Rotational Assistant Technical Officer - Pharmacy

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

The closing date is 30 January 2026

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Dispensary, Pharmacy Store, Pharmacy Aseptic Unit, Pharmacy Office and at Ward level.

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 rotate through the Dispensary, Pharmacy Stores, Aseptic Unit, at ward level and Pharmacy Office as required.

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.

Duties and responsibilities

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Dispensary to:

• Identify, select and issue drugs.
• Identify and receive drugs against an official order, using the Pharmacy Computer system to update stock levels.
• Carry out reception duties, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Deal with telephone enquiries and handle prescription charges.
• Undertake drug checks and orders at ward level
• Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system

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 ward top-up system.
• Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical items.
• Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Technical Services to:

• Undergo regular validation tests.
• Participate in compounding of aseptic preparations, using appropriate equipment.
• Identify, select and issue drugs (may include clinical trial material)
• Liaise with other healthcare workers.
• Identify drugs to be booked out using Pharmacy Computer System, to maintain stock control.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Office to:

• Place orders for pharmaceutical products (may include clinical trial material) using the Pharmacy Computer System and electronic data interchange (EDI).
• Match and release invoices following the procedures accurately.
• Maintain records including computer and manual records, orders, invoices and delivery notes.
• Deal with telephone enquiries and provide clerical support, including photocopying, faxing, typing etc. using appropriate systems.
• Liaising with pharmaceutical companies to rectify any discrepancies/breakages in drugs supplied against orders, and chasing late deliveries.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians at ward level to:

• Participate in ward-based pharmacy, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Maintain daily log using appropriate computer data base.
• Review patient’s lockers for ‘top-up’ supplies.
• Act as a runner to the different pharmacy departments

To work in all areas of Pharmacy and the wider hospital to:

• Support the movement of work around the organisation including medicines and pharmacy orders
• Assist with waste…