About this role
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Pharmacy team within the QE Facilities Outpatient Dispensary at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, delivering a high-quality service to Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.You will support the supply of a wide range of medicines, including specialist and high-risk therapies such as oral chemotherapy, IVF treatments, and other high-cost medicines.As a Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant, you will play a key role in providing a patient-focused, efficient, and accurate dispensing service, while supporting stock management and wider operations of the pharmacy.
This role is ideal for a motivated individual looking to develop their knowledge and experience within a busy hospital environment, gaining exposure to specialist services and contributing to an evolving and forward-thinking team.
Main duties of the job
Support the dispensing of outpatient prescriptions, including specialist medicines such as oral chemotherapy and IVF treatments. Work as part of the pharmacy team to deliver a high-quality, patient-focused service. Provide support across all Pharmacy operations as required. Assist in maintaining legal, regulatory, and professional standards within a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Use pharmacy systems to support stock ordering, control, and accurate patient medication records. Participate in stock management processes including ordering, receipt, expiry checking, and discrepancy reporting. Assist with prescription reception, processing, and transfer in line with standard operating procedures. Handle patient queries and provide appropriate advice, referring to the Pharmacist when required. Support the achievement of Pharmacy KPIs through accurate and timely dispensing and administrative work. Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary and wider pharmacy service.
About us
QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.
We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA).
In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice.
QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate.
Job description Job responsibilities
Dispense prescriptions and medicines accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with legal and professional requirements. Support the safe supply ofspecialist and high-risk medicines, maintaining a high level of attention to detail. Maintain accurate Patient Medication Records (PMR) and ensure correct allocation of stock to patients and cost centres. Use pharmacy stock management systems to support ordering, control, and audit processes. Collate, check, and prepare medicines and deliveries for collection or onward distribution. Participate in stock checks and support investigation and resolution of discrepancies. Assist with procurement and invoicing processes, including reconciliation of delivery notes and supplier documentation. Support financial and administrative tasks, including processing credits, managing returns, and maintaining audit trails. Contribute to data collection and reporting for activity, performance, and audit purposes. Maintain accurate documentation to support governance, quality assurance, and compliance requirements. Provide support at the pharmacy counter, including prescription reception and handling transactions. Work within SOPs and pharmacy policies, understanding when to escalate queries to a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Manager. Contribute to continuous improvement and service development within the Outpatient Pharmacy. Support training and development by maintaining competence and participating in appraisal processes.
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the Laws, Guidelines and Standards relating to the supply of medicines from a GPhC registered Pharmacy. Excellent communication and customer skills for public and healthcare professionals Accurate data entry and record keeping Demonstrate an appropriate level of IT skills Demonstrate appropriate level of organisational skills
Qualifications Essential
Pharmacy Service Skills NVQ Level 2 (QCF) Qualification for Dispensing Pharmacy Assistants or a Community Pharmacy dispensing qualification
Experience Essential
Dispensing Pharmacy / Assistant experience in Hospital Pharmacy or Community Pharmacy
Desirable
Experience in administrative or stock management processes
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 QE Facilities
Address QE Hospital, Gateshead
Elizabeth Avenue
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.qefacilities.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)