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- Tasks: Join our pharmacy team to support dispensary and logistics services.
- Company: Be part of ESNEFT, a leading NHS organisation serving nearly one million people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and NHS discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English required; apprenticeship eligibility is a must.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a focus on staff wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, responsible individual to join the pharmacy team and be an integral part of our 7 day service.
We are a busy department covering a diverse range of activities and functions including: dispensary, logistics, quality control, manufacture and preparation of medicines and products including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition, clinical trials, ward based/clinical activities, medicines information and community services.
On the job training will be given with departmental competencies to complete. You must have at least 2 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English. Must be willing, able and eligible to undertake the L2 Pharmacy Service skills apprenticeship (if not already achieved) and any other required training.
If you are an enthusiastic and flexible individual who reacts positively to change, this pharmacy role may be for you. The ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy environment; an eye for detail, good team-working and interpersonal skills are all key skills for this role. As well as being able to follow written procedures, work under supervision, complete tasks accurately to set deadlines, and move and handle stock including provide portering services.
Please note this position is not eligible for a Health and Social Care Visa and does not meet the requirements for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.
Details about our pharmacy service – ESNEFT details (text only).
You will support our Logistics and Dispensary teams providing pharmacy services in the dispensary, store and distribution areas, including portering (transportation of stock to the wards and clinics) and ward stock top-ups.
Dispensary
- Working at our reception hatch greeting customers (eg. patients, hospital staff), taking payment, receiving and giving out prescriptions, dealing with phone calls and helping with basic queries, referring when required.
- Dispensing medication for in and out patients, community hospitals and units.
Logistics
- Supporting with stock management in all areas of work, receipt and safe storage of goods, picking and packing stock orders for the hospital and community hospitals. Movement of stock across the hospital site including heavy loads (portering). Stock topping-up on wards and return and recycling of medicines no longer required.
- Stock rotation and expiry date checking.
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you
Find out about living and working here –
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
This advert closes on Sunday 28 Sep 2025
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Pharmacy Assistant - Dispensary/Logistics | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust employer: Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacy Assistant - Dispensary/Logistics | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pharmacy team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on LinkedIn or through social media. This can give you insider info about the role and show your genuine interest in joining their busy department.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your skills match the job description, especially your ability to work under pressure and your attention to detail. We want to see that you can handle the fast-paced environment of the pharmacy!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for patient care during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s not directly related to pharmacy. It’s all about demonstrating your passion for the role!
✨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 engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacy Assistant - Dispensary/Logistics | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for pharmacy and patient care shine through. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about joining our team and making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific tasks from the job description, like stock management or customer service, to show us you understand what we do.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the specifics of the Pharmacy Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like stock management, dispensing medication, and customer interaction. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Enthusiasm
The job description highlights the need for an enthusiastic and motivated individual. During the interview, express your passion for patient care and your eagerness to learn. Share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated enthusiasm, especially in busy environments.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since this role involves logistics and dispensary tasks, be ready for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle situations like managing stock under pressure or dealing with a difficult customer. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. You might ask about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates during busy periods. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the team’s success.
