Pharmacy Technician Medicines Optimisation

at  279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated pharmacy technician to join the existing, inclusive and dedicated team of Pharmacy Technician at The Royal Sussex County Hospital.
The Pharmacy Technician team at UHSussex is a growing, dynamic and skilled workforce, with the successful candidate joining a unified and developing team of 150+ Pharmacy Technicians and Assistant Technical Officers across multiple sites. The successful candidate can expect a supported induction period, training and development opportunities, clear leadership and management, including governance and structures and an expanding health and wellbeing focus to support a highly engaged technical workforce
If you are already a Band 5 Pharmacy Technician within the NHS, and can demonstrate the required competencies, you could be appointed into a Band 5 role immediately. However we are offering a comprehensive training package which will develop your skills in order for you to progress from a Band 4 to 5 Pharmacy Technician.
Please note we would welcome applications from pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians due to qualify and register in 2025.
We welcome applications from those who are looking for full time, part time or bank work and we are open to discussions around hours and shift patterns.
If, upon completion of the training provided, you are able to demonstrate the required competencies you will progress into a Band 5 Pharmacy Technician position.
On a three month rotation you may experience work in Acute and General Medicine, Care of the Elderly, Trauma surgery, ENT surgery, Digestive Diseases, Vascular, Stroke, Respiratory, Women’s and Children’s health . For each rotation you will be assigned a practice supervisor and your development will be supported using our internal appraisal system with your designated educational supervisor.
You will be involved in the provision and development of medicines management services, and will check patients’ own medicines, take drug histories, initiate further supplies, counsel patients on their medicines and help to co-ordinate discharge.
You will also work in our busy dispensaries using our automated supply system (pharmacy robot). You will label, dispense, and check prescriptions for in-patients, TTOs and out-patients.
Comprehensive in-house training will be provided including working towards achieving an accreditation as an ACPT. Support from dedicated, experienced facilitators will be provided to enable you to progress and work towards achieving this qualification.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
One of our existing rotational technicians describes the role - “it’s a busy acute trust and you have to work hard, however we get fantastic experience and exposure and a sense of being able to contribute to something special whilst being supported”
As well as the standard stuff you get for turning up for work (pay, experience, training, being part of a team), we are based on the South Coast by the sea and the beautiful South Downs, with great recreational and social opportunities.
You will need to be caring, responsible and highly motivated with good inter-personal communication and IT skills. You should be good at working in a team and under pressure, at problem solving, meeting deadlines and at supporting staff in their development.
Pharmacy Role-Specific Duties

Prepare labels using the pharmacy computer system (JAC) from a requisition/prescription for both in-patients and out-patients, ensuring accurate data entry.
Dispense for in-patients and out-patients from a requisition/prescription ensuring each item is accurately dispensed, and in the correct packaging, according to SOPs.
Accurately record the batch numbers and expiry dates of named patient medications, unlicensed medications and human blood products according to pharmaceutical SOPs and national requirements.
To perform the final accuracy, check on dispensed items, from clinically screened prescriptions, on completion of National Accreditation – Accredited Checking Technician course.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details