The closing date is 17 June 2026
Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO)
We are excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and motivated individual to join our Pharmacy team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary. This is a key role within our pharmacy department, providing essential support in the preparation and dispensing of medicines, ensuring a high level of patient care and safety.
Working pattern: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 to 17:30 with weekend and Bank Holiday work as part of a rotation.
Training Role Considered
Training role including completion of NVQ2 Pharmacy Services will be considered for applicants without this essential qualification. Training role is paid at 70% of a Band 3 in Year 1 and 75% in year 2 (uplifted to minimum living wage), then moving to a Band 3 upon completion of NVQ2 Pharmacy Services.
Main duties of the job
- Assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications for patients.
- Support the technical aspects of the pharmacy service, ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards.
- Provide assistance with stock control, including ordering and stock management.
- Offer advice to other healthcare professionals and patients regarding medications.
- Supervise and mentor junior staff and trainees.
- Assist in the provision of medicines to wards and departments across the hospital.
Personal Specifications
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification (or be willing to work towards it).
- Previous experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting is desirable.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of patient care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
- A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to take on new challenges.
Full training will be given to the successful applicants.
Benefits
Working for the NHS offers numerous benefits, including:
- Competitive Salary: NHS pay and benefits in line with the Agenda for Change Band 3 salary scale.
- Generous Annual Leave: 27 days of annual leave plus 8 public holidays, with the opportunity to increase this with length of service.
- Pension Scheme: A competitive NHS pension scheme for your financial security.
- Learning and Development: Excellent opportunities for training, career progression, and further education. We support and encourage continuous professional development.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- English and Maths GCSE grade C or above
- NVQ and Btec level 2 in Pharmacy Services
Desirable
- Completion of a recognised OTC sales course
Experience
Essential
- Experience in hospital pharmacy or other Pharmacy Setting
- Experience in dispensing medications, drug receipt, record keeping and cold chain maintenance
Desirable
- JAC trained
- Experience with clinical trials
- Experience with Aseptic preparation
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
Address
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton Road
Lancaster
LA1 4RP
United Kingdom
Employer’s website
https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk
£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
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