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- Tasks: Join our team to support chemotherapy preparation and ensure patient safety.
- Company: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, a leading healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Training provided, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while learning valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science; no prior pharmacy experience needed.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with diverse staff and excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Senior Pharmacy Assistant – Aseptic Services Unit
PLEASE NOTE: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT REAPPLY
Band 3 Pharmacy Aseptic Services Unit Senior Assistant
We are looking for someone new to join our Pharmacy Cancer Services Team which includes Pharmacists, Technicians and Assistants.
We are committed to providing a safe and efficient service for our patients.
This is an exciting time to join our team, as we have recently been issued a LOW risk rating during our last external audit in September 2025.
No previous Pharmacy experience is required for this Pharmacy Assistant role as training will be given.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, good written and verbal communication, the ability to work alone and as part of a team and a desire to learn new skills. A high level of manual dexterity is required for some aspects of this role.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will be involved in all aspects of the supply of chemotherapy to the wards at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and our satellite units. The postholder will be responsible for:
- Transcription of details from prescriptions onto a computer system which will generate worksheets and labels.
- Assembling raw materials and consumables used for the preparation of chemotherapy.
- Sanitising (disinfecting) products to be passed into the cleanroom suite.
- Working in an isolator to prepare chemotherapy.
- Cleaning the cleanroom suite and equipment.
- Physical and microbiological monitoring of the clean environment.
- Ordering, receiving, quality checking and dispensing outsourced chemotherapy products.
- Dispensing oral medications for our patients.
The successful candidate will undertake a Level 2 qualification that is relevant to the role.
When applying please include all of your qualifications and grades from GCSE onwards.
About us
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest District General Hospitals in the country. The hospital achieved Foundation Trust status on 1st June 2006. It was the first Foundation Trust in the South Central Strategic Health Authority. The Trust has a successful record of delivering high quality acute medical and surgical services for 500,000 patients across West Berkshire, an area extending from Newbury in the west to Henley-on-Thames in the east, and including Wokingham and parts of Hampshire to the south and parts of Oxfordshire to the north. The Trust is Reading\’s biggest employer.
We put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision \”Working together to provide outstanding care for our community.\”
We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions
We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate
We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live
We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice
The Pharmacy Department is a friendly and progressive team, committed to supporting professional development. The department consists of approximately 120 members of staff and includes Pharmacists, Technicians, Assistants and Admin staff from almost 40 different nationalities.
Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don\’t you come and join us?
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details of the role.
Person Specification
Education
- GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics
- GCSE (or equivalent) grade 9-4/A*-C in English, Mathematics and 2 Science subjects
Experience
- Experience of following detailed protocols or procedures
- Experience of working towards and meeting deadlines
- Previous experience of handling medicines
- Stock control experience
- Experience of working with hypodermic needles
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Basic computer and IT skills: email, word, accurate data entry
- Understanding of GMP
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services Unit employer: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services Unit
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Pharmacy Cancer Services Team. Understanding their roles and how they work together can help you show that you're genuinely interested in joining them.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork and attention to detail. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they're from different fields.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your eagerness to learn! Since no previous pharmacy experience is required, highlight your willingness to undergo training and develop new skills. This will show that you're ready to dive into the role and grow with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about wanting to join the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Aseptic Services Unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: In your application, make sure to highlight your attention to detail. This role requires precision, especially when it comes to transcription and assembling materials, so give us examples of how you've demonstrated this skill in the past.
Communicate Clearly: Good written communication is key for this position. When crafting your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to show us you can communicate effectively.
Highlight Your Willingness to Learn: Since no previous pharmacy experience is required, let us know about your eagerness to learn new skills. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve quickly picked up new tasks or adapted to new environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Pharmacy Assistant in the Aseptic Services Unit. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like transcription of prescriptions and working in a cleanroom. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires excellent attention to detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this skill. Whether it's in school projects or previous jobs, be ready to discuss how you ensured accuracy and quality in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good written and verbal communication is essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As training will be provided, it’s important to express your eagerness to learn new skills. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve quickly adapted to new tasks or environments. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and fit within the team-oriented culture of the Pharmacy Department.
