At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in dispensing medications and coordinating patient services in a busy pharmacy environment.
- Company: Join the NHS, a trusted healthcare provider dedicated to patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for career advancement in the NHS.
- Why this job: Make a difference in patients' lives while gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in pharmacy or healthcare settings preferred; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25760 - 27476 £ per year.
Employer: NHS Jobs
Location: Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN
Pay: £25,760.00 to £27,476.00 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 12/06/2026
About this job
- Dispensary
- Under the supervision of the Senior Pharmacy Technician or nominated deputy.
- Dispensing for In-patients, out-patients and patients that are going home, according to standard operating procedures.
- Handing out completed outpatient prescriptions to patients or their representatives, according to standard operating procedures.
- Coordinating the supply of items that are owed to patients and ensuring they are dispensed & onward transport is arranged in a timely fashion.
- Checking order levels are adequate for supply and resolving any supply issues.
- Dispensing controlled drugs according to standard operating procedures.
- Keeping a regard to stock on the dispensary shelves, top up & tidy as required with backup stock from the stores.
- Expiry date check the medicines on the shelves regularly.
- Assist at Staff and patient reception areas:
- Front Reception: Meet & greet the general public, receiving prescriptions and payment from the general public.
- Operating equipment provided to process transactions be it card machine or till.
- Directing any other business callers as required.
- Answering the telephone and dealing with routine enquiries regarding work in progress and communicating with the relevant member of staff for additional advice as required.
- Transferring calls to appropriately qualified staff if necessary.
- Working alongside the Stores & Distribution team and dependent on service need:
- May be required to provide a top up service to wards, keeping the assigned wards fully stocked with medicines, ensuring they are rotated and expiry dates are checked, as stated in the top up standards.
- Ensuring that the wards stock medicine supply needs are met and that the stock is used cost-effectively with minimum waste, liaising with Ward Sisters and Ward Pharmacists as required.
- Sorting returned medicines for re-use, counting them and returning to stock via the computer system.
- Processing & assembling orders for wards & departments, involving data entry and correct selection of goods, paying heed to Pharmacy stock control systems and ordering.
- Assisting in sorting returned & waste medicines.
- Keeping records of workload e.g. filing, photocopying.
- Ensuring the patient services section always has a readily available supply of sundry items e.g. bottles, bags to use, by topping up daily and checking status of orders as required.
- General
- Ensuring the standard operating procedures are adhered to and Health and Safety procedures followed.
- Responsibility for stock control and security of medicines within daily duties.
- Managing self to organise own daily duties.
- Willingness to re-arrange duties and prioritise according to service need if required to cover for absence.
- Coordinating cover for duties & overseeing/training less experienced staff.
- Sharing advice & knowledge to train new assistants on the standard operating procedures within the working area.
- Participating in internal audits and surveys of service delivery as required.
- Providing Late night, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday cover as per rota.
- Complying with the code of expectations & values that the trust expects.
Senior Pharmacy Assistant, Patient Services (SATO), Band 3 employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
The NHS in Gloucestershire offers a rewarding opportunity for Senior Pharmacy Assistants to contribute to patient care in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a commitment to employee development, the NHS provides comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that staff can advance their careers while making a meaningful impact on the community. The inclusive work culture fosters teamwork and collaboration, making it an excellent place for those looking to thrive in the healthcare sector.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pharmacy Assistant, Patient Services (SATO), Band 3
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the NHS or similar organisations. They can give you insider info on what it’s really like and might even refer you for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to pharmacy services. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for patient care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond for patients in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pharmacy Assistant, Patient Services (SATO), Band 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Pharmacy Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in dispensing, stock control, and patient services to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention any specific skills that relate to the job description, like your ability to handle prescriptions or manage stock levels. We love seeing how your unique skills can benefit our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon so we can easily see why you’d be a great addition to our pharmacy team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the standard operating procedures related to dispensing and stock control. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Senior Pharmacy Assistant, especially those that involve patient interaction and medication management.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to manage stock, coordinate with teams, and handle patient queries. Be ready to discuss how you've trained or overseen less experienced staff, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, how they handle supply issues, or what the biggest challenges are in the dispensary. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Soft Skills
Highlight your communication skills and ability to work under pressure. The role involves interacting with patients and staff, so be prepared to discuss how you manage stressful situations and ensure excellent service delivery.
