We are seeking a proactive, enthusiastic Band 5 Pharmacy Technician to join our dynamic Pharmacy Procurement and Stores Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility and working as part of a supportive, forward‑thinking department. This is an exciting time to come on board, as the Pharmacy Department at Ormskirk Hospital has undergone significant redevelopment over the last two years — including the installation of a new Omnicell automated robotic dispensing system.
In this role, you will work closely with the Procurement and Stores Pharmacy Technician Lead to ensure the safe, efficient and compliant procurement, storage and distribution of medicines across the organisation. You will play a key part in maintaining high standards in line with Good Distribution Practice and Wholesale Dealer Authorisation requirements.
Alongside your procurement responsibilities, you will make a direct and meaningful contribution to patient care. You will be involved in dispensary services, medicines optimisation, medicines reconciliation, and patient counselling, helping to ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care.
This position offers a great opportunity to develop your skills, broaden your experience and be part of a team that values innovation, quality and professional growth.
Interview date to be confirmed.
Support daily management of the Purchasing & Stores section, including staff supervision and rota coordination.
Manage ordering through EMIS in line with national, regional and local contracts.
Communicate product shortages and supply issues promptly to colleagues.
Assist in sourcing safe and appropriate alternatives when contracted items are unavailable.
Support safe procurement and quarantine release of unlicensed medicines.
Maintain accurate stock control, including expiry monitoring and compliance with GDP/WDA standards.
Support the use and optimisation of Omnicell automated systems and the efficient running of the stores environment.
Participate in audits, stock checks, supplier liaison and quality improvement activities within Procurement & Stores.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
Our services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
Support the daily running of the Purchasing & Stores section, gaining experience in staff supervision and rota management.
Use the EMIS pharmacy system to manage efficient ordering, developing strong digital and procurement skills aligned with national and regional contracts.
Share timely updates on product shortages and supply changes, helping shape clear communication pathways across the department.
Assist in sourcing safe, suitable alternatives when contracted items are unavailable, building confidence in problem‑solving and supplier liaison.
Take an active role in reviewing contract changes, contributing to continuous improvement and value‑based procurement.
Work with the Procurement & Stores Manager to ensure unlicensed medicines are purchased safely and in line with best practice.
Support the ‘purchasing for safety’ policy, promoting modern, safety‑focused procurement principles.
Assess and release unlicensed medicines from quarantine, strengthening your knowledge of governance and quality assurance.
Provide ward‑based technician support when required, expanding your clinical exposure and patient‑facing experience.
Maintain CPD and ACT accreditation, supporting your professional growth and future career progression.
Help develop and optimise digital systems, including the Omnicell robot, Omnicell cabinets and EMIS reporting.
Support the rollout of electronic ordering and invoicing, contributing to the department’s digital transformation.
Assist in managing drug recalls following MHRA notifications
Promote patient safety and efficiency, playing a key role in a modern, forward‑thinking pharmacy service.
Undertake staff appraisals and objective reviews, developing leadership and people‑management skills.
Act as an Accredited Checking Technician across Mersey and West Lancashire sites, enhancing your checking and dispensary expertise.
Participate in late‑night, weekend and bank‑holiday rotas, supporting a reliable 7‑day service.
Clinical & Professional Responsibilities
Maintain GPhC registration and uphold high professional standards.
Keep CPD up to date, supporting your long‑term career development.
Attend study days and courses, ensuring your skills remain current.
Complete training and assessments to maintain competency across all duties.
Ensure safe storage and security of medicines in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
Ensure compliance with legal and professional requirements, supporting safe practice across the Trust.
Teaching & Training Responsibilities
Provide training and supervision for pharmacists and student technicians, developing your teaching and mentoring skills.
Financial Responsibility
Support delivery of a cost‑effective service, contributing to responsible resource management.
Research & Audit
Participate in audits and research projects, helping shape service development and innovation.
