Make a real impact on inpatient care through medicines optimisation.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our Medicines Optimisation Team, supporting inpatient services within HCRG Care Group across BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire, based at Chippenham Community Hospital. This is a key role in delivering a safe, efficient, and high‑quality ward‑based pharmacy service within a community hospital environment.
You will play a pivotal role in supporting medicines optimisation in line with national and local policy, helping to improve patient outcomes through the safe, effective, and cost‑conscious use of medicines. The role includes supporting cost‑effective prescribing, assisting with medicines budget management, reducing medicines wastage, and contributing to medicines management services and service‑improvement initiatives. You will work independently within agreed guidelines, using initiative to support the wider medicines optimisation strategy.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide professional medicines‑related advice and support to clinicians, nurses, and patients. A key aspect of the role involves responding to daily medication requests and queries, requiring excellent communication skills, organisation, and a patient‑focused approach. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and proactive Pharmacy Technician keen to make a tangible difference to inpatient care.
Main duties of the job
* Support the delivery of a safe, efficient, and compliant pharmaceutical technical service, in line with legislation, local policy, and professional standards.
* Participate in ward‑based medicines management, supporting the safe and effective use of medicines under the direction of the pharmacist.
* Undertake medicines reconciliation and medication reviews in line with agreed competencies.
* Review inpatient prescription charts at ward level in preparation for clinical verification by a pharmacist.
* Ensure the timely supply of medicines, including expediting individual dispensed items to support patient care and discharge.
* Maintain accurate medicines stock control, monitor stock levels, and communicate medicines availability to relevant staff.
* Support the safe management of Controlled Drugs, including stock checks, audits, and adherence to statutory storage requirements.
* Counsel patients on the safe and effective use of medicines, including possible side effects, and support patient self‑administration where appropriate.
* Check returned medicines for reuse where appropriate and ensure the safe disposal of unwanted medicines.
* Identify opportunities to reduce medicines waste and optimise pharmaceutical care within designated areas.
* Provide technical medicines advice and respond to routine enquiries, escalating non‑routine issues appropriately.
* Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, maintaining clear and effective communication with clinical staff and patients.
Qualifications
* Registered Qualified Pharmacy Technician with NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant qualification.
* Experience working in primary care, community, or hospital pharmacy.
* Sound knowledge of pharmacy law, ethics, and current medicines legislation.
* Ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately and identify errors.
* Well‑organised, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
* Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for daily use, with the ability to travel across BaNES.
Skills and professional attributes
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence liaising with patients and clinical staff.
* Good IT and computer skills.
* Effective decision‑making and prioritisation skills.
* Professional, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
* Commitment to continuing professional development and understanding of the evolving Pharmacy Technician role.
* Positive team player with the ability to work independently when required.
* Patient‑focused, conscientious, and enthusiastic about delivering high‑quality pharmacy services.
* Desirable: medicines management checking qualification, medicines reconciliation training, and patient counselling experience.
Benefits
* £32,073 – £39,043 FTE (Band 5 AfC Salary) with NHS Pension and full Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
* Access to My Reward Hub discounts on everyday purchases.
* Cash‑back and voucher offers for treats for you and your loved ones.
* Access to wages as earned, helping cover life’s emergencies.
* Online and face‑to‑face support with wellbeing, including mental health, legal, debt, and career coaching.
* Access to eLearning, bespoke career pathways and opportunities for continuing professional development.
* An open, just culture encouraging ideas to deliver quality health and care.
* Work for an organisation committed to the highest clinical and quality standards, with the majority of rated services holding good or outstanding ratings from the Care Quality Commission.
Equal opportunities
HCRG Care Group is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from a broad, diverse range of people who want to join our team. We are a Disability Confident Committed company and provide facilities, work‑environment adjustments and technical solutions to be as inclusive as possible.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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