Dispenser

We are looking for a dependable and flexible Dispenser to join our friendly dispensary team at Castlehead Medical Centre. This is a holiday cover role, offering an average of 12 annualised hours per week (FTE 0.32). Please note that working hours will vary from week to week, depending on staff annual leave, and may increase during periods of high cover demand. Over the course of the year, hours will balance to the contracted average.

This role supports the safe, accurate, and timely dispensing of medication to our patients, alongside stock control, prescription processing, and supporting dispensary operations in accordance with NHS and practice standards. Further Training could be provided to the right candidate.

Main duties:

The main duties include accurately dispensing medications, processing prescriptions, managing stock and inventory, handling patient queries, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the dispensary in line with practice policies and procedures.

Key responsibilities:

• To process all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs where appropriate in accordance with the principles of good practice.
• The post-holder will project a positive and friendly image to dispensary patients and other visitors and deal with queries in a professional, courteous and efficient way.
• Assist in the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions medicines/appliances in an accurate and timely manner
• Assist with stock control, ordering and re-stocking of the dispensary
• Sorting prescriptions
• Ordering and maintaining stock
• DSQS responsible for completing own training in a timely manner and in accordance with the DSQS requirements. Assist the dispensary manager in all other administration for the completion of the annual DSQS declaration to ensure full financial achievement.
• Significant event reporting using TeamNet and SIRMS as appropriate.
• Finance, Purchasing of stock and stock control
• Daily ordering of stock
• Ensuring goods are correctly delivered
• Check dispensary invoices against delivery notes
• Maintain adequate stocks and ensure shelf stock is rotated in date order
• Check out of date stock monthly, record, claim and destroy as per SOP
• Ensure safe management of controlled drugs according to the practice SOP, CQC regulations and current law.
• Receive payment for private work and inform finance department
• Receiving, processing and ordering stock in accordance with Practice Policies and SOPs
• Keeping the dispensary shelves and workstations clean and tidy, and contributing to stock checks and housekeeping.
• Prescriptions and prescription monies
• Daily: check prescriptions for signature/endorsements
• Weekly: submit all unsigned prescriptions
• Daily: cash up and balance prescription monies and any other payments taken
• Destruction of drugs
• Daily- returned medication from patients
• Monthly- check on any uncollected medication
• Quarterly- prepare returned drugs from patients for destruction
• Six monthly- conduct out of date controlled drugs destruction with the appropriate officer from the CCG
• Dispensing
• Oversee/check colleagues dispensing
• Dispensing acute prescriptions
• Dispensing drugs in accordance with Practice Policy and SOPs
• Dispensing drugs to a high level of accuracy
• Processing repeat prescriptions
• Collect prescription charges from patients
• Prepare patient pill packs
• Check for out of date repeats on patients prescription list and alert GP to review/remove
• Accept prescription requests from Hospitals, chemists, any other allied professions for and on behalf of patients
• Ensure workflow management of medication requests are completed and appropriate action is taken.
• Ensure fridge temperatures are recorded daily.
• Promote of online services to increase number of patients ordering medication online.
• Ensuring that prescriptions are correctly issued, signed by the doctor and signed by the patient, in line with Practice Policy and SOPs
• Ensuring that Drug Tariff knowledge is up-to-date by reading monthly amendments
• Handling telephone and general enquiries, referring urgent calls to appropriate lead
• Liaising with muti-disciplinary team members where necessary
• Dealing with all patient communication in a professional and polite manner
• Attending Dispensary Team meetings and training afternoons
• Communicate effectively with other team members
• Communicate effectively with patients and carers
• Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Able to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues
• Ability to follow SOPs and policies

Desirable

• Competence in using EMIS or other GP systems
• Ability to train or supervise junior staff
• Knowledge of Drug Tariff

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Friendly and approachable
• Reliable and punctual
• Willingness to learn and undertake training
• Professional manner and appearance

Desirable

• Team player who contributes to a positive working environment

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C or above)

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or Dispensary Assistant qualification
• DSQS-related training

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a healthcare or customer service environment
• Handling of confidential information

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a GP practice dispensary or pharmacy
• Familiarity with repeat prescription processes
• Experience with controlled drugs and stock management

Knowledge

Essential

• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection in healthcare
• Basic knowledge of health & safety in the workplace

Desirable

• Understanding of DSQS (Dispensing Services Quality Scheme)
• Infection control procedures