Dispensing AssistantNHS

Job summary

Middlestown Medical Centre offers an outstanding working environment, with a great, forward thinking and diverse practice team. With high standards and expectations, we aim to provide the best possible care to our patients. We are searching for enthusiastic team player to join our practice team, working within our practice dispensary. If you have an appetite for learning and can demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, excellent customer service and you are looking for a new and challenging role with an opportunity for the right applicant look no further.

Main duties of the job

The role will support all aspects of the dispensary service and you will need to be able to demonstrate good interpersonal, mathematical and I.T. skills. Duties include:

Dispensing medicines

General administration

Face to face customer service and responding to patient enquiries

Use of practice clinical systems and digital solutions

Stock management

Date checking stock

Processing NHS prescriptions

Medicines deliveries

Buttercups NVQ level 2 dispensing doctors course

NVQ level 2 or equivalent preferred however not essential as training will be given.

Job description

Job Summary

The Dispensary Assistant will support the day-to-day operation of the practice dispensary, helping to ensure that patients receive their medicines safely, accurately and efficiently.

Working under the direction and supervision of the Dispensary Manager and other appropriately qualified dispensary staff, the post holder will assist with prescription processing, preparation and assembly of medicines, stock management, ordering, receipt and storage of medicines, and general dispensary administration.

The post holder will work in accordance with practice policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), NHS requirements and relevant legal and professional standards. They will maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and professionalism and contribute positively to the delivery and continuous improvement of the dispensary service.

The role requires good organisational skills, attention to detail, effective communication and the ability to work as part of a team in a busy primary care environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities, Dispensing and Prescription Processing

• Receive and process prescriptions in accordance with practice procedures and within the limits of the post holder's training and competence.
• Assist with the preparation, assembly and labelling of prescribed medicines under appropriate supervision.
• Select medicines and other items accurately, checking names, strengths, quantities, formulations and expiry dates.
• Generate and prepare dispensing labels and other appropriate documentation using the practice dispensing system.
• Assist with prescription queries and refer clinical or technical queries to the Dispensary Manager, dispenser, prescribing clinician or other appropriately qualified person.
• Ensure medicines are presented appropriately for checking by an authorised/competent member of staff before supply.
• Assist with the preparation of repeat prescriptions in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate dispensing records and ensure documentation is completed appropriately.
• Follow all relevant SOPs and immediately report any suspected dispensing errors, near misses or concerns to the appropriate member of staff.

Stock Control and Medicines Management

• Assist with ordering medicines and dispensary supplies under the direction of the Dispensary Manager or designated member of staff.
• Receive deliveries and check medicines against delivery notes, reporting discrepancies promptly.
• Put medicines away safely and efficiently in the correct storage location.
• Rotate stock and carry out regular expiry-date checks.
• Assist with regular stock checks and stocktakes.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages, overstocking, damaged stock or supply problems.
• Ensure medicines are stored in accordance with manufacturer requirements and practice procedures.
• Assist with monitoring and recording medicine refrigerator temperatures where required.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and organised dispensary and stockroom.
• Assist with the safe handling and disposal of expired, unwanted or returned medicines in accordance with practice procedures.

Controlled Drugs and Restricted Medicines

• Handle Controlled Drugs and other restricted medicines only where appropriately trained and authorised and in accordance with practice procedures.
• Follow all relevant procedures relating to the storage, recording and handling of Controlled Drugs.
• Report any discrepancies, concerns or incidents immediately to the Dispensary Manager or appropriate responsible person.
• Maintain confidentiality and security when handling medicines and patient information.

Patient and Customer Service

• Provide courteous, professional and helpful service to patients attending the dispensary.
• Deal appropriately with routine patient enquiries within the limits of the role.
• Provide clear information regarding prescription collection and dispensary processes.
• Recognise when a patient enquiry is outside the post holder's competence and refer it to an appropriately qualified member of staff.
• Treat all patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
• Assist patients who may have additional communication or accessibility needs.
• Support the effective management of complaints and concerns by escalating them appropriately.

Administration and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and timely dispensary records in accordance with practice procedures.
• Assist with filing, scanning and other routine dispensary administration.
• Use the practice's electronic systems appropriately and securely.
• Assist with monitoring outstanding prescriptions, stock orders and other routine dispensary tasks.
• Support the preparation of information required for audits, stocktakes and quality monitoring.
• Handle cash or payments where required and in accordance with practice procedures.
• Ensure all patient and financial information is handled confidentially.

Quality, Safety and Governance

• Work consistently in accordance with dispensary SOPs, practice policies and agreed working procedures.
• Maintain awareness of relevant NHS requirements, medicines safety guidance and legal requirements applicable to the role.
• Report errors, near misses, incidents, hazards and safeguarding concerns promptly through the appropriate practice process.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with GDPR and practice information governance requirements.
• Keep personal knowledge and competence up to date through training and development.

Team Working and Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Dispensary Manager, dispensers, clinicians, reception and administrative teams.
• Communicate effectively with GPs, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding routine dispensary matters.
• Liaise with suppliers and delivery personnel as appropriate and within the limits of the role.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and professional team environment.
• Attend relevant staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Support colleagues during busy periods and assist with maintaining an efficient dispensary workflow.

Service Improvement

• Identify and report opportunities to improve dispensary processes and patient service.
• Participate in changes to dispensary procedures and working practices as directed.
• Support the Dispensary Manager with audits, stocktakes, service reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of changes to dispensary procedures and undertake training where required.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of professional conduct and personal integrity.
• Undertake duties within the limits of individual competence, training and experience.
• Never undertake a task for which the post holder is not appropriately trained or authorised.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patients, colleagues and practice business.
• Comply with all practice policies, including infection prevention and control, Health and Safety, safeguarding, information governance and equality and diversity.
• Participate in mandatory and role-specific training.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

About us

The practice Dispensary supports a diverse patient population of approximately 10,000 registered patients, and works collaboratively with GPs, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, administrative staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.