Senior Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) Dispenser in Exeter

Greet and attend to all visitors (including patients) according to dispensary guidelines.

Prepare medications for patients use using the EPIC system.

Dispense Royal Devon Inpatient, Discharge and Controlled Drug Medications in preparation for checking, using the EPIC Dispensing System. You will also be expected to dispense medication for specialist areas including Devon Partnership Trust, the Hospice and specialty clinics within the Trust.

Receive Controlled Drug (CD) Prescriptions, CD Requisition Books and other documents for onward dispensing or passing to the appropriate staff member/team for further action.

Hand out medicines to patients and ward staff following correct processes.

Assist in the training of new members of staff including the dispensary team, pharmacists, foundation year pharmacists and pre-registration student technicians. You will also be expected to help in the training of the aseptic team (to support dispensary weekend working).

Maintain accurate dispensary inventory by stock rotation/monitoring of stock (including date checking) and by keeping accurate computer and paper records.

Maintain accurate dispensing records and assist with filing and archiving.

Maintain clean and tidy dispensing facilities and safe systems of work.

Answer the dispensary telephone calls and deal with enquiries in the appropriate manner according to departmental procedures.

Manage and maintain the dispensary inbox emails and respond to queries appropriately.

Assist in general house-keeping duties as and when necessary including:

• Putting away medicines
• Replenishing consumable items e.g. bags, bottles, oral syringes, etc.
• Filing paperwork
• Cleaning trays, computers and work spaces regularly

To participate in flexible working arrangements including late duties and bank holidays and as appropriate. Please note that in order to deliver a high standard of care to patients the pharmacy service operates 7 days a week and staff are therefore required to work some weekends as part of their contracted hours.

The Pharmacy Department at the Royal Devon is looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking person to extend their skills as part of our busy dispensary team. You will need to have NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent NPA pharmaceutical or dispensing qualification and prior experience working in a hospital or community pharmacy. You will be based within the Pharmacy Dispensary where full training will be given in all aspects of hospital dispensary services, including the electronic patient record and dispensing systems.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week (+Bank Holidays and Weekends on ROTA)

Interview Date: 23rd February 2026

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.