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Job summary

Main area
Pharmacy
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (09:00-17:00 Monday - Friday)
Job ref
405-25-HS494FPHAR
Employer
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Dorset County Hospital
Town
Dorchester
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
11/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Dispensing Assistant - Fortuneswell Pharmacy

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for people to join our Fortuneswell Pharmacy team as Dispensing Assistants. Fortuneswell Pharmacy is a wholly owned subsidiary Outpatient Pharmacy located in next to the Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit at Dorset County Hospital.  For the last 7 years, our service has supplied of medicines to patients and pharmaceutical advice to haematology and oncology outpatients and healthcare professionals.  We have recently undergone a major refurbishment programme, and are looking to extend the high level of service offered to the rest of Dorset County Hospital’s outpatients.  We also provide a home delivery service to patients all over Dorset.

We are a people centred business, where every member of staff matters and can make a difference.  Patients are at the heart of everything we do.  Joining Fortuneswell Pharmacy means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff who are committed to leading the way through clinical excellence and great customer care.

Fortuneswell Pharmacy operates as a separate company to Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals interested in developing skills within hospital outpatient pharmacy services.  Working alongside the rest of the Fortuneswell Pharmacy team, as well as medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues from around the NHS Trust, you will be actively involved in the exciting development and expansion of outpatient pharmacy services.

The post will involve duties that assist in the dispensing process to provide a safe and efficient service Dorset County Hospital’s outpatients, as well as the opportunity to sell a limited range of over-the-counter products to staff, patients and visitors.

The ideal candidate will have a good general education and demonstrable computer experience.   You will be systematic and have a good eye for detail and accuracy.  If not already held, you will take part in the NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, or an equivalent qualification (in house training will be provided).  There will also be future opportunities for further development, such as Dispenser Accuracy Checking.

Prior pharmacy experience is highly desirable.

Salary negotiable dependent upon experience, including a retention and recruitment premium.

Working for our organisation

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff 

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.​

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • Assisting in the maintenance of an efficient and safe dispensing service.
  • Ensuring that work is undertaken in line with policies and procedures.
  • Communicate with patients, carers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding routine/sensitive information requiring empathising, reassurance and advisory skills.
  • Managing pharmacy stock, including ordering, receipt and inventory management.
  • Maintaining a safe working environment.
  • Contributing to policy/service development by suggesting changes/improvements within own area of activity.
  • Review of staff training materials and Standard Operational Procedures under the supervision of the Superintendent Pharmacist.

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you are unable to view or download the attachment. 

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of general work experience.
  • Evidence of work experience in a pharmacy environment.

Education & Qualification

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of good level of education to include GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent
  • Qualified to NVQ level 2 or 3 in Pharmacy Services AND/OR willing to undertake and achieve specified Units of NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification within an agreed timescale

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Computer literacy and keyboard skills
  • Enthusiastic, motivated and able to use initiative and work with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to work methodically and accurately under pressure
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload in order to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
  • Ability to have a flexible approach to work and to be open to chaning practices
  • Good analytical, judgemental and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent spoken and written language English Language skills.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoArmed Forces CovenantArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such 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.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Andrew Harris
Job title
Superintendent Pharmacist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01305 254862
Additional information

Andrew Harris, Superintendent Pharmacist, Fortuneswell Pharmacy Tel: 01305 254862 Email: [email protected]

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