Job overview
We are aiming for a start date in January/February 2026 as this is when the next training cohort will start.
Do you want to be an integral part of a thriving acute Trust that embraces transformation and is passionate about delivering safe, personal and effective care? Are you willing to train to become a pharmacy technician? If the answer is yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you to join our award-winning pharmacy team.
We are looking for a trainee who is keen to train towards the requirements for the Level 3 Diploma in The Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. The right candidate will benefit from a training programme that gives the variety of duties required of a technician in the hospital setting. The training course will consist of online sessions delivered by pharmacy professionals from an accredited training provider. Knowledge and skills will be assessed via written assignments and observed demonstration of competency in the workplace.
The right candidate will be a strong communicator, well organised and a team player. We offer all Trainee Pharmacy Technicians full support from an in-house Educational Supervisor and we have developed our training program to meet the needs of the trainee in line with the most recent education and training standards provided by the GPHC.
You will ideally hold a minimum of four GCSE’s or equivalent at grade C or above and these must include Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. (Dual science awards are accepted)
Main duties of the job
Duties of a Trainee Pharmacy Technician will include:
* Answering telephones and dealing with customers face to face
* Maintaining and issuing stock, and inputting data into the computer system
* Checking the accuracy of deliveries
* Labelling and assembling medication for patients and ward stock
* Accuracy checking medication dispensed by others
* Completing medicines reconciliation meetings with patients at ward level and assessing patient's own drugs
* Counselling patients on the use of their medication
* Completing any additional training pertaining to the course
Working for our organisation
Established in 2003 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is a large integrated health care organisation providing high quality acute secondary healthcare for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 patients a year from the most serious of emergencies to planned operations and procedures. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work and achievements.
Our Dedicated Ward Pharmacy model is award winning. The Trust is rolling out a full EPMA and EPR service. The department is supported by electronic medicines management, and automation. We offer a full overview of the department as part of your 4 week induction, which will then be followed up with a tailored training plan. We are a flexible and friendly team working weekends 1 in 8 on rota basis, some bank holidays and extended shifts until 7pm on occasion.
You will not be permitted to take annual leave on college days.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for full list of duties.
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will:
Support the Assistant Directors of Pharmacy in providing a high quality, cost effective and efficient patient centred pharmacy service to the Trust
Work in partnership with the pharmacy technicians in the provision of a
high quality, cost effective and efficient patient centred pharmacy service
to the Trust
Assist in maintaining and developing the highest standards of patient focused care in the provision of technical services
Support the governance and medicines risk management agenda locally
Support the agreed policies and procedures for safe medicines use and
Support mechanisms to promote high quality medicine use, effective risk
management, clinical governance and adherence to Trust policies and
guidelines concerning medicines use
Contribute to the development of the service
Adhere to the learning agreements and training policies associated with
the post of a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician
Participate in pharmacy rotas including weekend, bank holiday and late
night working
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* 4 or more GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above including English, Maths and Sciences
Desirable criteria
* NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services
Skills
Essential criteria
* Ability to work to a high specification of accuracy and attention to detail
* Ability to understand the importance of confidentiality
* Computer literate
* Good time management
Desirable criteria
* Experience in Hospital or Community Pharmacy
Attributes
Essential criteria
* Good communication skills, both written and verbal
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
* Be able to offer some flexibility with the working hours
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* A basic knowledge of the role of the pharmacy technician