Detailed job description and main responsibilities

THE TRUST

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest Trust in the country, serving a population of 1.2 million people. Our Trust, comprising acute hospital sites at Broomfield in Chelmsford, Basildon, and Southend, is determined to provide the best health services for its local population. We are a well-led, high-performing, and innovative organisation working in the best interests of the people we serve.

With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, we can now do more and go further in delivering health services to our local communities.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

OUR LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOURS FRAMEWORK

JOB SUMMARY – About the Role

To provide an efficient and effective stock control and distribution service within the Pathology department, supporting diagnostic services across all Trust sites. This includes the receipt, storage, rotation, and issue of stock items, ensuring availability of essential materials to laboratory and clinical staff, maintaining stock accuracy, and ensuring compliance with health and safety and infection control standards.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communication 

       Communicate clearly and courteously with internal staff (laboratory, clinical, and procurement teams) and external suppliers.

·         Respond to stock and delivery queries in person, by phone or email.

·         Escalate supply issues and discrepancies to the Supervisor/Manager promptly.

2         2.Analytical and Planning

·         Monitor stock levels using inventory management systems.

·         Assist in routine stock checks and stocktaking procedures.

·         Alert supervisor of potential stock shortages or excess.

·         Prepare and supply stock to area of the Hospital and GP surgeries as required.

·         Adhere to Health and Safety requirements and advice whilst carrying out your role, with particular attention to lifting and carrying and maintaining a tidy and safe workspace.

·         Deliver stock to areas within the Hospital.

·         Complete store request orders within the desired turnaround time.

·         Unload large deliveries safely into storage area. These larger deliveries may arrive on pallets and involve extended periods of moving and lifting stock.

·         Exercise judgement and provide general advice when dealing with enquiries – analyse problems, seek advice where necessary to resolve problems.

·         To make up blood cultures packs for hospital use.

  3.Clinical Duties

·         Incidental patient contact when delivering stock to ward locations.

   4.Policy and Service Development

·         Follow Trust and departmental SOPs, including those related to stock control, infection control, and manual handling.

·         Suggest improvements to current procedures where applicable.

   5.Financial and Physical Resources

·         Responsible for careful use and secure storage of stock items and supplies.

·         Ensure correct rotation of stock and disposal of expired items. Assist in processing goods received and returned.

·         Be responsible for the receipt of deliveries from suppliers.

6.Staff Management

 Participate in training new staff in store-related duties when required.

7.Information Resources

  Use inventory and procurement systems (e.g., NHS Supply Chain portals or bespoke inventory software).

   Maintain accurate records of stock levels, deliveries, and discrepancies

1. Effort, Skills and Working

This job profile is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. 

The post holder will be expected to perform any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by management, within scope of the role.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Key Relationships:

- Pathology laboratory staff
- Procurement and Finance teams
- Stores Supervisor / Operational Managers
- Clinical staff from wards/department

- Suppliers and couriers