Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Storekeeper -Eyford/Eye Theatres, Band 3

The closing date is 07 July 2025

Job summary

Eyford Day Surgery Unit (Ophthalmology) have a vacancy post for part- time (30 hours/week) storekeeper. We are looking for an enthusiastic Storekeeper/theatre receptionist, who is ready to broaden their skills in this speciality. We care for patients undergoing elective surgery and also ophthalmology emergencies requiring surgical intervention. We are a specialized area and we work with an excellent team of nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists' providing the best care for all of our service users. If you are motivated and enthusiastic, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you to be part of an outstanding team.

The purpose of this role is to provide store-keeping, clerical and administration for the ward/theatre. Successful candidate is also expected to provide clerical and administration support to the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and to enter and maintain ward/theatre clinical data for a range of defined clinical systems.

You are expected to:

- Organise the stocks on the shelves.

- Check and maintain stock levels at all times where possible.

- Communicate and raise issues with the multi-disciplinary team.

- Follow-up and chase orders

- Organise repair of equipment

- Receive and receipt items accurately

The successful post holder will make a valuable contribution to our commitment in delivering a high standard of patient care to everyone.

Expected Interview Date: 14/07/2025

Main duties of the job

  • To work within the theatre area and Eyford Day unit- to be responsible for the daily control of goods and services ordered.
  • here necessary, query any discrepancies and resolve logistical issues to prevent delay or cancellation to elective procedures.
  • To monitor contractual arrangements and recommend cost saving initiatives where possible.
  • To plan, set, monitor and maintain stock levels in accordance with projected usage.
  • To ensure that necessary everyday items are in stock and readily available.
  • Undertake the ordering, receiving and distribution of surgical equipment and disposable items for the various specialities within the theatre's environment.
  • As a major job responsibility, to act as the primary point of contact within the theatres department in relation to the ordering and receipting of fast moving consumable good.
  • To complete all necessary documentation relevant to the post and to track and process all patient notes as appropriate.
  • To process calls and enquiries from members of the public, relatives and other members of the Trust staff and to act appropriately these requests.
  • To ensure intraocular lenses and other special lenses are ordered in a timely manner.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

25 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

318-25-T0474

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • The post holder will be required to communicate and negotiate with clinical staff and patients on a daily basis and must be able to deal with often complex medical terminology.
  • They will be required to carry out in part the ordering, receipt and acceptance for payment of several million pounds worth of equipment and services annually. Regularly, many of the orders placed will be in excess of £10K.
  • To promote the consistent and effective use of best practice purchasing systems as directed by the Trust. It is anticipated that the post holder will be the first point of contact for any procurement related issues and will provide appropriate support for theatre staff.
  • The post holder will have a key role in scrutinising demands requested by clinical staff to ensure that duplicate ordering and stock piling does not take place.

Skills

  • Have the ability to work in a methodical, ordered way to ensure that work is completed in an orderly manner.
  • Should have good problem-solving skills and the ability to pre-empt issues.
  • Ordered and efficient, they should maintain records that are accurate and easily auditable.
  • Must be able to remain flexible and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ideally, will have previous experience of working within an NHS stores or A&C environment and be conversant with the appropriate systems.
  • Have an appreciation of the various specialities within the theatres department and how their role interfaces with them.
  • Proficient in the use of MS Word, Outlook and Excel to facilitate good communications and production of workable data.
  • Work closely with the lead clinicians and advise them on stock holding levels to be achieved.
  • Provide comprehensive administrative support to the theatre suite.

Knowledge

  • An in depth understanding of procedures and practices to facilitate control over the ordering and contractual protocols.
  • The ability to work in an autonomous way with minimal managerial input.
  • Excellent investigative ability to resolve queries and errors including escalating issues where necessary.
  • Able to monitor, review and set purchasing patterns to identify savings and cost reduction measures.
  • Entering data into and interrogating the hospital Patient Administration System (Trakcare)

Attributes

  • Must have a professional and helpful attitude at all times and a highly developed telephone manner; this is imperative when working in a highly pressured environment.
  • Confident and calm communicator who can explain procedural constraints to service users and advice on alternative courses of action.
  • Methodical and systematic approach to work with excellent clerical abilities.Communications and Working Relationships

The post holder will have highly developed communication skills. The role will require them to use an empathetic style and a degree of tact when dealing with the requests of clinical staff and patients. They will require good persuasive skill to facilitate change of practice and preference when introducing new products within the theatres environment; this can be a very contentious area and often causes unrest. Therefore, the ability to stay calm and persuade the staff to engage the elements of change is essential.

The post holder will have the following working relationships:

  • Theatres Managers, Managed Service Coordinators (Genmed)
  • Consultants, Lead nurse, nursing staff of all grades.
  • CSSD staff.
  • Procurement/NHS Supply Chain staff
  • Company representatives, customer services.
  • Theatre management staff

KEY RESULT AREAS

  • To ensure the prompt processing of all requests and receipts in order to provide the best service possible to the theatres department
  • To co-ordinate, progress and hasten the flow of goods receipt notes, proof of delivery notes and invoices throughout the Theatres directorate.
  • To monitor the efficiency of the service provided by numerous suppliers and to challenge any shortfall in this service.
  • To negotiate with theatre and procurement staff on the use of a range of products and to recommend the most appropriate supplier after a comparison of all options.
  • To inform the Senior Storekeeper Supervisor of any change to stock requests in terms of volume, supplier, new items and so on and to take action to ensure that the non-pay budget is not exceeded.
  • To audit usage of stock and to set the most appropriate holding level. This is a key aspect of the role and the post holder will have responsibility for this task.
  • To conduct an accurate, stocktake of all areas when requested. This is usually once or twice a year or when requested by the Finance Department.
  • To analyse and make recommendations on the harmonization of stock within the department. This is based on a number of factors such as: cost, preference, availability, suitability, volume usage, packaging etc.
  • To have demonstrable experience in the following areas:

o Basic word processing and computer skills, with the ability to input data accurately.

o Evidence of a reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy.

o Clerical and/or Reception experience

General Working Conditions

  • The post requires sitting for extended periods of time at a VDU.
  • There is the requirement to remain flexible in working practice as periods of concentrated work will regularly be interrupted by enquiries and requests from third parties. These requests will often require immediate attention.
  • The post requires dealing with emotional and stressful situations involving conflicting views over priorities and service delivery.
  • There is the requirement to spend time within the theatres department and therefore contact with the associated risks.
  • There will be a significant degree of manual handling to be undertaken when processing the goods inward and distributing them accordingly.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB

Working in a pressured environment to achieve results with an often-compressed timeframe.

Dealing with queries from clinical staff and resolving issues as efficiently as possible.

Working within the confines of the NHS procurement system while trying to provide a prompt and effective service.

Having to often change work priorities in response to immediate requests or queries from clinical staff members.

Allowing for the constant development of the service by means of trialling and testing new products and equipment, while striving to manage expectations with regard available funds.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • The post holder will be required to communicate and negotiate with clinical staff and patients on a daily basis and must be able to deal with often complex medical terminology.
  • They will be required to carry out in part the ordering, receipt and acceptance for payment of several million pounds worth of equipment and services annually. Regularly, many of the orders placed will be in excess of £10K.
  • To promote the consistent and effective use of best practice purchasing systems as directed by the Trust. It is anticipated that the post holder will be the first point of contact for any procurement related issues and will provide appropriate support for theatre staff.
  • The post holder will have a key role in scrutinising demands requested by clinical staff to ensure that duplicate ordering and stock piling does not take place.

Skills

  • Have the ability to work in a methodical, ordered way to ensure that work is completed in an orderly manner.
  • Should have good problem-solving skills and the ability to pre-empt issues.
  • Ordered and efficient, they should maintain records that are accurate and easily auditable.
  • Must be able to remain flexible and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ideally, will have previous experience of working within an NHS stores or A&C environment and be conversant with the appropriate systems.
  • Have an appreciation of the various specialities within the theatres department and how their role interfaces with them.
  • Proficient in the use of MS Word, Outlook and Excel to facilitate good communications and production of workable data.
  • Work closely with the lead clinicians and advise them on stock holding levels to be achieved.
  • Provide comprehensive administrative support to the theatre suite.

Knowledge

  • An in depth understanding of procedures and practices to facilitate control over the ordering and contractual protocols.
  • The ability to work in an autonomous way with minimal managerial input.
  • Excellent investigative ability to resolve queries and errors including escalating issues where necessary.
  • Able to monitor, review and set purchasing patterns to identify savings and cost reduction measures.
  • Entering data into and interrogating the hospital Patient Administration System (Trakcare)

Attributes

  • Must have a professional and helpful attitude at all times and a highly developed telephone manner; this is imperative when working in a highly pressured environment.
  • Confident and calm communicator who can explain procedural constraints to service users and advice on alternative courses of action.
  • Methodical and systematic approach to work with excellent clerical abilities.Communications and Working Relationships

The post holder will have highly developed communication skills. The role will require them to use an empathetic style and a degree of tact when dealing with the requests of clinical staff and patients. They will require good persuasive skill to facilitate change of practice and preference when introducing new products within the theatres environment; this can be a very contentious area and often causes unrest. Therefore, the ability to stay calm and persuade the staff to engage the elements of change is essential.

The post holder will have the following working relationships:

  • Theatres Managers, Managed Service Coordinators (Genmed)
  • Consultants, Lead nurse, nursing staff of all grades.
  • CSSD staff.
  • Procurement/NHS Supply Chain staff
  • Company representatives, customer services.
  • Theatre management staff

KEY RESULT AREAS

  • To ensure the prompt processing of all requests and receipts in order to provide the best service possible to the theatres department
  • To co-ordinate, progress and hasten the flow of goods receipt notes, proof of delivery notes and invoices throughout the Theatres directorate.
  • To monitor the efficiency of the service provided by numerous suppliers and to challenge any shortfall in this service.
  • To negotiate with theatre and procurement staff on the use of a range of products and to recommend the most appropriate supplier after a comparison of all options.
  • To inform the Senior Storekeeper Supervisor of any change to stock requests in terms of volume, supplier, new items and so on and to take action to ensure that the non-pay budget is not exceeded.
  • To audit usage of stock and to set the most appropriate holding level. This is a key aspect of the role and the post holder will have responsibility for this task.
  • To conduct an accurate, stocktake of all areas when requested. This is usually once or twice a year or when requested by the Finance Department.
  • To analyse and make recommendations on the harmonization of stock within the department. This is based on a number of factors such as: cost, preference, availability, suitability, volume usage, packaging etc.
  • To have demonstrable experience in the following areas:

o Basic word processing and computer skills, with the ability to input data accurately.

o Evidence of a reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy.

o Clerical and/or Reception experience

General Working Conditions

  • The post requires sitting for extended periods of time at a VDU.
  • There is the requirement to remain flexible in working practice as periods of concentrated work will regularly be interrupted by enquiries and requests from third parties. These requests will often require immediate attention.
  • The post requires dealing with emotional and stressful situations involving conflicting views over priorities and service delivery.
  • There is the requirement to spend time within the theatres department and therefore contact with the associated risks.
  • There will be a significant degree of manual handling to be undertaken when processing the goods inward and distributing them accordingly.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB

Working in a pressured environment to achieve results with an often-compressed timeframe.

Dealing with queries from clinical staff and resolving issues as efficiently as possible.

Working within the confines of the NHS procurement system while trying to provide a prompt and effective service.

Having to often change work priorities in response to immediate requests or queries from clinical staff members.

Allowing for the constant development of the service by means of trialling and testing new products and equipment, while striving to manage expectations with regard available funds.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Trainings

Essential

  • GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Customer Care Training

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Good level of IT knowledge-able to use Microsoft packages confidently
  • Ability to communicate well at all levels, both face to face and by telephone
  • Awareness and understanding of data protection and confidentiality

Desirable

  • Recent use of a computerized system in a work environment

Experience

Essential

  • Ordering, receipting of goods and stock take
  • Customer service and some administrative/clerical experience

Desirable

  • Previous healthcare/NHS experience
Person Specification

Qualifications and Trainings

Essential

  • GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Customer Care Training

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Good level of IT knowledge-able to use Microsoft packages confidently
  • Ability to communicate well at all levels, both face to face and by telephone
  • Awareness and understanding of data protection and confidentiality

Desirable

  • Recent use of a computerized system in a work environment

Experience

Essential

  • Ordering, receipting of goods and stock take
  • Customer service and some administrative/clerical experience

Desirable

  • Previous healthcare/NHS experience

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Maria Juan

maria.juan@nhs.net

03004222985

Details

Date posted

25 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

318-25-T0474

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Supporting documents

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