At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pharmacy services, manage medication supply, and ensure patient safety.
- Company: Join the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, a leading centre for complex care.
- Benefits: Enjoy free wellbeing programs, on-site parking, and financial support services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in patient care while working in a supportive, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Must be GPhC registered with experience in hospital pharmacy; leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible application process; cover letters enhance your chances!
The predicted salary is between 26300 - 40000 £ per year.
Lead Pharmacy Assistant – Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Contract type: Permanent
Department: Pharmacy
Responsible to: Pharmacy Manager
Salary range: £31,936 per annum.
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Putney, Southwest London
Closing date: 13/05/2025
Interview date: tbc
Benefits:
- Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing
- Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club
- Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union
- Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network
- Free on-site parking (rare in London)
- More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more.
Please note, to be eligible to apply for this role you must have the Right to Work in the UK; we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
Summary of position and the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability:
We have an exciting opportunity and are looking for Lead Pharmacy Assistant to join our Pharmacy Department. The RHN Pharmacy Department consists of a small team that provides services with the aim of ensuring the safe, evidence based, and cost effective use of medicines within the hospital. Main services provided include: medicines supply, prescription review, ward top-up, ward audit, development of local medicines guidelines and policies, supplier engagement and expert medicines advice.
Main Objectives of the role:
- Demonstrate an awareness of RHN’s objectives and contribute to achieving them appropriately
- Strive to improve efficiency in all areas of your work.
- Deliver consistently high quality pharmacy support services
- Demonstrate a patient-focused approach
- Promote the safe and secure handling of medicines within the hospital
- Ensure that hospital resources are used efficiently and with minimum wastage
Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake duties in the dispensary ensuring that all activities are carried out safely, effectively and efficiently
- Perform ward pharmacy services such as ward top-up, stock management, storage checks, patient medicines cupboard checks, and audits
- Order, receive, and assess suitability of pharmaceutical products
- Record, review, and learn from near misses and incidents
- Produce reports on patient medicine cupboards checks (quarterly), audit activity, dispensary activity, and inventory
- Document and reconcile medication history
- Deliver pharmaceutical supplies from the Pharmacy to hospital wards as necessary
- Assist with pharmacy domestic duties as required
- Manage queries promptly and appropriately, referring to a more senior colleague where outside of limitations or knowledge
- Action drug alerts and recalls
Qualifications & Knowledge:
- Essential: Current registration with GPhC & BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or NVQ L2 in Pharmacy
- IT skills – able to use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and able to learn new systems e.g. EPR, PMR
- Aware of and trained in Information Governance/Data Protection
- Desirable: Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) qualification, Accredited medicines management qualification
Experience & skills:
- Essential: Extensive hospital experience in a hospital pharmacy setting.
- Excellent attendance record and punctuality.
- Possess leadership skills, being highly organised, able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, and capable of effective workload planning, and direction of personnel.
- Possess analytical skills, being capable of problem solving and effective at using data to drive improvements.
- Resilient and able to cope with pressure within a professional environment requiring high standards of performance and behaviour.
- Competent and capable in manual handling.
Interested in applying and hearing from us? Apply now and please send a cover letter separately to recruitment@rhn.org.uk. It is not mandatory to complete a cover letter but it will significantly enhance your application and chances of being considered for an interview. Your cover letter should be no more than one page, clearly explaining how you have demonstrated the above skills and responsibilities in your current or previous role(s). Please refer to the job description and person specification. You can also email recruitment ‘Lead Pharmacy Assistant’ at recruitment@rhn.org.uk for enquiries into the role.
To Apply: Please note we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this post at any time and will be reviewing applications as they are submitted.
RHN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer that respects and values the differences of our people to achieve their full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Resourcing Team at recruitment@rhn.org.uk. Candidates applying for a role at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and Influenza.
The RHN recognises the importance in addressing environmental sustainability and we strive to contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. RHN is a care provider for vulnerable patients at extreme risk. In consequence, safeguarding patients will always be our highest priority.
Lead Pharmacy Assistant employer: Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Contact Detail:
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Pharmacy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to patient-centred care will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the RHN Pharmacy Department. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your previous experience that showcase your leadership skills and ability to handle pressure. The interviewers will likely be looking for evidence of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in a pharmacy setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in pharmacy management, particularly in a hospital context. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can set you apart and show your commitment to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Pharmacy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Lead Pharmacy Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Although not mandatory, a well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your application. Use it to explain how you have demonstrated the skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Keep it concise and focused on relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your extensive hospital pharmacy experience and any leadership roles you've held. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the objectives of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a healthcare setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Lead Pharmacy Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as ward pharmacy services and medication management. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role requires leadership abilities, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed projects. Highlight your organisational skills and how you've effectively communicated with colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of examples from your past work where you've dealt with challenging situations, particularly in a pharmacy setting, and how you ensured patient safety and compliance with regulations.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Patient Care
The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability prioritises patient-centred services. Be ready to discuss how you have previously demonstrated a patient-focused approach in your work. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure the well-being of patients.