is important, and with plenty of opportunities for progression the post would be ideal for someone looking to start a career in Hospital Pharmacy.

You will commence as a Band 2 (£23,615 per annum). All the relevant training will be provided under the supervision of the Pharmacy Learning and Development team. After successful completion of all in-house training and Buttercups training course, you will be assessed by the Pharmacy Supply Services Manager/Lead before the final sign off and if successful, you will automatically progress to Band 3 (£24,071 - £25,674 per annum).

Working for our organisation

The Pharmacy Department within the Brunel Building is modern, with excellent facilities, and currently requires staff to be available to work shifts between the hours of 08:00 - 18:30 from Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sundays from 9-17 hrs.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Personal Specification documents for further details on the role.

Person specification

Education/ Training? Qualifications

• Relevant units of NVQ level 2/Buttercups Level 2 (Pharmacy) or equivalent – or willing to work towards
• GCSE English and Mathematics – grade C/4 or above

Work Experience

• Previous employment in hospital or community pharmacy

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
• Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate effectively
• Excellent I.T. Skills, including accurate data entry

• Knowledge of the range and type of prescriptions and pharmaceutical products in current use.
• Knowledge of Wholesale Distribution activities under a WDA(h) and the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP)

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

• Ability to work flexibly under pressure and also on own initiative
• Good problem -solving skills, but also aware of when own limits
• Be self-motivated, logical, methodical and have a good attention to detail
• Willing to be trained and instructed
• Able to work during the normal working week between 08:00 and 19:00 on a rota basis.

• Good time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.

North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.