Pharmacy Support Worker

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The Pharmacy Aseptic team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are excited to be able to offer a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to begin a career in Pharmacy Aseptics.

UHS offers fantastic training and development, giving you the best possible start to achieve the career you want. Development of our staff is central to the delivery of high quality, safe and effective care. We can offer opportunities to develop within a supportive environment, and our staff survey results reflect our commitment to facilitate your career progression.

Successful candidates will be supported to complete the Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

This post is based at Adanac Aseptic Hub, our newly built Aseptic Unit. The role involves contributing to the accurate preparation and supply of IV antibiotics (CIVAs), Parenteral Nutrition (PN), Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT), Clinical Trials and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP). Full training and support for training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and completion of competencies will be provided.

The successful candidate will have responsibilities for supporting with stock management and distribution activities, maintaining necessary validations to support the day-to-day tasks within the cleanrooms, including visual inspection and labelling of finished products, assembly and preparation of products and use of pharmaceutical isolators and compounding semi-automation devices.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can demonstrate good attention to detail, self motivation and ability to follow procedures. Someone with strong teamwork and communication skills is essential for working in an aseptic pharmacy environment.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• Commitment to complete NVQ 2 in Pharmacy or other Level 2 approved GPhC qualification for pharmacy support, within 18 months of working
• Numerate and literate demonstrating ability to pass test at interview
  
  

Desirable criteria

• 2 GCSE’s or equivalent grades A* - C or 4-9 in English and Maths
• Other healthcare qualifications
• GCSE’s in science-based or other role specific relevant subjects
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Use of information technology in the workplace or within education or voluntary sector
• Standard keyboard skills
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Previous pharmacy/laboratory experience (hospital or community)
• Previous experience in health or social care (if not pharmacy)
• Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Customer service skills in the workplace or voluntary sector
• Communicate effectively with others in English both in speaking and writing
• Ability to follow procedures
• Attention to detail and accurate working
• Able to work independently and prioritise work with limited supervision
• Motivated and self-reliant and organised
• Adaptable particularly able to work in busy, noisy and changing environments
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrate times when able to work effectively under pressure