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Job Overview
Pharmacy Distribution is a growing team within the Pharmacy Supply Services family. The ideal candidate will be able to work well independently while moving around the hospital to complete ward stock replenishments and work well as part of the team to achieve the daily workload. This often means getting a lot of steps in each day and managing changing priorities in a fast‑moving environment with good communication. The successful candidate will be supported by the Distribution Supervisors, Inventory Manager and Distribution Lead in learning the role and achieving the required training for progression to the Band 3 post. The candidate must also work within the department’s Standard Operating Procedures and other legal frameworks to ensure the safe and secure supply of medication.
Main Duties of the Job
* Complete stock checks at ward level against agreed stock lists, ordering required medication against stock levels defined on our Pharmacy IT system.
* Monitor expiry dates of medication at ward level using the Microsoft Excel digital database.
* Process and pick orders for stock medication from the requesting app against agreed stock lists and stock levels.
* Check requests against our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ward stock in line with the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP) for both NBT and non‑NBT entities.
* Order, put away and monitor IV fluids supplied by our off‑site fluid warehouse.
* Deliver medication to the required areas across the North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) site using trolleys and cages as required.
* Ensure prompt, safe and secure transportation of medication to areas of NBT, off‑site NBT entities and non‑NBT entities, including cold chain products, scheduled orders and cytotoxic or hazardous substances.
* Communicate efficiently with a wide range of other members of North Bristol NHS Trust, including Pharmacy and ward staff, alongside non‑NBT units. This includes dealing with routine service enquiries from the Pharmacy Distribution inbox and telephone, and escalating when medication is needed urgently.
* Perform any other duties required by the Director of Pharmacy for the benefit of the service, including potentially changing at short notice to help another team within Pharmacy.
Working for Our Organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff and provides healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award‑winning hospital building at Southmead. We are a regional Major Trauma Centre and an internationally recognised centre of excellence. Our vision is to enable our teams to be the best they can be, delivering exceptional, personally delivered healthcare. We value all people as individuals, commit to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, and welcome applicants from all under‑represented groups.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the Distribution team as a positive and motivated team player, with an open mind to the development of the Distribution service, including the supply of medication to non‑NBT entities under our Wholesale Dealing Authorisation (WDA h) and in line with the requirements of Good Distribution Practice (GDP). The candidate must communicate effectively with a range of professionals, internally and externally, and use initiative to complete urgent tasks while knowing when to refer to a line manager.
Person Specification
Education / Training / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Relevant units of Buttercups Level 2 (Pharmacy Stock Management), or willingness to work towards it.
* GCSE English and Mathematics – Grade C/4 or above.
Work Experience – Desirable criteria
* Previous employment in hospital or community Pharmacy.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Essential criteria
* Excellent IT skills, including accurate data entry such as Microsoft Excel, and other computer systems.
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
* Good problem‑solving skills and awareness of when to escalate appropriately.
* Good time‑management skills and ability to work under own initiative to achieve priority tasks.
* Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (WDA h) activities and requirements of Good Distribution Practice (UK GDP).
Personal Qualities / Special Circumstances
Essential criteria
* Working independently and as part of a team.
* Maintaining accuracy and focus throughout repetitive daily tasks.
* Willingness to be trained and instructed, and working proactively to progress training.
* Ability to work within the defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with an awareness of legal frameworks, such as Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
* Ability to work normal Pharmacy hours between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm Monday–Friday, as well as weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis.
Application Information
If you apply for this vacancy and have not received communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful. North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act/Two‑Ticks scheme and require further support or advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.
North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Seniority Level
* Entry level
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Health Care Provider
* Hospitals and Health Care
Equal Opportunities Statement
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to equality of opportunity, being fair and inclusive, and providing an environment where all staff and applicants feel they belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently under‑represented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
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