Job summary
We are excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and motivated individual to join our Pharmacy team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary as a Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO). 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. You will work closely with our pharmacy team, helping to deliver high-quality services to patients and supporting the operational needs of the department.

Working Pattern will be Tuesday, Thursday 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 Band 2 in Year 1 then moved to a Band 3 upon completion of NVQ2 Pharmacy Services.

Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities

• 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.

If you are passionate about delivering excellent patient care and want to make a difference within a supportive and rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.

About us
We operate from three main hospitals - Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community health care premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

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.

Details
Closing date: 09 November 2026
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 331-8288213-UHMB

Person Specification
Essential

• English and Maths GCSE grade C or above
• NVQ and Btec level 2 in Pharmacy Services
• Experience in hospital pharmacy or other Pharmacy Setting
• Experience in dispensing medications, drugs receipt, record keeping and cold chain maintenance

Desirable

• Completion of a recognised OTC sales course
• 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.

For questions about the job, contact:
Dispensary Senior Pharmacy Technician, Rob Harding, robert.harding@mbht.nhs.uk, 01524512191

Apply through our website