Pharmacy - Core Stores ATO Grade 2
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Harlow · posted 21 August 2026
Salary
£25,272 a year
Job type
permanent
Location
Harlow, Essex
Job summary
To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Stores ATOs work with other senior pharmacy staff who will assist them in developing their decision-making abilities within their scope of practice according to SOPsMain duties of the job
This role supports and is part of the Pharmacy Team serving The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust including St. Margarets Hospital in Epping, Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishops Stortford, Saffron Walden Hospital and associated clinics. The post holder will be required to work with and support staff working in the pharmacy aseptic production department to: Apply skills and knowledge to a range of activities concerned with the preparation and supply of aseptic pharmaceutical products with in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. Work with and support the pharmacy technicians in the training of rotational staff. Maintain a clean working environment in compliance with GMP regulations.About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.Job responsibilities
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
- Stores – Lifting boxes up to 10kg, picking and packing ward orders, using pallet pump truck, bending and reaching.
- Will be required to walk between different departments within Pharmacy and across the Hospital on a daily basis to deliver and collect items
- Must have the ability to drive or use transport to travel to other hospitals or offsite training sessions as required
Main duties of the job
- To work with and support the Pharmacy Stores Supervisor to:
- Deputise when needed
- Support with training of Rotational staff
- Support with dealing with Drug Alerts
- To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Store to:
- Identify, select and issue drugs.
- Identify and receive drugs against an official order, using the Pharmacy Computer system to update stock levels.
- Deal with telephone enquiries, ward/department and community issues.
- Load and operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
- Participate in the ward top-up system,
- Appropriately dispose of Pharmaceutical items
- Deal with Flammable waste appropriately
- Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items.
- Answering the pharmacy stores hatch, dealing with all grades of healthcare workers, porters and external delivery drivers.
- To carry out the following:
- Maintain stock control and stock rotation
- Follow all Standard operating procedures (SOP’s) accurately
- Maintain a clean and tidy working environment
- Maintain accurate manual and computer records
- ‘House-keeping’ duties
- Using the pallet pump truck to put away bulk fluid orders
- Liaise with the Pharmacy Procurement office with out of stock issues
- To work in all areas of pharmacy and the wider hospital to:
- Assist with Waste management
- Support the movement of work around the organisation including medicines and pharmacy orders
- To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures. This includes:
- Report all accidents, incidents and near misses
- Dealing with hazardous chemicals (including cytotoxic drugs) used in the department
- Attendance of all mandatory training
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good Standard of Basic Education
- 3 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English
- The ability to successfully complete an NVQ Level 2 in pharmacy services
Experience
Essential
- Meticulous to Detail
- Good Thinking & Reasoning Skills
- Good Communication Skills, both written and oral.
- Good team player, with ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Computer Literate