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Job summary

Main area
Pharmacy
Grade
NHS AFC: Band 2
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
213-Division-A-8162713
Employer
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Kings College Hospital
Town
LONDON
Salary
£31,066 per annum, inc HCA
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
17/08/2026 23:59

Employer heading

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Pharmacy Assistant Procurement/Distribution

NHS AFC: Band 2

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£2.1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 14,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King’s College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in the London Borough of Bromley.

We encourage all our staff to have a healthy work/life balance. In doing so, you can apply for flexible working from the beginning of your employment. We offer a range of options which are designed to suit different circumstances and priorities in line with service requirements. 

flexible-working

Job overview

To assist in the day-to-day duties of the Pharmacy Procurement and Distribution unit with a specific focus on the receiving and subsequent distribution of all medicines. Work will be carried out under the supervision of the Senior Pharmacy Procurement and Distribution Team. This role will be cross site helping ensure receiving practice across the unit is the same.

Main duties of the job

Key Working Relationships  

·        Pharmacists

·        Pharmacy Technicians

·        Pharmacy Assistants

·        Ancillary Staff (including porters)

·        Ward staff

·        General public

·        NHS Supplies and Procurement Staff

·        Pharmaceutical companies

·        Pharmaceutical wholesalers and supplies

·        System Teams e.g. IT, EPIC

 

Procurement and Distribution:

1.     To accurately use the internal computer system EPIC to issue stock items to replenish wards, departments and community clinics.

2.     To use information obtained from Omnicell system to respond to stock requests and assist with stock optimisation.

3.     To accurately assemble items on picking tickets ready for checking

4.     To accurately check items previously picked by another member of staff and pack appropriately ready for delivery to required areas

5.     To have responsibility for the top-up of drugs to a designated ward/ department and to provide cover as necessary for any unavailable staff on their wards/department.

6.     To support the cycle counts for the Omnicell cabinets to ensure that stock levels and re-order quantities are accurately maintained.

7.     To help maintain stock levels by participating in stock checks and performing expiry checks, ensuring appropriate documentation is completed. Reporting any inaccuracies, expired and short-dated stock.

8.     To assist in the issue of 'to follow' items for wards and departments daily.

9.     To check and record environmental temperatures, referring to a senior colleague in the event of any anomalies.

10.  In the absence of the Senior Assistants, check that all daily ward top ups are completed and refer to the Procurement & Distribution Technicians in case of any problems.

 

Working for our organisation

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Procurement and Distribution

 1.     To be responsible for returning excess ward stock to the Pharmacy Stores, checking the appropriate shelf life and confirming quantities.

2.     Accept and sign the receipt for deliveries of Pharmaceutical products from suppliers, checking that the delivery is for the Pharmacy Department.

3.     To unpack goods received and;

·        Check that items and quantities received match delivery notes and purchase orders

·        Check that items are in good condition, and tamper seals are intact

·        Check items have an adequate shelf life, referring to senior team for goods with a shelf life of 6 months or less

·        Check that prices match those on both the delivery notes and purchase orders, referring to senior team for any discrepancies

·        Sign purchase orders and delivery notes to accept goods received as stated above.

·        To ensure practice across Denmark Hill and PRUH with regards goods receiving is the same.

·        To ensure all good received are mapped correctly onto EPIC at the point of receipt including ensuring each line received is distinct on EPIC

·        To assist with the QA release process of unlicensed medicines

 

4.     To accurately file purchase orders and delivery notes in line with procedures.

5.     To maintain a clean, safe, clean and tidy working environment in all areas of Pharmacy Stores.

6.     To support the daily checks of the medical gas stores to ensure appropriate stock levels and cylinder turnover is maintained

7.     Put away stock into the Pharmacy Robotic system, onto shelves in the Stores Area or distribute to the Dispensary or Aseptic Department.

8.     Responsible for daily waste disposal according to strict procedures.

9.     Carry out general duties within the stores/distribution areas as required.

10.  To ensure documentation is accurately completed and filed as necessary.

11.  Cover the picking, issuing and delivery of IV fluids if required.

 

General Duties

1.     To participate in the department 7 day service including weekends

2.     To deal with enquires received over the telephone and within Pharmacy Stores environment, referring to Senior Stores Staff if necessary.

3.     To attend promptly to all internal and external customers and provide a high standard of customer service.

4.     To be responsible for data accuracy on the computer system.

5.     To undergo training to ensure competence.

6.     To assist where appropriate with the training of new staff.

7.     To follow all procedures and policies in the department, including any other relevant duties, as may be required by the Director of Pharmacy.

8.     To maintain satisfactory personal performance and professional standards and achieve, where possible, agreed objectives described in the Annual Staff Appraisal system.

9.     All King's College Hospital NHS Trust employees must carry out their duties with due regard to the Fair Access Policy and respect the cultural beliefs and customs held by clients and staff.

10.  To ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation, national and local policies and procedures.

11.  To comply with the Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions of King's College Hospital NHS Trust.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential criteria
  • GCSE English and Maths (Grade A-C) or equivalent.
Desirable criteria
  • NVQ Level 2 accredited knowledge in Pharmacy Services or willing to work towards obtaining.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Ability to understand the importance of the medicines supply chain in a hospital environment.
Desirable criteria
  • Experience with Medicines.
  • Experience in Hospital Environment.
  • Stock Handling Experience.

Skills and Competencies

Essential criteria
  • To be able to communicate routine Information in writing, electronically or Orally to internal and external staff members and members of the public.
  • To be able to organise own day-to-day rostered activities.
  • Good time management skills.
  • Basic Keyboard and Computer skills (specific in-house training will be given)
Desirable criteria
  • To be able to analyse Ward Stock Usage figures and adjust Stock levels accordingly.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Capital Nurse, LondonApprenticeships logoAge positiveArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Mindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerStep into healthOne NHS Finance

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
zeenat hansa
Job title
Principal Technician Procurement
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02032991596

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Jennie Lee House
2nd Floor
Love Walk Lane
SE5 8AD
Telephone
020 3299 0072
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