Senior Assistant Technical Officer, Acute and General Medicine

Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in London is seeking a Senior Assistant Technical Officer to support the supply of medicines to patients across designated wards. The ideal candidate must possess good organizational skills and attention to detail, working under the supervision of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists. Responsibilities include managing stock levels, dispensing prescriptions, and supporting the smooth operation of the pharmacy service. This role offers an opportunity to contribute positively to patient care within a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Dependable and motivated individual.
• Must be able to work under supervision of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.

Responsibilities

• Support stock management and medicines storage.
• Dispense prescriptions under supervision.
• Assist in routine audits and stock-taking.

Skills

Good organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work efficiently in a busy clinical environment

Tools

EPIC

Omnicell

Job description

A Vacancy at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

The Acute and General Medicine Pharmacy Team is seeking a dependable and motivated Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) to support the safe, timely and effective supply of medicines to patients across designated wards at St Thomas’ Hospital. As part of the expanding Acute and General Medicine service, you will work under the supervision of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to support stock management, medicines storage, the handling of returns and the dispensing of prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine. You will play an important role in supporting ward-based medicines processes, maintaining accurate records and ensuring that medicines are available when needed to support patient care.

The post requires good organisational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a busy clinical environment. You will contribute to the smooth running of the medicines management service and help ensure safe and effective patient care within Acute and General Medicine.

The Acute and General Medicine (AGM) Pharmacy team at GSTT is responsible for delivering a safe and effective clinical pharmacy service to:

• St Thomas’ Emergency Floor (comprising the Emergency Department and Acute Admissions Ward)
• General medical wards (including Mitchener ACCS)
• Older Persons Unit (including stroke)
• Pulross Rehabilitation Ward

Carry out ward-based stock management tasks, including top-ups, expiry date checks, stock rotation and routine replenishment.

• Dispense prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine under the supervision of registered pharmacy staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procedures.
• Support the safe movement and handling of medicines, including the processing of returns from wards.
• Complete cycle counts, stock checks and housekeeping activities to maintain accurate and reliable stock systems.
• Use EPIC and Omnicell systems, once trained, to support ordering processes, monitor stock levels and maintain accurate records.
• Assist with routine audits, stock‑taking activities and simple data collection to contribute to medicines governance and service improvement.
• Ensure medicines are stored safely and securely, maintaining cupboards, trolleys and fridges in line with Trust policies.
• Communicate professionally and politely with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Complete documentation clearly and accurately in accordance with departmental and Trust procedures.
• Support the familiarisation of new starters and junior assistants when required.
• Organise daily work effectively, using initiative within the boundaries of the role, and escalating issues promptly to Pharmacy Technicians or senior staff.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is among the largest in the UK and is recognised for its clinical excellence, teaching, and research. In addition to providing local hospital and community services, the Trust delivers specialist care in cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, paediatrics, and Acute Medicine. Evelina London Children’s Hospital and Guy’s Cancer Centre are key components of its services.

In February 2021, the Trust merged with Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, forming one of Europe’s largest centres for heart and lung services. This merger enhances collaboration across services and research, enabling innovation and ensuring exceptional care for patients with complex conditions.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ continues to build on its legacy of delivering world‑class care, with Acute Medicine at the forefront of its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of patients. The Trust is also committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its patients and staff.

The Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) will support the Acute and General Medicine Pharmacy Team by contributing to the safe, accurate and efficient supply and management of medicines across designated clinical areas. The post-holder will work closely with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to maintain high standards of stock control, medicines storage, dispensing accuracy and record‑keeping.

The role includes carrying out regular ward‑based stock management tasks, completing returns, supporting routine audits and dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine once appropriately trained and under supervision. The post-holder will be expected to follow departmental procedures, work methodically and escalate concerns to senior pharmacy staff where necessary.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining ward stock levels through top‑ups, replenishment, expiry date checks and stock rotation.
• Ensuring medicines are stored safely and securely, maintaining cupboards, trolleys and fridges to the required standard.
• Dispensing prescriptions for Acute and General Medicine under the supervision of registered pharmacy staff, following training and established procedures.
• Supporting the timely supply of medicines by monitoring stock availability and communicating effectively with Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.
• Managing returns from wards, ensuring all medicines are handled and recorded correctly.
• Using EPIC and Omnicell systems to support ordering processes, maintain accurate stock records and document activity appropriately.
• Completing stock‑taking, housekeeping checks and basic audit work to support medicines governance and the continuous improvement of the service.
• Completing required documentation accurately and consistently in line with departmental processes.
• Providing clear, polite and professional communication with ward teams, patients and carers, referring queries to the appropriate registered staff when needed.
• Assisting with the familiarisation and practical support of junior assistants and new starters when required.
• Organising daily tasks efficiently and using initiative within the limits of the role, ensuring timely escalation to pharmacy technicians or senior staff when needed.

The post-holder is expected to contribute positively to the working environment and support the wider Pharmacy team in delivering a safe, reliable and efficient service for patients under the care of Acute and General Medicine.

This advert closes on Sunday 7 Dec 2025