Job summary Hello My name is Hannah Newton-Oakes, I am a Senior Pharmacy Technician at the John Radcliffe Hospital Pharmacy.I am looking to recruit a Band 2-3 Dispensary and Ward Based Assistant on the John Radcliffe Site. This is a full-time post, 37.5 hours a week. This post offers an exciting opportunity to provide support to the JR dispensary, as well as supporting the Oxford Critical Care Unit (OCCU) and Gastroenterology/Hepatology wards. Main duties of the job Band 2-3 Dispensary and Ward Based Assistant on the John Radcliffe Site. Overall objectives of the role are; To improve the quality of care to patients in a clinical area by means of an efficient medicines management system. To provide a pharmacy service that ensures the safe and cost-effective use of medications at a ward level. To work as part of the dispensary team to facilitate the efficient and effective discharge of in-patients from their clinical area out of the hospital environment. To be an active member of the Pharmacy department and ensure continuous two-way exchange of information to maintain high standards with the Trust. Ideally you will have obtained your Specialist BTEC Level 2 Principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff Pharmacy Service Skills NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent GPhC recognised qualification), although this is not essential and support through the qualification process can be provided (successful applicants who do not hold the required qualification will be paid at band 2, rising to band 3 on successful completion of the qualification). For further information please read the job description provided. About us Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel. In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment. If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism. Date posted 23 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 2 Salary £24,169 to £25,674 a year Per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 321-CSS-7110469-B3 Job locations John Radcliffe Hospital Pharmacy Headley Way Headington OX3 9DU Job description Job responsibilities Detailed Responsibilities: Dispensary role To provide daily support to the dispensary workforce. To use the pharmacy computer system to produce dispensing labels and to make stock issues, receipt, and transfers. To dispense inpatient, outpatient clinical trial and controlled drug prescriptions according to dispensary procedures. To assist the Stock Management Team with unpacking deliveries and filling the automated dispensing system. To participate in conducting of regular Controlled Drug stock checks alongside a Registered Technician. To be responsible for putting away dispensing stock including part packs and maintaining tidy storage areas. To participate in extemporaneous dispensing e.g. preparing creams, ointments and liquid preparations. 8. Maintaining equipment used in the dispensing process. To participate in the training and induction of pre-registration students and ATOs. To participate in the audit and development of the dispensary service. To provide reception cover as per the Dispensary rota, and to answer the telephone and direct queries as appropriate. Ward-based role 1. To be responsible for the supply and delivery of any medicines required during inpatient stay according to the local procedures and guidance to reduce the number of missed doses. Assist in the transfer of medicines between wards and locating medicines that have been left behind when patients transfer wards. 3. Dealing with problems associated with the ordering of stock on behalf of the ward or refer where appropriate, liaising closely with the relevant pharmacy staff. To be involved in expiry date checking of ward stock. To work closely with the pharmacy top-up assistant in maintaining a well-controlled and appropriate medication and fluid stock holding. To provide support to the ward technician(s) and pharmacist(s) to ensure medicines management, including safe and secure storage of medicines, return of medicines into Local Funding, and facilitating near-patient dispensing. To return unused medicines from the ward(s) back to pharmacy. To ensure correct segregation and disposal of all types of waste such as cytotoxics both at ward level and in the dispensary. To be an advocate for good communication between ward staff, pharmacists, medicines management technicians and the dispensary. 10. To undertake extended roles at ward level according to local Standard Operating Procedures, following a period of supervised practice. This may include writing-controlled drug (CD) orders in ward CD order books. 11. To monitor and report any issues regarding the safe storage of drugs to the ward pharmacist and/or ward manager. 12. Photocopying, filing, and scanning documents when necessary. Collecting and disseminating documents received within pharmacy. To collect essential documentation, such as working copies, on behalf of the pharmacist to support swift discharge of patients. 13. To contact GP surgeries or community pharmacies as requested by other members of the pharmacy team to either provide or retrieve information relating to medicines management. General role 1. To provide training, including induction, to pharmacy support staff as required. 2. To work towards the BTEC level 2 Certificate in the principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff. 3. To undertake in-house and/or external training appropriate for the role. To complete reports and audits as requested. To participate in a programme of work-based training, development, and appraisal. To ensure confidentiality is always maintained. To maintain a tidy and clean working environment. To participate in early and late duties, evening, weekend, and bank holiday working according to the departmental rotas. Any other duties as requested by the Lead Pharmacist, Ward Based Technician Manager or Clinical Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Management. Job description Job responsibilities Detailed Responsibilities: Dispensary role To provide daily support to the dispensary workforce. To use the pharmacy computer system to produce dispensing labels and to make stock issues, receipt, and transfers. To dispense inpatient, outpatient clinical trial and controlled drug prescriptions according to dispensary procedures. To assist the Stock Management Team with unpacking deliveries and filling the automated dispensing system. To participate in conducting of regular Controlled Drug stock checks alongside a Registered Technician. To be responsible for putting away dispensing stock including part packs and maintaining tidy storage areas. To participate in extemporaneous dispensing e.g. preparing creams, ointments and liquid preparations. 8. Maintaining equipment used in the dispensing process. To participate in the training and induction of pre-registration students and ATOs. To participate in the audit and development of the dispensary service. To provide reception cover as per the Dispensary rota, and to answer the telephone and direct queries as appropriate. Ward-based role 1. To be responsible for the supply and delivery of any medicines required during inpatient stay according to the local procedures and guidance to reduce the number of missed doses. Assist in the transfer of medicines between wards and locating medicines that have been left behind when patients transfer wards. 3. Dealing with problems associated with the ordering of stock on behalf of the ward or refer where appropriate, liaising closely with the relevant pharmacy staff. To be involved in expiry date checking of ward stock. To work closely with the pharmacy top-up assistant in maintaining a well-controlled and appropriate medication and fluid stock holding. To provide support to the ward technician(s) and pharmacist(s) to ensure medicines management, including safe and secure storage of medicines, return of medicines into Local Funding, and facilitating near-patient dispensing. To return unused medicines from the ward(s) back to pharmacy. To ensure correct segregation and disposal of all types of waste such as cytotoxics both at ward level and in the dispensary. To be an advocate for good communication between ward staff, pharmacists, medicines management technicians and the dispensary. 10. To undertake extended roles at ward level according to local Standard Operating Procedures, following a period of supervised practice. This may include writing-controlled drug (CD) orders in ward CD order books. 11. To monitor and report any issues regarding the safe storage of drugs to the ward pharmacist and/or ward manager. 12. Photocopying, filing, and scanning documents when necessary. Collecting and disseminating documents received within pharmacy. To collect essential documentation, such as working copies, on behalf of the pharmacist to support swift discharge of patients. 13. To contact GP surgeries or community pharmacies as requested by other members of the pharmacy team to either provide or retrieve information relating to medicines management. General role 1. To provide training, including induction, to pharmacy support staff as required. 2. To work towards the BTEC level 2 Certificate in the principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff. 3. To undertake in-house and/or external training appropriate for the role. To complete reports and audits as requested. To participate in a programme of work-based training, development, and appraisal. To ensure confidentiality is always maintained. To maintain a tidy and clean working environment. To participate in early and late duties, evening, weekend, and bank holiday working according to the departmental rotas. Any other duties as requested by the Lead Pharmacist, Ward Based Technician Manager or Clinical Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Management. Person Specification Essential and Desirable Essential Willing to complete BTEC level 2 Certificate in the principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff. Experienced dispenser Experience of stock management Able to work as part of a team and independently Proven time management skills Able to use own initiative appropriately Good verbal communication skills Willing to travel between sites Enthusiastic and responsible attitude Ability to work well under pressure Adaptable to change Respectful towards colleagues and patients Willing to work in clinical areas with infectious diseases patients Desirable Previous NHS experience Experience of using the local pharmacy computer system Experience of hospital pharmacy Well organised A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs Experience of a changing work environment Person Specification Essential and Desirable Essential Willing to complete BTEC level 2 Certificate in the principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff. Experienced dispenser Experience of stock management Able to work as part of a team and independently Proven time management skills Able to use own initiative appropriately Good verbal communication skills Willing to travel between sites Enthusiastic and responsible attitude Ability to work well under pressure Adaptable to change Respectful towards colleagues and patients Willing to work in clinical areas with infectious diseases patients Desirable Previous NHS experience Experience of using the local pharmacy computer system Experience of hospital pharmacy Well organised A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs Experience of a changing work environment Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address John Radcliffe Hospital Pharmacy Headley Way Headington OX3 9DU Employer's website https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)