Pharmacy Senior Assistant Technical Officer - SATO

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in West Essex invites applications for a role within the Pharmacy Aseptic Unit. You will support pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, engage in aseptic compounding, and help ensure GMP-compliant production and service delivery across PAH and affiliated sites.

The post involves supervising trainees, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating daily activities to deliver sterile products safely and efficiently within a busy hospital environment.

Qualifications

• Preparation and supply of aseptic pharmaceutical products within GMP regulations.
• Training and supervision of rotational and core staff in the Pharmacy Aseptic Unit.
• Maintain a clean working environment in compliance with GMP and local standards.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and quality management practices.

Responsibilities

• Work with and support Pharmacy technical and professional staff in the Aseptic Unit.
• Participate in compounding of all preparations produced within the unit.
• Liaise with facilities, external companies and environment agencies for waste removal.
• Follow Health and Safety standards in line with Trust policies and procedures.
• Maintain stock control, records and environment in GMP-compliant conditions.

Job description

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 Wavea national programme that’s 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 we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re 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 Overview

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Aseptic Unit.

Scope and range

Required

This role supports and is part of the Pharmacy Team serving The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust including St. Margaret’s 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 and core staff
• Maintain a clean working environment in compliance with GMP regulations

Main duties of the job

To work with and support Pharmacy technical and professional staff

To participate in the compounding of all preparations produced within the Aseptic Unit, using appropriate equipment

To liaise with PAH facilities department, outside companies and the environment agency to organise clinical waste removal

To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

To work with and support Pharmacy technical and professional staff to:

• Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work environment to GMP and local standards
• Train, guide and supervise staff in their duties, this will include, Rotational Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officers, Pre-registration, Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-Registration Pharmacists, Rotational Pharmacy Technicians and visitors.
• Maintain accurate records for products produced in the Aseptic Unit.
• Undertake regular stock checks.
• Order non-drug items and label them for Quality Control as appropriate.
• Be involved with all aspects of environmental monitoring including the laying of weekly plates for QC.
• Help manage daily activity.
• Liaise with other healthcare workers.
• Take a lead in workflow planning in the clean rooms.
• Co‑ordinate daily activities including isolator testing and room cleaning.
• To ensure all staff Follow SOPs.
• Assist in the maintenance of quality management systems (QMS) within the aseptic unit including error reporting and completion of non-conformance reports (NCRs).

To participate in the compounding of all preparations produced within the Aseptic Unit, using appropriate equipment:

• To maintain validations.
• To supervise trainees carrying out validation tests and to help co‑ordinate the staff validation testing programme.
• Preform in‑process accuracy checks (volume checks) during compounding of preparations.
• Preform pre‑process accuracy checks (tray checks) before compounding preparations.
• Identify, select and issue drugs, (may include clinical trial materials).
• To follow all standard operation procedures accurately.
• Identify drugs to be booked out using the Pharmacy Computer System to maintain accurate stock control.

To liaise with PAH facilities department, outside companies and the environment agency to organise clinical waste removal

• Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical items in the Aseptic Unit.
• Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical waste for the Trust.

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.

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 at all mandatory training

SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT

• Pharmacy stock control system (JAC)
• Microsoft Office
• PAH staff Intranet
• Datix incident reporting
• Multifunctional printersNegative Isolators in Technical Services Unit
• Personal protective equipment provided

DECISIONS & JUDGEMENTS

Work with other Senior TSU staff in decision making regarding workflow patterns and changes to SOPs.

COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS

Main working relationships are with the following groups, and communication is mainly face to face, electronic and by telephone:

• Pharmacy Technicians
• Pharmacy Department Managers
• Clerical Staff
• Pharmacists
• Pre-registration Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
• Ward staff
• Multi-disciplinary team

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

• Technical Services Unit Cleaning of all room surfaces including ceilings. Sitting at an isolator in restricted positions for extended periods, dexterity of hands and fingers is required for compounding of preparations.
• Lifting boxes up to 10kg, 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.
• Maintaining a high standard of concentration, accuracy and standards within a busy pharmacy aseptic environment.

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.

For further information please contact - Darren Shipton - [e-mail], Tel