Patient Services Senior Pharmacy Technician - Dispensary Team Leader

We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Pharmacy Technician to join the pharmacy team within our modern automated dispensary area. This role is ideal for an experienced registered pharmacy technician to work as an ACPT and acquire skills in staff management and service development in a busy hospital pharmacy department.

• Perform technical accuracy checks on dispensed prescriptions.
• Undertake day‑to‑day supervision of junior pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants.
• Support delivery of dispensary Key Performance Indicators.
• Provide training in dispensary procedures and pharmacy computer use to all members of staff.
• Mentor and develop pharmacy assistants.
• Act as a professional role model for pre‑registration trainee pharmacy technicians, junior pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants.
• Manage a defined area of responsibility within the prescribed medication supply chain.
• Lead a team of junior and PTPTs and pharmacy assistants in the dispensary, organising and directing their work efficiently.
• Assist the Principal Pharmacy Technician with staff development, monitoring performance and supporting ongoing professional development.
• Provide induction and ongoing training of dispensary staff and other pharmacy staff in procedures and IT systems, including NVQ level 2 and 3 and competency assessments for pre‑registration trainees.
• Oversee continuous improvement and efficiency within the dispensary by managing discrete projects and areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate dispensing of medicines for in‑patients, out‑patients and ward use, including receipt of prescriptions, collection of prescription charges, accurate labelling and dispensing of cytotoxic medicines according to departmental policies and SOPs.
• Provide patient counselling on correct use of medicines; demonstrate inhaler and other medical device techniques; contribute to the provision of medicines information to out‑patients.
• Assist with the dispensing of clinical trial medicines, ensuring all paperwork is maintained.
• Oversee safe and secure storage and dispensing of controlled drugs, maintaining statutory registers accurately.
• Enter accurate patient medication history and prescription data into computerised and manual databases.
• Support stock control through regular reconciliation checks and expiry checks; organise safe destruction of drug waste.
• Liaise with pharmacy and other healthcare staff to ensure an efficient, responsive service to directorates.
• Implement service provision systems that enhance dispensary efficiency.
• Formulate, review, update and implement standard operating procedures for the dispensaries.

• Registered with the GPhC.
• Possess an accuracy checking qualification or be due to complete imminently.
• Proactive, dynamic individual with enthusiasm for innovation and delivering an excellent patient experience.
• Experience in staff management and training preferred.
• Knowledge of medication supply chain within a hospital pharmacy setting.

• One‑year fixed term contract or a secondment opportunity (please speak to your Line Manager first).
• 7‑day service with occasional weekend shifts required.
• Probationary period covering the first six months in post.
• Travel between Bedford and Luton sites may be required.

The Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, obstetrics‑led maternity and paediatrics. The Trust is committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available, and offers a programme of high‑quality training and development to help staff grow their careers.

We recruit not only based on qualifications and experience but also on the behaviours that underpin our core values. We are dedicated to inclusive recruitment practices, promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.