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Pharmacy support staff

Consultancy

Working as a Pharmacy support staff member in Wales is a great first step into healthcare with many fulfilling opportunities to help people improve their health and well-being. These vital roles, often referred to as pharmacy assistants or dispensing assistants, are integral to the efficient operation of pharmacy services across various healthcare settings.

What Do Pharmacy Support Staff Do?

Pharmacy support staff work under the supervision of registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, undertaking a range of essential tasks, including:

  • Dispensing and Supplying Medicines: using digital systems and robotics to accurately prepare, check and supply medicines or medical devices to fulfil prescriptions and orders.
  • Advising on Medicines Use: Recommending over the counter medicines or offering guidance on the correct usage of medicines and medical devices, to ensure safety and achieve the desired health outcomes.
  • Supporting Pharmacy Services: Assisting in the delivery of a vast array of pharmacy services, which may range from health promotion initiatives, helping people check their own medicines, receiving stock deliveries, preparing sterile environments for making injectable products and administrative duties.

These roles are pivotal in ensuring that patients receive timely and accurate medications, accompanied by appropriate advice to support their health journey.

Where Can You Work?

Pharmacy support staff positions are available in diverse environments, such as:-

  • Community Pharmacies: Engaging directly with the public, providing accessible healthcare advice, supporting over-the-counter sales and dispensing, checking and supplying prescribed medicines
  • Hospital Pharmacies: Follows procedures and uses a range of digital systems to transfer medicines through pharmacy to be used in clinical areas like wards and theatres. A vital team member for managing inpatient and outpatient medicines.
  • Primary Care Settings: Assisting within homecare, general practices or health centres, contributing to patient medication management and support.
  • Other Specialist Areas: Pharmacy assistants have important roles in dispensing doctor’s surgeries, prison pharmacies, and manufacturing units.

Each setting offers unique experiences and opportunities to develop a broad skill set within the pharmacy sector.

Training and Development

While formal registration is not required for pharmacy support staff, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) sets the requirements for the education and training of pharmacy support staff, ensuring consistent standards to keep the public safe. Work based Level 2 qualifications ensure you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in your role. On-the-job training is provided through employers and means you can earn whilst you learn.

There are many opportunities for career progression from these entry level roles including team leader roles in larger organisations. For those aspiring to professional registration but lacking the pre-requisite GCSEs to apply for Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician roles, there are opportunities to access work based qualifications so you can advance into pharmacy technician roles .

Why Choose a Career as Pharmacy Support Staff?

A career as a pharmacy support staff member is both rewarding and dynamic, offering:

  • Direct Patient Interaction: Play a hands-on role in patient care, providing essential services and support.
  • Diverse Work Environments: Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, each presenting unique challenges and learning experiences. 
  • Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the pharmacy team, supported by structured training and development programs.
  • Contribution to Community Health: Be a vital part of the healthcare system, positively impacting patient outcomes and public health.

Embarking on this career path not only offers personal and professional growth but also the satisfaction of knowing you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Getting Started

If you're enthusiastic about pursuing a career as a pharmacy support staff member in Wales, consider exploring current job openings and training programs available through the NHS and other healthcare providers. Many positions offer comprehensive in-house training, providing a solid foundation for your career in pharmacy.

For more information on available roles and application processes, visit the NHS Jobs website or contact local healthcare providers directly. Embark on a fulfilling career journey today and become an essential part of the healthcare community in Wales.