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- Tasks: Join our pharmacy team to support patient care and manage medication distribution.
- Company: UHSussex is a leading NHS Trust dedicated to patient-first healthcare for over 70 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English.
- Other info: Part-time options available; must be UK resident for the last 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 19600 - 26400 £ per year.
View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find and apply for a job with us today.
Main area: Pharmacy
Grade: Band 2
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Part time will be considered)
Job ref: 279-7025935-MAR25
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: St Richards Hospital
Town: Chichester
Salary: £23,615 per annum, pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 30/03/2025 23:59
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, ambition, and values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact, our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching, and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job overview
Our friendly & progressive pharmacy department is currently looking for an exceptional individual to join our pharmacy teams at Worthing & Chichester. Your role within the department will include visiting wards and departments as part of the top-up service; preparing & dispatching of goods including IV fluids, dietary products & other pharmacy procured items, dispensing medications for individual patients and talking to patients and their relatives about their medicines. Flexibility in hours can be considered.
You will need to be organised & highly motivated with the ability to think on your feet with great communication & interpersonal skills. This post is stimulating, exciting and comes with responsibility that will appeal to career-minded individuals who want to work in hospital pharmacy and really make their mark.
It is expected that the successful candidates will undertake in-depth level 2 training in Pharmacy services unless they already hold a relevant qualification. We actively support the development and training of all our staff, to achieve and succeed.
Applicants must be resident in the UK for the last 3 years and must not already be in any form of formal government funded education. Applicants should have a minimum of 2 GCSE's grade C or above (or equivalent), to include Maths and English Language, or an NVQ 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Functional skills level 2 in Maths and English could also be offered. Certificates will be requested at interview.
Main duties of the job
- You will have a key role in supporting the pharmacy service to ensure we provide the best possible care for our service users and gain a qualification at the same time.
- The successful candidate will participate in a rotation to include:
- Pharmacy Distribution: visiting wards to ensure an adequate supply of medicines, supplying medicines to other departments internal and external against stock requests and receiving stock into the pharmacy department.
- Dispensary Services: dispensing, in-patients, out-patients, chemotherapy prescriptions and Sussex Partnership prescriptions. Reception work and dealing with patients and other hospital staff.
- Clinical Services: talking to patients and relatives on the wards regarding their medicines, checking patients' own drugs and a further qualification around this.
This is an exciting busy job that involves physical and mentally stimulating work.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching, and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Provide a stock replenishment service to wards and outside units as agreed.
- To dispense medicines in an accurate and timely manner for inpatients, outpatients and other service users of the trust as directed by senior technicians using the pharmacy computer system and automated dispensing.
- To receive goods and ensure they are put away in line with stock rotation procedures.
- Clinical duties include liaising with patients and their relatives on the wards and other healthcare professionals regarding their medicines. There is an opportunity to undertake element 1 of the HEKKS Deanery Course.
- To undertake NVQ level 2 in pharmaceutical services if not already gained.
Person specification
Qualifications
- 2 GCSE or equivalent at grade C including Maths & English
- NVQ level 2 in pharmaceutical sciences
Knowledge & Experience
- Working in a team
- Working to deadlines
- Analytical
- Ability to study
- Good organisational skills
Behaviours and Attitude
- Demonstrates any of the trust values: friendly, kind, professional, respectful, patient first
- Demonstrates a desire to work in pharmacy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
- Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
- Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
- DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
- Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
- UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Pharmacy Assistant employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust...
Contact Detail:
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust... Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Pharmacy Assistant at UHSussex. Understanding the role's responsibilities, such as dispensing medications and liaising with patients, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UHSussex. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience in customer service or healthcare settings. Since communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, showcasing your ability to interact effectively with patients and colleagues can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential questions about diversity and inclusion. UHSussex values these principles highly, so being ready to discuss how you've championed diversity in previous roles can demonstrate that you align with their organisational values.
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Pharmacy Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in Maths and English or any NVQ level 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences. If you have relevant experience in pharmacy or healthcare, include that as well.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your organisational skills, ability to work under pressure, and strong communication abilities in your application. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate these skills.
Express Your Commitment to Patient Care: Since the role involves direct interaction with patients, convey your dedication to providing excellent patient care. Mention any previous experiences where you prioritised patient needs and how you embody the trust's values of being friendly, kind, and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust...
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Pharmacy Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like dispensing medications, liaising with patients, and stock management. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Pharmacy Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to put patients first.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Working in a pharmacy requires collaboration with various team members. Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams and how you adapt to changing circumstances. Highlight any instances where you've gone above and beyond to support your colleagues or improve patient care.
✨Prepare for Questions on Diversity and Inclusion
UHSussex values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you've championed these principles in your previous roles. Think of specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive environment, as this aligns with the Trust's values.
