Job Overview
Medicines Optimisation Assistant
We are looking for a motivated and proactive Medicines Optimisation Assistant to support high‑quality patient care across our clinical areas. In this key role, you will help ensure safe, efficient, and effective medicines management systems are in place throughout the hospital.
As Part Of The Pharmacy Team, You Will
Assess patients' own medicines to determine suitability for use during their hospital stay
Ensure medicines are readily available at ward level to prevent delays or missed doses
Support timely patient discharges by helping to coordinate medication requirements
Act as a vital link between the pharmacy and ward teams, providing clear communication and practical support
Contribute to service improvement by undertaking projects or audits within your designated clinical areas
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organised, patient‑focused, and passionate about improving the quality and safety of medicines use in a busy hospital environment.
Main duties of the job
Be part of a team providing medicines management to designated clinical areas.
Maintain the Patient's Own Drug (POD) scheme for the designated area (and self-administration where introduced) according to Trust-wide policies.
Initiate the supply of non-stock items for one-stop dispensing as appropriate (once clinically checked by a pharmacist and under the supervision of a pharmacist or medicines optimisation pharmacy technician) i.e. medicines labelled with directions for discharge.
To ensure appropriate maintenance of the Bedside Medicine Cabinets, by actively putting away patient specific dispensed medicines, PODs and remove unwanted/discontinued drugs in accordance Trust procedure and processing medicine orders where appropriate.
Ensure that medicines are transferred with the patient should they transfer ward or department.
Be responsible for the maintenance and updating of ward stock lists for the designated clinical area(s) in conjunction with the clinical pharmacist and ward staff.
Maintain adequate stock levels of ward pharmacy stock medicines in line with the ward top up schedule, ensuring that medicines are within expiry date and safe for ward staff to use.
Aid discharge planning in conjunction with the clinical pharmacist, ward staff and discharge liaison team. Dispense discharge medicines at ward level under the supervision of the clinical pharmacist where able or in pharmacy.
Working for our organisation
At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone's contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.
We are proud to be in the top 20 best hospitals to work for in the country.
We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.
A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.
We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We've even got a pool
We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we're providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Be part of a team providing medicines management to designated clinical areas.
Maintain the Patient's Own Drug (POD) scheme for the designated area (and self-administration where introduced) according to Trust-wide policies.
Initiate the supply of non-stock items for one-stop dispensing as appropriate (once clinically checked by a pharmacist and under the supervision of a pharmacist or medicines optimisation pharmacy technician) i.e. medicines labelled with directions for discharge.
To ensure appropriate maintenance of the Bedside Medicine Cabinets, by actively putting away patient specific dispensed medicines, PODs and remove unwanted/discontinued drugs in accordance Trust procedure and processing medicine orders where appropriate.
Ensure that medicines are transferred with the patient should they transfer ward or department.
Be responsible for the maintenance and updating of ward stock lists for the designated clinical area(s) in conjunction with the clinical pharmacist and ward staff.
Maintain adequate stock levels of ward pharmacy stock medicines in line with the ward top up schedule, ensuring that medicines are within expiry date and safe for ward staff to use.
Aid discharge planning in conjunction with the clinical pharmacist, ward staff and discharge liaison team. Dispense discharge medicines at ward level under the supervision of the clinical pharmacist where able or in pharmacy.
Person specification
Application form
Essential criteria
Pharmacy experience
Desirable criteria
Pharmacy experience
Knowlwdge of role and responsibilities
Essential criteria
Pharmacy experience
Desirable criteria
Knowlwdge of role and responsibilities
Please note - Due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered unless an alternative right to work solution can be provided. Candidates requiring sponsorship (or will need sponsorship at the end of a current visa e.g. those with graduate visa's) should review the eligibility criteria on the website before applying: Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Assistant (PDF, 375.0KB)
Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Assistant (PDF, 375.0KB)
Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Assistant (PDF, 375.0KB)
Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Assistant (PDF, 375.0KB)
Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Assistant (PDF, 375.0KB)
Join the RUH (PDF, 1.1MB)
Further details / informal visits contact
Name Sally Aplin Job title Lead Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician Email address Telephone number