Role Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our friendly and supportive Medicines Management team at the Barnstaple site of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO), you will play an important role in supporting the pharmacy service at ward level and in the dispensary, helping to ensure patients receive safe and timely access to their medicines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Co-ordinate the timely and efficient processing of discharge prescriptions for patients in ward areas and the Discharge Lounge.
- Act as a point of contact for pharmacy-related discharge activities, ensuring effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Undertake ward-based medicines management duties, including assessment of Patient’s Own Drugs (PODs) for suitability of use during their inpatient stay and ordering non-stock medication for individual patients.
- Assist with the timely dispensing and delivery of discharge prescriptions.
- Rotate through ward areas and assist in the dispensary as needed.
This is a hands-on role that will suit someone with good organisational skills, attention to detail and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Are you a reliable and enthusiastic pharmacy assistant looking for a new challenge? Our Medicines Management Service at the Barnstaple site of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Assistant Technical Officer to join our dynamic and supportive team.
Working under the supervision of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, you will help to deliver a safe and efficient ward-based pharmacy service, focused on the timely supply and management of inpatient and discharge medicines. The role involves regular patient-facing contact and collaboration with ward staff to ensure high standards of medicines management and patient care.
We’re looking for individuals with experience in hospital or community pharmacy, and a commitment to developing their knowledge and skills. You will be supported to complete relevant training programmes, including nationally recognised accreditations in medicines optimisation for pharmacy support staff.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience across both ward and dispensary settings, and to contribute to improving the patient journey through safe and timely access to medication.
We understand that choosing the right role is important, and we’d love to give you the opportunity to see our team in action. If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to arrange a tour of our department and meet some of our fantastic team members. Feel free to reach out, we’d be delighted to welcome you!
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week with occasional weekend and Bank Holiday working. Part-time hours will be considered.
Interview Date: Tuesday 29th July
For further information please contact: Kevin Roper, Lead Pharmacy Technician (Medicines Management) on 01271 335994 or kevin.roper@nhs.net
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
