Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Solihull Hospital Pharmacy Department as a Specialist Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer – Stores, Distribution, and Pre‑Packing Services. This Band 4 role plays a key part in supporting the safe, efficient, and timely supply of medicines across the hospital.
The successful candidate will coordinate the daily workflow within the stores and pre‑packing areas, support the provision of ward stock medicines, and dispense and final check emergency boxes. The role also includes supervising and supporting pharmacy assistants, contributing to staff training and development, and supporting the implementation of service improvements.
We are seeking a proactive, organised, and motivated individual with excellent communication skills and a keen attention to detail. Previous hospital pharmacy experience is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care, quality, and safety. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy and collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering an effective pharmacy service that positively impacts patient care.
For further information please contact Linda Northall (Linda.Northall@uhb.nhs.uk).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Coordinating the day‑to‑day workflow within Stores, Distribution, and Pre‑Packing Services to ensure an efficient and responsive service.
* Supporting the timely preparation and supply of pre‑packed medicines, emergency drug boxes, and ward stock medication across the hospital.
* Managing stock control processes, including ordering, receipting, stock rotation, expiry date monitoring, and maintaining appropriate stock levels.
* Dispensing and accuracy checking inpatient, discharge, and outpatient prescriptions in line with departmental procedures and professional standards.
* Providing patients and ward staff with basic medication advice and ensuring patients understand how to take their medicines safely and effectively.
* Handling and recording controlled drugs in accordance with legal requirements, Trust policies, and departmental procedures.
* Supporting ward top‑up services and assisting with emergency and out‑of‑hours medication supplies when required.
* Supervising, supporting, and assisting in the training and development of pharmacy assistants and other support staff.
* Contributing to the development, review, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training documentation, and service improvement initiatives.
* Maintaining accurate records using pharmacy computer systems and ensuring all documentation is completed to a high standard.
* Liaising effectively with procurement teams, portering services, pharmacy colleagues, and clinical staff to resolve supply and medication queries promptly.
* Participating in departmental audits, team meetings, and continuous improvement activities to support service quality and patient safety.
* Ensuring compliance with all Trust policies and procedures, including health and safety, infection prevention, and confidentiality requirements.
* Contributing to weekend, late‑night, bank holiday, and extended‑hours rotas as required to support service delivery.
Qualifications
Essential
* GCSEs: Mathematics, English and Science (Grade C/4 or equivalent) and two other GCSEs (Grade C/4)
* NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills/Support Staff or equivalent
* Willing to work towards National Level 3 qualification (e.g. ILM Level 3 or similar) or hold equivalent experience
* Evidence of working accurately, such as the West Midlands Dispensing Accuracy Assessment or equivalent
* Controlled Drug dispensing competency or a working towards it
Desirable
* Accuracy Checking For Dispensing Assistants (National framework)
Experience
Essential
* Previous recent experience working in hospital pharmacy
* Experience in dealing with patients, healthcare professionals at all levels, the general public and challenging situations
* Understanding of Health and Safety at Work, manual handling and COSHH
* Understanding of dispensing, stock control and supply systems and processes
* Knowledge of stock control systems
* Knowledge of code of practice/customer care
* Understands the need for delivering a cost effective service and the required work practices to reduce waste
Desirable
* Experience of managing and leading a team
* Experience in staff training
* Working knowledge of JAC pharmacy system
* Knowledge of drugs, side effects & where to find further information
* Understanding of pharmacy related computer systems
Compliance
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Pay and Contract
Agenda for Change – Band 4 – Salary: £28,392.00 to £31,157.00 per year. Permanent contract. Full‑time, flexible working. Working pattern: full‑time, flexible. Job location: Solihull Hospital, Lode Ln, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2JL.
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