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Cerne Abbas Surgery

Dispenser

The closing date is 24 April 2026

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Job summary

Within this role, you will ensure the safe and accurate ordering, dispensing and checking of all medication, dressings and appliances and ensure that they are prepared and delivered within the set timescales.

You will work closely with the other members of the dispensary team in the ensuring the smooth running of the dispensary.

You will give outstanding customer service to our patients, and help enable them to understand their medication.

The role is for 21 hours a week, working between 8:30am and 7:00pm on a pre-agreed rota. This is a fixed term contract for a minimum of 13 months to cover maternity leave.

The salary will be between £13.25 - £13.73 per hour depending on experience and qualification.

The vacancy closes on the 24th April 2026, but we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we find a suitable candidate before then.

Interviews will be held week commencing Tuesday 5th May 2026.

Main duties of the job

To maintain accuracy and manage your time effectively while assisting the dispensary and wider team in providing a high standard of service and care to our patients.

You will be expected to communicate effectively with staff at all levels throughout the organisation as well as patients, visitors and the general public

Dispensing medication in both original packaging, dossett boxes, and dispensing medication for care homes.

About us

Cerne Abbas Surgery is a friendly and supportive three partner rural general practice near Dorchester serving over 4000 patients. We came first in Dorset in the Patient Survey in 2024 and 2025 and pride ourselves on our exceptional team and service.

We operate an integrated nursing team delivering both practice and community nursing care to all of our patients, and we dispense over 9000 items per month.

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£13.25 to £13.73 an hour Depending on experience/qualification

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

13 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A0764-26-0001

Job locations

51 Long Street

Cerne Abbas

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

To ensure the safe and accurate ordering, dispensing and checking of all medication, dressings and appliances and that they are prepared and delivered within the set timescales.

Dispense and check all prescriptions safely and accurately

Communicate effectively with patients, visitors and the multidisciplinary team

Ensure that all messages are appropriately logged and appropriate action taken

Maintain patient confidentiality, being helpful and courteous at all times

Observe and follow surgery policies, protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times

Establish and maintain accurate and tidy working practices

Undertake agreed tasks once competency achieved

Adhere to Controlled Drugs protocol

After training, be able to give advice to patients with regards to their medication

Answer the telephone promptly

Assist in the smooth running of the dispensary by ensuring that the work stations are left clean and tidy and by undertaking housekeeping and cleaning duties as appropriate

Deal with prescriptions monies promptly and accurately

Replenish all stock levels at the end of the shift forms, medication etc

Comply with Information Governance and computer usage policies and guidelines

Use resources effectively

Share knowledge with colleagues

Keep up-to-date (CPD) and undertake mandatory training as stipulated

Complete additional allocated tasks following discussion and agreement with dispensary team leader

Job description

Job responsibilities

To ensure the safe and accurate ordering, dispensing and checking of all medication, dressings and appliances and that they are prepared and delivered within the set timescales.

Dispense and check all prescriptions safely and accurately

Communicate effectively with patients, visitors and the multidisciplinary team

Ensure that all messages are appropriately logged and appropriate action taken

Maintain patient confidentiality, being helpful and courteous at all times

Observe and follow surgery policies, protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times

Establish and maintain accurate and tidy working practices

Undertake agreed tasks once competency achieved

Adhere to Controlled Drugs protocol

After training, be able to give advice to patients with regards to their medication

Answer the telephone promptly

Assist in the smooth running of the dispensary by ensuring that the work stations are left clean and tidy and by undertaking housekeeping and cleaning duties as appropriate

Deal with prescriptions monies promptly and accurately

Replenish all stock levels at the end of the shift forms, medication etc

Comply with Information Governance and computer usage policies and guidelines

Use resources effectively

Share knowledge with colleagues

Keep up-to-date (CPD) and undertake mandatory training as stipulated

Complete additional allocated tasks following discussion and agreement with dispensary team leader

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE Mathematics C or above
  • GCSE English C or above
  • NVQ2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a community pharmacy or dispensing doctors
  • Experience of using own initiative

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a customer service environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving skills
  • Demonstrable IT skills
  • Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable

  • Knowledge of SystmOne
  • Understanding of how medication is dispensed for care homes
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE Mathematics C or above
  • GCSE English C or above
  • NVQ2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a community pharmacy or dispensing doctors
  • Experience of using own initiative

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a customer service environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving skills
  • Demonstrable IT skills
  • Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable

  • Knowledge of SystmOne
  • Understanding of how medication is dispensed for care homes

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Cerne Abbas Surgery

Address

51 Long Street

Cerne Abbas

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7JG


Employer's website

https://www.cerneabbassurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Cerne Abbas Surgery

Address

51 Long Street

Cerne Abbas

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7JG


Employer's website

https://www.cerneabbassurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Dispensary Manager

Steph Nichols

stephanie.nichols@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

01300341666

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£13.25 to £13.73 an hour Depending on experience/qualification

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

13 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A0764-26-0001

Job locations

51 Long Street

Cerne Abbas

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7JG


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