Trainee Pharmacy Dispenser

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.

Main duties of the job

The post holder, as a trainee, will work towards developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to support the delivery of a safe, effective, and high-quality outpatient pharmacy service. While undertaking supervised training, the post holder will contribute to the accurate dispensing and labelling of medicines from hospital outpatient prescriptions, effective stock management, support for reception and counter services, and the provision of appropriate advice to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals within their level of competence.

The role supports the smooth day-to-day running of the pharmacy both during training and ahead of qualification, ensuring that services are delivered in accordance with legislation, UPL policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and recognised good practice.

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.

We are committed to being an employer of choice where everyone matters. The pharmacy operates:

Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 18:00 Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00

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 in London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The purpose of this role is to dispense and label medication from hospital outpatient prescriptions, manage stock, provide support to the reception team, and provide advice to patients and staff visiting the pharmacy as necessary.

To assist the Superintendent Pharmacist and Dispensary Manager in the service provision of the pharmacy, maintaining a high standard of service in accordance with legislation and recognised good practice. Responsible for keeping the work area safe, clean and tidy with suitable supplies of relevant sundry items. Ensuring all relevant local checks and housekeeping are done in accordance with SOPs. Producing computer-generated labels and accurately dispensing items against inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, completing appropriate records for clinical trials, named patient and controlled drugs, etc Receiving prescriptions within the pharmacy from hospital staff and patients, ensuring their receipt is recorded following procedures and all financial transactions are conducted properly, including prescription fees, checking exemptions and all documentation is completed appropriately. To work on the front counter, as required, providing advice and excellent service to patients and customers using the Pharmacy. Responsible for good stock control, including ordering of stock, receipting deliveries, dealing with the relevant paperwork, stock rotation, checking expiry dates, putting stock on shelves and security of stock. Stock up the robot, as and when necessary, to ensure this continues to run effectively. Achieving and maintaining in-house competencies in all relevant areas of practice e.g. dispensing, labelling and controlled drugs Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with members of the pharmacy team, hospital staff and patients to ensure a seamless medicines management process. Complete start and end of day duties, including cashing up and banking of takings, filing and ordering of OTC sales. Use all relevant technology associated with the role appropriately after training. Complete other duties requested by the Superintendent Pharmacist or Dispensary Manager/Pharmacist that support the effective running of the Pharmacy.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

Numerate and literate 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. Evidence of being able to cope with change. 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 The job will involve weekend working on a rotation and some late duties during the week 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