Your pharmacy career begins at
Croydon Health Services
Welcome to the pharmacy department at Croydon
Joining our pharmaceutical team means becoming part of a nurturing and supportive environment, where you'll work alongside nationally recognised pharmacists.
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Our team is known for its approachability and support, backed by a senior leadership team that maintain an open-door policy, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
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We pride ourselves on being one of the few hospitals in the region that supports patient care through a dedicated medicines information department. This unique feature allows our pharmacists to develop skills in critical appraisal, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. ​
We also invest heavily in staff wellbeing, with initiatives like celebrations of staff achievements through 'Croydon Stars', team-building activities like Christmas quizzes and morning conundrums, and offering discounted rates for the staff gym. ​
With a focus on continuous improvement in training, non-clinical development opportunities, and a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, our department stands out as a top choice for pharmacists seeking professional and personal growth.
State-of-the-art facilities
Gain experience in our brand new, state-of-the-art intensive care unit, featuring modern facilities, Omnicell medication storage, and a dedicated conference room for learning.
Collaborative environment
Our team is friendly, supportive, and inclusive, with approachable staff members at all levels – including a welcoming senior leadership team and an open-door policy.
Level up your skills
We offer unique opportunities for development through specialist roles which support independent prescribing.
Rich learning culture
We offer a rich learning culture with opportunities to develop your clinical expertise (think educational drug reps and weekly teaching sessions) and hone transferable skills.
Our opportunities
We have a variety of opportunities available for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians across our department.
Pharmacists
Trainee pharmacists
Aspiring pharmacist? Croydon offers a tailored training program, a supportive and encouraging environment, and a clear path for career advancement. Read below to find out more.
Band 6 pharmacists
Begin your career as a clinical pharmacist on our Band 6 to 7 Rotational programme.
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You'll work across rotations such as Elderly Care, Stroke, Surgery, Medicine (Respiratory, Gastro, Cardiology), Acute medicine (AMU, ED) and more!
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We welcome both trainee and qualified pharmacists to this programme.
Band 7 pharmacists
The program features a rotational structure where you'll gain experience in various areas over a nine-month period.
These rotations include: medicines information, high-cost drugs, antimicrobials, surgery & critical care, cardiology, gastroenterology, AMU, ED, and technical services.
In addition to these rotations, there will also be fixed roles within the program that will provide you with a solid foundation in core pharmacy practices.
Band 8 pharmacists
Our band 8 pharmacists are our lead directorates. They strategise our pharmacy vision, drive innovation, and support our pharmacists in providing the best patient-care.
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Directorates include Technical Services, Digital Medicines Management, Cardiology and Respiratory, Gastroenterology and Diabetes Medicines, Critical Care and Surgery, Women and Children, Medicines Information and High Cost Drugs, HIV, Antimicrobials, Acute Medicine + Emergency Department, and Medicines Safety and Governance.
What can you expect when you join our team?
Supportive + nurturing Culture
An inclusive and diverse team where there is no sense of hierarchy and a personalised level of support is offered from the department and your: - Designated supervisor - Designated prescribing practitioner - Rotational lead - Education and Training Mentor
Multidisciplinary team working
Our diverse teams are known for their approachability and inclusive atmosphere. Learn from nationally recognised specialists, and experience the strong working relationships within Croydon.
Bespoke training
We're committed to shaping you into a well-rounded pharmacist by investing heavily in your clinical training. This includes: weekly teaching, regular supervisions with senior and specialist pharmacists, personalised action plans catering to your individual learning style, as well as opportunities for cross-sector experience within a GP practice and wider community.
Career progression
Our high retention rates are evidence of the high- quality training and supportive culture we promote.
Rotations
The annual rota is structured to give you sufficient experience in each of the key areas of hospital pharmacy; Cardiology, Endocrinology, Renal, Respiratory, Surgery, Admissions, Medicines Information, Aseptics and Dispensary. You will also gain experience with our partner GP practice and community pharmacy.
Salary
Rotation length
Rotation specialities
Band 6 to 7 progression
Diploma funding
Preferred funding
On-call location
On-call frequency
Senior on-call support
Six day working
Late duty
Late duty remuneration
Cross-site working
Independent Prescribing supported
Band 6
£44,485 to £52,521
4 months
Acute Medical Admissions and Emergency Department. General Medicine (Respiratory, Cardiology, Gastroenterology). Elderly Care, Stroke. General Surgery and Orthogeriatrics, Medicines Information. Paediatrics and Maternity Primary Care (GP/ICN).
Yes
Yes
Preferred Diploma
From home
1 in 6 (3 days over 12 weeks)
Yes
1 in 6
Yes - typically until 6:15pm (2 per month)
Lieu time
Yes - rotation at partner GP practice + with the integrated care network
Yes
Band 7
£53,751 to £60,651
9 months
Medicines information + high cost drugs. Antimicrobials. Surgery + critical care. Cardiology and gastroenterology. Acute Medicine and ED. Fixed speciality roles inc critical care, E&T, Haemato-oncology
N/A
Yes
Preferred Diploma
From home
1 in 6 (3 days over 12 weeks)
Yes
1 in 6
Yes - typically until 6:15pm (2 per month)
Lieu time
No
Yes
Your support structure
At the heart of our pharmacy service is a strong support network designed to help every pharmacist thrive. Whether you are newly qualified, developing specialist expertise, or taking on leadership responsibilities, you’ll be part of a collaborative team where guidance, training, and mentorship are always available. From structured induction programmes and regular supervision to professional development opportunities and peer support, we make sure you have the tools and encouragement you need to deliver the best care for patients while progressing in your career.
Pharmacy technicians
Starting at Band 4, you'll build your skills through our comprehensive internal training plan. This equips you with the knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles, line management responsibilities, and supervisory positions as you progress through your career.
As you advance from Band 5 to Band 6, your focus shifts towards managerial work. Finally, Band 7 technicians act as strategic leads, developing their areas of expertise and guiding the growth of their teams in line with departmental goals.
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All Pharmacy Technicians work 1 in 9 late duties, 1 in 5 Saturdays and Sundays are optional. Flexible working is supported.
Band 4
Band 5
Band 6
Band 7
Fixed in Areas
- Medicines Management Service (MMS)
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- Dispensary
Fixed in Areas
- Medicines Management Service (MMS)
- Dispensary
Specialist in different areas
- MMS
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- Dispensary
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- Education + training
- Medicines information
- Stores + distribution
- Homecare
Managerial responsibilities
Strategic leads for Areas
All have an internal training plan with 8 weekly reviews
Developing internal training plan
Individualised training as per personal development plan
Individualised training as per personal development plan
Opportunities include: Line management, educational supervision, personal supervision
Opportunities include: accuracy checking, encourage courses for leadership and development courses: individualised in PDRs, audits, service evaluations
Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians
Are you interested in launching a career in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
We offer pre-reg training with a 24 month fixed term training contract with Buttercups Training and Skills4Pharmacy.
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Upon successful completion of the program and registration, you'll be eligible to apply for open Pharmacy Technician positions within the Trust.
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This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a qualified Pharmacy Technician while offering a competitive salary and a supportive learning environment.
Salary
Band 4: £29,460 to £31,909
70% of top of B4 in year 1 then 75% in year 2
Study days/ protected time
7.5hrs/week
Support structure
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Allocated Education Supervisor (line manager) to oversee holistic progression through the course, support with health and wellbeing.
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Practice Supervisor (day-to-day supervision of training) to provide training support in specialised area + oversee day-to-day practice.
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Education Programme Director who will ensure you have a comprehensive training plan across various areas like dispensary, medicines management services (MMS), with exposure to medicines information (MI) and prescribing optimisation services (POSD).
Coming from a community background, I started my career in hospital pharmacy as a band 6 at Croydon. The continuous culture of learning and the nurturing environment has allowed me to develop my clinical acumen and progress into a band 7 specialist education and training role. Working at Croydon offers opportunities for growth and the strong-working relationships within pharmacy and the wider MDT makes you feel valued and recognised for your work.
Annum Abbas, Specialist Education and Training Pharmacist
