DispenserNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, accurate and patient-focused Dispenser to join our friendly dispensary team at Prince of Wales Surgery, based at our Portesham branch.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Dispenser, or someone with relevant pharmacy/healthcare experience who is keen to develop their skills within a GP dispensary.

You will play an important role in providing a safe, efficient and high-quality dispensing service to our patients. Working closely with our Dispensary Lead and wider practice team, you will be responsible for accurate dispensing, prescription management, stock control and supporting patients with medication-related enquiries.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has excellent attention to detail and enjoys working as part of a supportive team, while also being confident working independently. In return, you will join a practice that values its staff and is committed to delivering high standards of patient care.

Main duties of the job

As a Dispenser, your main responsibilities will include:

• Dispensing acute and repeat prescriptions accurately and safely in accordance with practice procedures, dispensing regulations and SOPs.
• Processing medication requests and preparing prescriptions and medication for collection, delivery and care home requirements.
• Undertaking final accuracy checks where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Supporting patients with routine medication-related enquiries and escalating more complex queries appropriately.
• Ensuring prescription charges are collected and recorded accurately.
• Supporting the ordering, receipt, storage and stock rotation of dispensary stock.
• Carrying out expiry date checks, stock takes and inventory control.
• Identifying and reporting dispensing errors, near misses, stock discrepancies and other risks.
• Supporting audits, quality improvement work and DSQS requirements.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and following confidentiality, information governance, health and safety and infection prevention requirements.
• Supporting the induction, training and day-to-day guidance of Dispensary Administrators and new team members.
• Contributing to a positive, supportive and collaborative dispensary team.

The successful candidate will need to be organised, reliable and calm under pressure, with excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to patient safety and high-quality service.

Job description

Job SummaryTo provide a safe, efficient and patient-centred dispensing service, ensuring prescriptions are dispensed accurately and in accordance with practice procedures, dispensing regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The role involves dispensing medications, supporting stock control processes, assisting patients with medication-related enquiries and contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the dispensary service.

The Dispenser will work closely with the Dispensary Lead and wider practice team to maintain high standards of patient care, safety, accuracy and service delivery. The post-holder will also support the training and development of Dispensary Administrators and contribute to continuous improvement within the dispensary.

Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesDispensing, Prescription Management and Patient Services

• Dispense acute and repeat prescriptions accurately in accordance with SOPs and dispensing regulations.
• Ensure all dispensed items are prepared safely, accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Undertake final accuracy checks where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Support the safe processing, assembly and issuing of prescriptions.
• Resolve routine prescription queries and escalate complex issues to the Dispensary Lead, clinicians or management team as appropriate.
• Process medication requests in accordance with practice procedures and NHS regulations.
• Assist patients with medication-related enquiries in a professional and patient-focused manner.
• Promote appropriate medication ordering and support medication reconciliation where required.
• Prepare prescriptions and medication for collection, delivery services and care home requirements.
• Ensure prescription charges are collected and recorded accurately in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate patient records and update information within the clinical system.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, healthcare professionals and colleagues.

Stock Control, Quality Assurance and Team Support

• Support the ordering, receipt and storage of dispensary stock.
• Carry out stock rotation and expiry date checks to minimise waste and ensure patient safety.
• Report stock shortages, discrepancies and supply issues to the Dispensary Lead.
• Assist with stock takes and inventory control procedures.
• Ensure dispensary areas are maintained in a clean, safe and organised condition.
• Follow and comply with all dispensary SOPs, policies and procedures.
• Identify and report dispensing errors, near misses and risks in line with practice procedures.
• Assist with audits, quality improvement initiatives and DSQS requirements as requested.
• Support the induction, training and day-to-day guidance of Dispensary Administrators and new team members.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive, supportive and collaborative team environment.

Professional Development

• Undertake mandatory training and competency assessments as required.
• Participate in annual appraisal and performance reviews.
• Maintain professional knowledge and skills relevant to dispensing practice.
• Keep up to date with changes to dispensing procedures, medicines management guidance and NHS requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Uphold patient confidentiality and information governance standards at all times.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in line with practice policies.
• Follow health and safety and infection prevention procedures.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and grade as requested by the Partners, Senior Management Team or Dispensary Lead.

ConfidentialityMaintain strict confidentiality regarding patient, staff and practice information and ensure compliance with data protection and information governance policies.

Equality and DiversityPromote equality, diversity and inclusion and treat all patients, carers and colleagues with dignity and respect.

QualityMaintain high standards of safety and quality, identify risks and contribute to service improvement, while managing workload and resources effectively.

CommunicationCommunicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and external organisations and adapt communication methods to meet individual needs.

Personal and Professional DevelopmentParticipate in annual appraisal and ongoing training, take responsibility for own development and support the development of others.

This Job Description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed periodically. The post-holder is expected to carry out any reasonable duties requested by the Partners or Senior Management Team.

About us

Prince of Wales Surgery is a GP practice serving approximately 10,000 patients across two sites in West Dorset, with our main surgery in Dorchester and our branch surgery in Portesham.

Our Portesham branch includes our dispensary, providing an important service to eligible patients within our rural community. The dispensary team works closely with our wider clinical and administrative teams to ensure patients receive their medication safely, accurately and in a timely manner.

We are a busy and forward-thinking practice with a strong focus on patient care, teamwork and continuous improvement. We are committed to supporting our staff to develop their skills and to maintaining a positive, professional and supportive working environment.

This is an opportunity to become part of a friendly team where your work has a direct and meaningful impact on the patients we serve.