Job summary
The Acute and General Medicine Pharmacy Team is seeking a dependable and motivated Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) to support the safe, timely and effective supply of medicines to patients across designated wards at St Thomas' Hospital.
As part of the expanding Acute and General Medicine service, you will work under the supervision of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to support stock management, medicines storage, the handling of returns and the dispensing of prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine. You will play an important role in supporting ward-based medicines processes, maintaining accurate records and ensuring that medicines are available when needed to support patient care.
The post requires good organisational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a busy clinical environment. You will contribute to the smooth running of the medicines management service and help ensure safe and effective patient care within Acute and General Medicine.
The Acute and General Medicine (AGM) Pharmacy team at GSTT is responsible for delivering a safe and effective clinical pharmacy service to:
St Thomas' Emergency Floor (comprising the Emergency Department and Acute Admissions Ward)
General medical wards (including Mitchener ACCS)
Older Persons Unit (including stroke)
Pulross Rehabilitation Ward
Main duties of the job
Carry out ward-based stock management tasks, including top-ups,expiry date checks, stock rotation and routine replenishment.o Dispense prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine under the supervision of registered pharmacy staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procedures.o Support the safe movement and handling of medicines, including the processing of returns from wards.o Complete cycle counts, stock checks and housekeeping activities to maintain accurate and reliable stock systems.o Use EPIC and Omnicell systems, once trained, to support ordering processes, monitor stock levels and maintain accurate records.o Assist with routine audits, stock-taking activities and simple data collection to contribute to medicines governance and service improvement.o Ensure medicines are stored safely and securely, maintaining cupboards, trolleys and fridges in line with Trust policies.o Communicate professionally with the members of the multidisciplinary team.o Complete documentation clearly and accurately in accordance with departmental and Trust procedures.o Support the familiarisation of new starters and junior assistants when required.o Organise daily work effectively, using initiative within the boundaries of the role, and escalate issues promptly to Pharmacy Technicians or senior staff.
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is among the largest in the UK and is recognised for its clinical excellence, teaching, and research. In addition to providing local hospital and community services, the Trust delivers specialist care in cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, paediatrics, and Acute Medicine. Evelina London Children's Hospital and Guy's Cancer Centre are key components of its services.
In February 2021, the Trust merged with Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, forming one of Europe's largest centres for heart and lung services. This merger enhances collaboration across services and research, enabling innovation and ensuring exceptional care for patients with complex conditions.
Guy's and St Thomas' continues to build on its legacy of delivering world-class care, with Acute Medicine at the forefront of its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of patients. The Trust is also committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its patients and staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) will support the Acute and General Medicine Pharmacy Team by contributing to the safe, accurate and efficient supply and management of medicines across designated clinical areas. The post-holder will work closely with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to maintain high standards of stock control, medicines storage, dispensing accuracy and record-keeping.
The role includes carrying out regular ward-based stock management tasks, completing returns, supporting routine audits and dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine once appropriately trained and under supervision. The post-holder will be expected to follow departmental procedures, work methodically and escalate concerns to senior pharmacy staff where necessary.
Key responsibilities include: Maintaining ward stock levels through top-ups, replenishment, expiry date checks and stock rotation. Ensuring medicines are stored safely and securely, maintaining cupboards, trolleys and fridges to the required standard. Dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine under the supervision of registered pharmacy staff, following training and established procedures. Supporting the timely supply of medicines by monitoring stock availability and communicating effectively with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists. Managing returns from wards, ensuring all medicines are handled and recorded correctly. Using EPIC and Omnicell systems to support ordering processes, maintain accurate stock records and document activity appropriately. Completing stock-taking, housekeeping checks and basic audit work to support medicines governance and the continuous improvement of the service. Completing required documentation accurately and consistently in line with departmental processes. Providing clear, polite and professional communication with ward teams, referring queries to the appropriate registered staff when needed. Assisting with the familiarisation and practical support of junior assistants and new starters when required. Organising daily tasks efficiently and using initiative within the limits of the role, ensuring timely escalation to pharmacy technicians or senior staff when needed.
The post-holder is expected to contribute positively to the working environment and support the wider Pharmacyteam in delivering a safe, reliable and efficient service for patients under the care of Acute and General Medicine.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) will support the Acute and General Medicine Pharmacy Team by contributing to the safe, accurate and efficient supply and management of medicines across designated clinical areas. The post-holder will work closely with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to maintain high standards of stock control, medicines storage, dispensing accuracy and record-keeping.
The role includes carrying out regular ward-based stock management tasks, completing returns, supporting routine audits and dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine once appropriately trained and under supervision. The post-holder will be expected to follow departmental procedures, work methodically and escalate concerns to senior pharmacy staff where necessary.
Key responsibilities include: Maintaining ward stock levels through top-ups, replenishment, expiry date checks and stock rotation. Ensuring medicines are stored safely and securely, maintaining cupboards, trolleys and fridges to the required standard. Dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine under the supervision of registered pharmacy staff, following training and established procedures. Supporting the timely supply of medicines by monitoring stock availability and communicating effectively with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists. Managing returns from wards, ensuring all medicines are handled and recorded correctly. Using EPIC and Omnicell systems to support ordering processes, maintain accurate stock records and document activity appropriately. Completing stock-taking, housekeeping checks and basic audit work to support medicines governance and the continuous improvement of the service. Completing required documentation accurately and consistently in line with departmental processes. Providing clear, polite and professional communication with ward teams, referring queries to the appropriate registered staff when needed. Assisting with the familiarisation and practical support of junior assistants and new starters when required. Organising daily tasks efficiently and using initiative within the limits of the role, ensuring timely escalation to pharmacy technicians or senior staff when needed.
The post-holder is expected to contribute positively to the working environment and support the wider Pharmacyteam in delivering a safe, reliable and efficient service for patients under the care of Acute and General Medicine.
Person Specification
Qualifications/ Education
Essential
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (or equivalent recognised by GPhC)
- GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grades A-C or equivalent)
Desirable
- Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a hospital or community pharmacy
Desirable
- Experience assisting with audits, stock-taking, or quality improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with EPIC and Omnicell stock cabinets for stock management.
Skills/Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Demonstrates the ability to work to set standards and procedures, including clearly and accurately completing routine documentation.
- Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team, providing effective customer service and working accurately under pressure.
- Demonstrates the ability to prioritise routine daily tasks using own initiative and to organise own workload.
- Demonstrates the ability to motivate self and others, and to train others.
- Ability to use pharmacy computer systems and apply numeracy skills accurately.
Desirable
- Advanced IT skills, including troubleshooting within pharmacy systems and the use of robotic systems.
- Understanding of medicines management and supply processes.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Capacity to lift and handle medicines, including managing medicines returns and stock replenishment.
- Role involves periods of standing to perform tasks such as dispensing, stock checks, cycle counts, and ward-based activities.
Person Specification
Qualifications/ Education
Essential
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (or equivalent recognised by GPhC)
- GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grades A-C or equivalent)
Desirable
- Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a hospital or community pharmacy
Desirable
- Experience assisting with audits, stock-taking, or quality improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with EPIC and Omnicell stock cabinets for stock management.
Skills/Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Demonstrates the ability to work to set standards and procedures, including clearly and accurately completing routine documentation.
- Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team, providing effective customer service and working accurately under pressure.
- Demonstrates the ability to prioritise routine daily tasks using own initiative and to organise own workload.
- Demonstrates the ability to motivate self and others, and to train others.
- Ability to use pharmacy computer systems and apply numeracy skills accurately.
Desirable
- Advanced IT skills, including troubleshooting within pharmacy systems and the use of robotic systems.
- Understanding of medicines management and supply processes.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Capacity to lift and handle medicines, including managing medicines returns and stock replenishment.
- Role involves periods of standing to perform tasks such as dispensing, stock checks, cycle counts, and ward-based activities.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
