Pharmacy Assistant

Role overview

This Pharmacy Assistant position is based at The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbrân and supports the delivery of a high-quality medicines service. The work is varied and hands-on, with a strong focus on patient care, accuracy, and teamwork. Most dispensing activity is handled through an automated robotic dispensing system, and the post also contributes to medicines management on wards.

Contract details

This is a fixed-term secondment for 10 months, ending on 31 March 2027, to cover maternity leave. If you are applying as a secondment candidate, you must obtain approval from your current line manager before submitting an application. The post is full-time and based onsite. Working hours are Monday to Friday, with weekend work required on a rota basis.

What the role involves

You will help with the accurate dispensing and distribution of medicines to patients, wards, departments, hospitals, and clinics served by GUH. The role also includes receiving stock, restocking and organising pharmacy robotic storage, assembling emergency kits, preparing pharmaceuticals, and providing straightforward non-clinical medicines information when required.

You will also support near-patient medicines management for inpatients, including checking patients’ own medicines for use during admission and assisting with discharge supply.

About the organisation

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is an award-winning NHS employer with a strong reputation for patient-focused care. It serves a population of around 650,000 across integrated acute, primary, and community care, and employs more than 16,000 staff. The organisation offers structured training, recognised qualifications, career development routes, management development opportunities, flexible working, occupational health support, and a commitment to improving wellbeing at work.

Eligibility and equality

Applications are welcomed from people with protected characteristics, including disabled and neurodiverse candidates, and from members of the Armed Forces Community. Applicants may apply in Welsh, and Welsh-language applications will be treated on an equal basis with English applications. Welsh and English speakers are equally welcome, although the ability to speak Welsh is desirable.

Support during recruitment

If you need adjustments to take part in the application or selection process, you are encouraged to raise them with the recruiting manager named in the advert. There is no requirement to share personal or medical details; simply explain what support would help you participate fully. If you need documents in a larger font or another format such as braille, you can contact the recruiting manager or the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board recruitment team on 01495 745805 option 3, or email abb.vacancyrequests@wales.nhs.uk.

Other information

If shortlisted, you will be contacted through the email address used for the application, so it should be checked regularly. Any conditional offer and information pack will also be sent by email. The vacancy may be closed early, and it may also be withdrawn if filled through internal redeployment. Flexible working is supported. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Health Board sites, as they are smoke-free by law.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants should have a good standard of secondary education, vocational or NVQ Level 3 training, and knowledge of pharmacy procedures. Desirable qualifications include GCSEs at grade C or above in Maths, English and Science, current knowledge of hospital pharmacy practice, and a GPhC-accredited Pharmacy Assistant accuracy-checking qualification.

Recent experience in a role involving service or supply work is essential. Pharmacy experience is desirable.

Skills and personal qualities

Strong organisational ability, close attention to detail, comfort with basic arithmetic without a calculator, good written and verbal communication, computer literacy, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important. You should also be able to make sensible decisions, such as setting stock levels. A conscientious, dependable, adaptable, patient-focused, and highly motivated approach is expected.

Why this role may suit you

This post may appeal to someone who enjoys practical work, values accuracy, and wants to contribute directly to patient care in a busy hospital pharmacy environment. Every day brings a different mix of tasks, and the role offers a chance to build skills within a supportive NHS team.