Job overview
At West Suffolk, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to delivering the best quality and safest care to our local communities and need committed and skilled people to help us achieve this.
Are you a pro-active, and passionate person who wants to provide exceptional care for our patients and a quality service to all?
If the answer is yes, we are currently recruiting for Rotational Pharmacy Assistants to join our team and be based at West Suffolk Hospital.
The postholder will form part of the rotational team and work in different areas of the pharmacy department according to rotation plans and departmental needs. This includes Inpatient and Outpatient Dispensary, Reception, Distribution, Goods-In and Pharmacy Stores.
Rotational Pharmacy Assistants are valued members of the team. They play an essential part in maintaining effective workflow due to their versatility and knowledge of work practice.
This is a great opportunity to build a career in pharmacy and make a real difference to the lives of those who need our services.
This position is not covered by the Health and Social Care Visa; and does not meet the requirements for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa.
Main duties of the job
As part of the pharmacy team, the post holder will dispense and label medicines, including controlled drugs, for supply to wards and departments located internal and external to the Trust.
Regular ward stock checks and top-ups will be undertaken throughout the hospital to ensure stock medication is available when it’s needed.
Medicines and bulk fluids procured from wholesalers, including controlled drugs, will be received into the department, unpacked, and stored correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Inpatient and outpatient reception duties will be included in daily activities utilising effective communication, customer service and organisational skills.
If not already qualified to the required level, the post holder will commence study of a level 2 pharmacy services qualification at the earliest opportunity after their start date (approximately 12-18 months). Through our commitment to training and development, support from internal and external sources will be available to achieve this qualification and provide a foundation for career progression.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see job description for full details.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Person specification
Personal qualities
Essential
- Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes positive team working ethic.
- Shares information and good practice appropriately
- Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
- Maintains high levels of concentration for prolonged periods of time.
- Flexibility to work in different areas of the department.
- Positive attitude towards personal development.
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Able to communicate professionally and effectively with healthcare professionals, patients and pharmacy staff, verbally, digitally, and in writing.
- Able to manage time effectively.
- Able to prioritise and manage workload.
- Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Able to work in an organised and calm manner in a busy environment.
- Able to work to deadlines and to achieve agreed objectives.
- Occupational health clearance to carry out duties of role.
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- Customer care experience.
Desirable
- Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or retail).
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education (including Maths and English to a minimum of functional skills level 1 (GCSE E-D / 2 to 3).
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Equivalent. (If you do not hold this qualification you will be expected to start this qualification within 12 - 18 months of appointment.)
- GCSE English and Maths, level 2 (C/4 or above)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Rotational Pharmacy Assistant with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in Bury St Edmunds, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Pharmacy assistant role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 28 Jul 2026.
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