Overview
Stores and distribution staff make sure that a range of essential supplies are delivered to the right wards, clinics and health centres.
Activities
- Processing orders
- Receiving deliveries
- Making sure stocks are stored correctly and safely
- Monitoring use of items and equipment
- Delivering goods to wards and departments
- Making sure old stocks are used before new stock (stock rotation)
- Doing stock checks
Organisations
Hospital stores and distribution staff are mainly employed by NHS trusts and private hospitals.
Workplace
Hospital stores and distribution staff can work inside as well as outside and all over the hospital to complete their job.
Working Hours
The hours of work for store staff are normally 37.5 hours and shift work is normal including early mornings, nights, evenings and weekends.
Salary
Starting salary is around £20,000.
Qualifications
There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Some NHS trusts may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL, others may be more flexible. You may also be able to access this role via a supported internship.
If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.