North Bristol NHS Trust
Pharmacy Assistant - Patient Services
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Pharmacy Assistant - Patient Services
Band 2 Pharmacy Assistant – Patient Services
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
As of 1st July 2026, North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust merged to form Bristol NHS Foundation Trust—a dynamic organisation delivering exceptional patient care while offering exciting career growth and a supportive work environment.
We aim to provide a healthy work-life balance—come and talk to us about flexible working options that suit your personal needs.
Due to underrepresentation within our teams, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates.
About the Role
This Pharmacy Assistant position offers a progressional career path within the Patient Services department of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. You’ll work in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment where you’ll:
- Learn new skills in dispensing and clinical pharmacy.
- Develop experience that will support future progression to Band 3 Pharmacy Assistant upon successful completion of in-house training.
- Be part of a supportive team that enhances patient care through medicines management, safe dispensing, and distribution.
You’ll assist in all aspects of pharmacy services, including dispensary operations, reception, stock control, and ward delivery, applying Good Dispensing and Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01).
Responsibilities
Dispensary & Reception Duties
- Receive prescriptions and drug requests from patients and staff.
- Handle over-the-counter medicines sales and NHS prescription charge transactions.
- Perform accurate and timely dispensing, including controlled drugs.
- Generate medicines labels and process stock control using the pharmacy system.
- Replenish stock of dispensing sundries (e.g. pouches, bottles, packaging).
- Respond to ward and patient enquiries regarding pharmacy services.
- Handle medication requests and hand-outs for patients and staff.
- Comply with EU GDP 2013/C 343/01 and all departmental regulations.
- Deliver medicinal supplies to wards and medical departments.
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Ward-Based Services
- Work closely with the Clinical Pharmacist, Ward Technicians, and Patient Services Leads to ensure seamless patient care.
- Facilitate ward-based discharges, replenish medication, and transfer medications between wards.
- Support the preparation of supplementary medicine kits and ensure appropriate storage conditions to reduce waste.
- Maintain accurate ward stock lists, reducing missed medication doses and costs.
- Support the review and updating of medication storage procedures.
Distribution & Logistics
- Conduct ward stock checks and place stock orders.
- Process emergency stock requests promptly in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Issue pharmaceutical products to wards, departments, and hospital units following stock rotation procedures.
- Routinely handle ward and departmental stock queries.
- Return and securely store issued pharmaceutical products when no longer needed.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential Criteria:
- A good general standard of education demonstrating numeracy and literacy skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- Level 2 certification in a relevant qualification such as Buttercups Pharmacy Support Worker (Dispensary Units) or equivalent.
Work Experience
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience in hospital or community pharmacy.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential Criteria:
- Basic IT competencies, including accurate data entry.
- Strong time-management skills to meet deadlines for dispensing and distribution.
- Excellent written and spoken English with superior communication skills.
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Personal Qualities
Essential Criteria:
- Ability to work flexibly under pressure, independently, and within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Willingness to be trained and guided in new procedural tasks.
Key Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements discussed during application to accommodate personal and domestic commitments.
- Diverse, inclusive culture with a commitment to fostering underrepresented groups.
- Career progression within the NHS—supporting future roles as a Pharmacy Assistant (Band 3) upon successful training completion.
- Membership of a trusted NHS trust providing consistent, compassionate healthcare with international recognition for excellence.
- Supportive management for your health, wellbeing, and professional development.
- Equal opportunities for diversity and inclusion across all career levels.
Important Notes & Next Steps
- AI Use Policy: If you have used generative AI in preparing your application, you are required to disclose this during the recruitment process.
- Applying early is encouraged as adverts may close once sufficient candidates are received.
- The position is line-managed by the Patient Services Leadership Team.
- Please check your Trac account and email regularly as communication (interview invites) will be sent via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net.
- Due to high application volume, interviews may occur within 3 weeks of closing.
Would you like to be part of this exciting new chapter at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust?
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