Job overview
This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.
This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The General Pharmacy at the Royal Cornwall Hospital is looking to recruit a Skilled Pharmacy Assistant within the Dispensary and Supply Services to ensure our patients receive the right medicines at the right time. This is a key role in our departmental strategy to focus on patient care and experience. This is an exciting development opportunity for the right person who will have the NVQ2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services.
Main duties of the job
The role of the dispensary Pharmacy Assistant Higher Level is to be a dispensing specialist providing the full range of dispensing services offered by the General Pharmacy, this includes inpatient, outpatient and discharge medications, preparation of extemporaneous products, top up of ward stock service and dispensing of controlled drugs. Labelling medications using the JAC pharmacy system, assessing and relabelling patients own drugs. Will be required to complete accredited checking course and partake in final checking rotations.
The postholder will be expected to complete the relevant training of NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services to secure a Band 3 salary.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a pharmacy environment
Desirable
- Supervisory experience
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services or currently working towards
- Good general education
Desirable
- GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English
Practical and intellectual skill
Essential
- Good all round communication skills both verbal and written
- Able to demonstrate good levels of accuracy in all areas of work
- Good Computer Skills
Desirable
- Supervisory experience
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Pharmacy Assistant - Controlled Drugs with Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust in Truro, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Pharmacy assistant role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 Pa pro rata. The contract type is Permanent: Full Time, Compressed Hours would be considered.. The application deadline is 28 Jul 2026.
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