Prescription ClerkNHS

Job summary

PLEASE BE AWARE THE DAYS WE REQUIRE THE CANDIDATE TO WORK ARE MONDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS. THIS IS NON- NEGOTIABLE. THIS ROLE IS FOR 16 HOURS PER WEEK. THE HOURS PER DAY CAN BE FLEXIBLE. THANK YOU.

The Prescription Clerk is an important member of the practice team, responsible for supporting the accurate, safe, and efficient processing of repeat prescriptions. Working alongside GPs, clinical pharmacists, nurses, reception staff, and local pharmacies, the post holder will ensure that prescription requests are managed promptly and in line with practice policies, NHS prescribing requirements, and current legislation.

This role demands strong organisational abilities, excellent attention to detail, and the capability to prioritise a varied workload within a busy primary care environment. The Prescription Clerk will respond to prescription-related enquiries from patients, providing assistance where appropriate and referring complex or clinical issues to the relevant healthcare professional.

The successful post holder will help maintain an effective prescribing service by ensuring medications are issued accurately and without unnecessary delay. Through close collaboration with the wider practice team, they will contribute to the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care and the efficient operation of prescribing services within the practice.

Main duties of the job

The Prescription Clerk is responsible for managing repeat prescription requests accurately and efficiently, ensuring they are processed in line with practice procedures and NHS prescribing standards. Duties include receiving and handling prescription requests, responding to enquiries from patients and pharmacies, and working closely with GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to resolve any issues. The role also involves identifying and escalating prescription queries or discrepancies when necessary, maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records, supporting medication review activities, safeguarding patient confidentiality, and contributing to the smooth and effective operation of the practice's prescribing service.

Job description

Job Purpose

The Prescription Clerk is responsible for the efficient, accurate, and confidential processing of repeat prescription requests within the GP surgery. The role supports clinicians and administrative staff to ensure patients receive their medications safely and in a timely manner while adhering to practice policies, NHS guidelines, and data protection requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Process repeat prescription requests received via online services, telephone, email, written requests, and in person.
• Ensure prescription requests comply with practice protocols and prescribing policies.
• Forward requests requiring clinical review to the appropriate GP, pharmacist, or prescribing clinician.
• Liaise with local pharmacies regarding prescription queries and medication requests.
• Respond to patient enquiries regarding prescriptions in a professional and courteous manner.
• Monitor and manage the repeat prescription inbox and workflow to meet agreed turnaround times.
• Identify discrepancies, missing information, or medication queries and escalate appropriately.
• Maintain accurate patient records by updating information on the clinical computer system where authorised.
• Ensure prescriptions are processed in accordance with NHS regulations, prescribing guidance, and practice procedures.
• Support medication reviews by identifying patients whose reviews are overdue and notifying the appropriate clinician.
• Assist with processing hospital discharge medication requests and correspondence as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times in accordance with GDPR, NHS policies, and practice procedures.
• Participate in administrative duties that support the smooth running of the practice when required.

General Duties

• Work collaboratively with GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff.
• Maintain excellent standards of customer service.
• Follow practice health and safety policies and infection prevention procedures.
• Attend mandatory training and participate in staff meetings.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of prescribing processes and administrative systems.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Practice Manager.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Previous administrative experience.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a GP practice, NHS, or healthcare setting.
• Experience using EMIS.
• Knowledge of repeat prescribing procedures.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Experience working with NHS prescribing guidance and protocols.

Key Skills

• Attention to detail
• Accuracy in data entry
• Customer service
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Organisation and prioritisation
• Teamwork
• Confidentiality and professionalism

Working Conditions

• Office-based within a GP surgery.
• Regular use of computer systems and telephones.
• Frequent interaction with patients, clinicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals.
• Compliance with NHS policies, practice procedures, and statutory regulations.

Performance Measures

• Timely processing of prescription requests.
• Accuracy of prescription administration.
• Compliance with practice prescribing protocols.
• Positive patient and clinician feedback.
• Effective management of prescription-related queries and workload.

About us

We are a long-established GP practice committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused healthcare to a registered population of approximately 10,000 patients. Our aim is to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate primary care services that reflect the varied healthcare needs of our local community.

Our experienced multidisciplinary team consists of GPs, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, clinical pharmacists, receptionists, administrative staff, and other healthcare professionals who work together to deliver comprehensive NHS primary care services. These include same-day and routine appointments, long-term condition management, immunisation programmes, health promotion, screening, and preventative care.

The practice is committed to maintaining high standards of clinical care through continuous service improvement, innovation, and compliance with NHS guidance and best practice. We actively support the professional development of our staff and are dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and person-centred services in a friendly, inclusive, and professional environment.