University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser
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Job Overview
UHS Pharmacy LTD is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us as a Pharmacy Dispenser.
Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.
Job Title
Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser
Contract
Permanent
Main Duties of the Job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Trainee Dispenser at UPL, the outpatients pharmacy of UHS, where you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred pharmaceutical care. This position serves as a key foundation in supporting our pharmacy department to provide safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing services to hospital outpatients, ensuring that every patient receives their medication promptly and safely.
Contributing to Team and Organisational Objectives
You will work collaboratively within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment, assisting pharmacists and senior staff with the accurate labelling, assembling, and dispensing of outpatient prescriptions. By maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency, the role directly supports the department's objectives of reducing patient waiting times, enhancing medication safety, and improving overall outpatient healthcare outcomes.
Team and Reporting Structure
This role reports directly to the Pharmacy Manager and Superintendent Pharmacist, working in close daily collaboration with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensary assistants, and hospital clinical teams to ensure seamless workflow management and patient communication.
Working for our Organisation
UPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, providing pharmacy services for hospital staff, outpatients, and visitors. Conveniently located in the main foyer of the hospital, the pharmacy offers a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and healthcare products.
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We are committed to being an employer of choice where everyone matters. The pharmacy operates:
- Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00
- Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
- Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
In this role, your key responsibilities will include:
- Accurately dispensing and labelling medicines from hospital outpatient and inpatient prescriptions while completing documentation for specialist items.
- Maintaining effective stock control, which includes ordering, receipting, rotating, checking expiry dates, shelving, and replenishing the dispensing robot.
- Supporting reception, front counter services, and financial transactions by handling prescription charges, exemption checking, and customer enquiries.
- Working towards achieving in-house competencies and obtaining a formal qualification in dispensing medication.
What Experience and Skills Are Needed
- Demonstration of strong numeracy, literacy, and IT skills, including holding 3 GCSEs at grades A* to C (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and Science.
- A proven track record of delivering excellent customer service alongside strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- High attention to detail and concentration skills required for accurate medication handling and working autonomously.
- Willingness and ability to undertake continuing professional development and adapt to workplace change.
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Additional Important Information
Shift patterns will involve weekend working on a rotation as well as some late duties during the week.
No driving license or travel is required for this on-site hospital dispensary position.
Standard employment checks and safeguarding compliance apply in line with Trust standards and policies.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience
Essential Criteria
- 3 GCSE’s or equivalent grades A* to C including English, Maths and Science (if qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at applicants own expense)
- Proven track record of providing excellent customer service
- Use of information technology in the workplace or within education or voluntary sector
- Use of telephone to give and receive messages in the workplace or within education or voluntary sector
- Willing and able to undertake continuing professional development
Desirable Criteria
- Further relevant qualification
- Previous Pharmacy experience
- Experience in stock control i.e. receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
- Use of till and / or handling money in a work environment
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