Pharmacy Technician (with ward duties) with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
Even though this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, applicants must verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and final approval is at the employer’s discretion.
About the Position
We are seeking enthusiastic, hardworking registered Pharmacy Technicians to join our expanding Pharmacy Team at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week) with opportunities to work on wards within the main hospital performing top-ups and ordering medications for inpatients. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to further their skills by completing a BTEC level 4 ACT Qualification.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must have:
- NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services with appropriate underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
- Current registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio in line with GPhC requirements
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, having the following would be advantageous:
- A thorough understanding of pharmacy policies and procedures
- Experience working in a hospital pharmacy setting
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate:
- A minimum of 2 years experience in Pharmacy
- High levels of accuracy and ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to use own initiative to provide safe and effective service
li>Excellent communication and organizational skills
Desirable Experience
Candidates with the following experience are encouraged to apply:
- Good understanding of hospital pharmacy practices
- Experience with unlicensed and named-patient medication
li>Experience in clinical trials dispensing
Main Duties
Your responsibilities will include:
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li>Accurately dispensing prescriptions, including unlicensed and named-patient medication, oral cytotoxic medication, and controlled drugs
- Counseling patients effectively about their medications
li>Maintaining accurate computer and register records for controlled drugs, unlicensed drugs, and named-patient medication
li>Dispensing clinical trials in accordance with protocols and guidelines
li>Calculating formulae for extemporaneously prepared medicines
li>Performing ward duties including top-ups and ordering medications for inpatients
About Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The Trust’s services are provided from three locations:
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li>The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 473 general and acute beds
li>Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 60 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
li>Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services serving the local rural population
The Trust employs 5,964 staff to provide care and treatment to a population of over 400,000 people. During 2024/2025, there were approximately 643,000 patient attendances ranging from simple outpatient appointments to major cancer surgery.
Location
Countess of Chester Hospital is located on Liverpool Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1UL. Chester is a historic city in North West England with excellent transport links to Manchester, Liverpool, and North Wales.
Salary and Benefits
This position is offered on a salary scale of £27,485 to £30,162 per annum, paid monthly through the Agenda for Change pay system. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale. Benefits include:
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li>Access to the NHS Pension Scheme
li>30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
li>Staff discount schemes
li>Professional development opportunities
Certificate of Sponsorship
This position is eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship for international candidates who meet the required criteria. The Trust will not sponsor where the starting salary does not meet immigration rules. Applicants requiring sponsorship should assess themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Overseas pharmacy technicians will need to have their qualifications assessed and meet the registration requirements before commencing employment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If a DBS is required, applicants are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. Costs will be deducted from the salary over the first three months of employment.
Application Process
All applications must be made via the NHS Jobs website. Recruitment selection processes are based on competence and values. If you have a disability that meets the definition in the Equality Act 2010 and you meet the essential criteria, please indicate if you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website
li>Search for vacancy reference number 210-2026-44-A
li>Complete the online application form
li>Upload your CV and any supporting documents
li>Submit your application before the closing date
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received, the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
International Applicant Checklist
If you are an international applicant, please ensure you have the following before applying:
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li>Verified eligibility to work in the UK
li>Current GPhC registration or application in progress
li>English language proficiency if applicable
li>Criminal record certificates from any countries you have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
li>Required visa documentation
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact:
Emma Williams
Chief Pharmacy Technician – Patient Services
Email: Emma.williams158@nhs.net
Phone: 01244365251
Employer Website
For more information about Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, please visit: https://www.coch.nhs.uk/working-with-us.aspx
Privacy Notice
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice, which can be found at https://www.coch.nhs.uk/privacy-notice.aspx.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 06 April 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the Trust may close this vacancy before the advertised date if sufficient applications are received.
Equal Opportunities
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are available for download:
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li>Job Description and Person Specification.pdf
li>Risk ID.pdf
li>Guidance Notes for Applicants.pdf
li>How to travel to work.pdf
These documents provide additional information about the role, the Trust, and the application process.
Conclusion
This position offers an excellent opportunity for pharmacy technicians to develop their careers within the NHS while making a meaningful contribution to patient care. With a certificate of sponsorship available for eligible candidates, it represents a pathway for international healthcare professionals to work in the UK. If you meet the essential criteria and are seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply.