Job summary
Are you organised, caring, and passionate about supporting patient care? Were looking for a Dispensing Assistant to join our friendly and supportive GP practice team.
This is a rewarding, patient-focused role where you'll play a vital part in ensuring our patients receive their medications safely, accurately, and on time. You'll work closely with GPs, dispensers, and the wider practice team in a well-run, community focused environment.
We offer a welcoming workplace, full training and development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference to patients every day. If you enjoy working as part of a team, take pride in accuracy, and want a role with purpose, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Assist with the preparation and dispensing of prescribed medication under the supervision of qualified dispensers or clinicians
Accurately select, label, and assemble medicines in line with prescriptions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Support the processing of repeat prescriptions to ensure continuity of care for patients
Identify prescription queries or discrepancies and escalate appropriately
Provide a friendly, professional, and confidential service to patients collecting medications
Support medicines safety by following SOPs, legal requirements, and NHS policies
Maintain accurate records to support clinical governance, audits, and CQC compliance
Report dispensing errors, near misses, and incidents promptly using practice systems
Uphold patient confidentiality and information governance at all times
Assist with ordering, receiving, and storing medication and dispensary supplies
Monitor stock levels and expiry dates to ensure availability and reduce waste
Maintain a clean, organised, and safe dispensary environment in line with infection prevention standard
Work closely with dispensers, GPs, nurses, and administrative staff to support smooth practice operations
Participate in team meetings, training, and service improvement activities
Undertake required training for the role and work towards relevant dispensing competencies where applicable
Keep skills and knowledge up to date with changes in primary care prescribing and medicines guidance
About us
Oakfields Health Group is a well established, community focused primary care practice dedicated to delivering high quality, compassionate care. We aim to create an environment where patients feel supported and staff feel valued and respected.
We pride ourselves on a friendly, inclusive, and team-focused atmosphere. Open communication, mutual support, and professionalism are central to how we work, helping us maintain a calm and welcoming practice environment despite the pressures of primary care.
Our team has a strong work ethic and patient-centred approach, with every role playing an important part in safe, effective care delivery. We value reliability, accuracy, confidentiality, and collaboration across all departments.
Working at Oakfields Health Group offers a supportive management team, opportunities for training and development, job security within primary care, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to patients and the local community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Dispensing
Dispensing and checking of acute & repeat prescriptions
Issuing prepared prescriptions
Processing requests for repeats and dealing with queries from patients, clinicians and support staff e.g. community nurses
Preparation of dosette boxes
Prescriptions
Processing private prescriptions
Processing requests for repeat prescriptions received on line and in writing
Filing prescriptions
End of month processes
Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements
Handling prescription money
Record keeping
Maintaining full, accurate, up-to-date electronic records of all dispensing transactions
Maintaining accurate records of controlled drugs
Maintaining comprehensive records of stock and orders
Updating clinical records from hospital letters/discharges
Communications
Communicating effectively with other team members
Communicating effectively with patients and carers
Recognizing peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
Checking with GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of requests for medication
Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
Liaising with doctors and patients regarding queries & changes to medication
Stock control
Following systems to ensure efficient stock control, continuity of supply for patients and minimise wastage
Ordering drugs & dressings from wholesalers
Handling controlled drugs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
Receiving goods from wholesalers and storing drugs an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook
Stock checks
Removing out of date stock from the shelves
Disposal of returned/unused or outof-date medicines
Monthly bulk tender ordering
Dispensary environment
Ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
Ensuring all areas are kept tidy and filing systems and processes are followed
Cleaning work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis
Other duties
Providing cover for annual leave/sickness
Contributing to staff meetings in a constructive manner with a view to continuing service improvement
Undertaking other reasonable duties within the framework of the post as directed by the Dispensary Manager
Participate in audit where appropriate
Undertaking designated management tasks in the absence of Dispensary Manager
Confidentiality
- In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential
- Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
Health & Safety
The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
- Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines
- Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
- Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
- Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
- Reporting potential risks identified
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:
- Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
- Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
- Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights
Personal/Professional Development
The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include
- Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development
- Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
Quality
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance
- Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Dispensing
Dispensing and checking of acute & repeat prescriptions
Issuing prepared prescriptions
Processing requests for repeats and dealing with queries from patients, clinicians and support staff e.g. community nurses
Preparation of dosette boxes
Prescriptions
Processing private prescriptions
Processing requests for repeat prescriptions received on line and in writing
Filing prescriptions
End of month processes
Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements
Handling prescription money
Record keeping
Maintaining full, accurate, up-to-date electronic records of all dispensing transactions
Maintaining accurate records of controlled drugs
Maintaining comprehensive records of stock and orders
Updating clinical records from hospital letters/discharges
Communications
Communicating effectively with other team members
Communicating effectively with patients and carers
Recognizing peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
Checking with GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of requests for medication
Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
Liaising with doctors and patients regarding queries & changes to medication
Stock control
Following systems to ensure efficient stock control, continuity of supply for patients and minimise wastage
Ordering drugs & dressings from wholesalers
Handling controlled drugs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
Receiving goods from wholesalers and storing drugs an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook
Stock checks
Removing out of date stock from the shelves
Disposal of returned/unused or outof-date medicines
Monthly bulk tender ordering
Dispensary environment
Ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
Ensuring all areas are kept tidy and filing systems and processes are followed
Cleaning work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis
Other duties
Providing cover for annual leave/sickness
Contributing to staff meetings in a constructive manner with a view to continuing service improvement
Undertaking other reasonable duties within the framework of the post as directed by the Dispensary Manager
Participate in audit where appropriate
Undertaking designated management tasks in the absence of Dispensary Manager
Confidentiality
- In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential
- Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
Health & Safety
The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
- Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines
- Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
- Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
- Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
- Reporting potential risks identified
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:
- Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
- Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
- Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights
Personal/Professional Development
The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include
- Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development
- Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
Quality
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance
- Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
- GCSE (or equivalent) English & Maths at Grade C or above
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a dispensary
- Experience working with the general public/patients
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Broad knowledge of General Practice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Strong IT skills
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem solving & analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
Desirable
- Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash etc)
- Ability to effectively manage stock, including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
- GCSE (or equivalent) English & Maths at Grade C or above
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a dispensary
- Experience working with the general public/patients
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Broad knowledge of General Practice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Strong IT skills
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem solving & analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
Desirable
- Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash etc)
- Ability to effectively manage stock, including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
