Job responsibilities
Job Responsibilities:
DISPENSING DUTIES
To ensure that all medicines and appliances dispensed are checked against the prescription and whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose or labelling instructions to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor
To adhere to Practice Policies and Procedures (SOPS) for ordering and dispensing medicines
To dispense and record private prescriptions and their payments
To endorse all prescription forms as appropriate
Preparation of Dosette Boxes
Issue paper prescriptions to non-dispensing patients
Carry out DRUMS
Destruction of returned medication and sharps boxes
DISPENSARY RECEPTION
To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration on the reverse of the FP10 is duly filled in and signed by the patient.
To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the Practice are appropriately stored and banked and a record kept of all financial transactions.
Ensure that the correct medication and prescription is given to the patient, confirming the details shown on the prescription form and the label and confirming the dosage instructions where appropriate (DRUM)
Advise patients about pre-payment certificates and how to apply for exemption certificates
Reconcile all monies at the end of each day, ensure adequate change is available
STOCK/STORAGE
Place accurate and timely orders with suppliers and accept deliveries of medication, adding them to the computerised stock control records
To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the Practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out of date stock.
To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions.
To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook.
To ensure the safe disposal of returned and out-of-date medications
DISPENSARY ENVIRONMENT
Ensure all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
Ensure all areas are kept tidy and filing systems and processes are followed
Clean work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
In the absence of the dispensary manager take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time.
To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate.
To promptly forward all invoices and dispensary related correspondence to the Practice Manager or dispensary manager according to Practice policy.
To undertake any necessary work as may be required and appropriate to maintain a high standard and efficient dispensing practice.
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
Additional Duties (experienced dispenser)
These duties will be carried out in protected time, allocated by the Dispensary Manger on a weekly basis.
Provide cover for the Dispensary Manager in the day to day running of the dispensary when on annual leave or sick
Assist the Dispensary Manager with the training of new and trainee dispensers, with Dispensary Manager sign off
Carry out and participate in audits where appropriate
Record completed DRUMS
Be responsible for the Dispensary Delivery Service, phoning for monthly requirements and issuing appropriate prescriptions
Be responsible for the Drs Emergency Bags and maintaining appropriate records with Dispensary Manager overviewing the process
Assist Dispensary Manager with the destruction of Controlled Drugs
Deputise for Responsible Person for wholesale operation ensuring safe operating practices and SOPs adhered to at all times.
RECORD KEEPING
Maintain full, accurate, up-to-date electronic records of all dispensing transactions
Maintain accurate records of controlled drugs
Maintain comprehensive records of stock and orders
Confidentiality:
- In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately
- 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:
You will assist in promoting and maintaining your 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
- Adhering to all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act and Regulations and Control Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, ensuring good hygiene, cleanliness and a safe environment in the dispensary.
Equality and Diversity:
You 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:
You 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:
You 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
Communication:
You should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:
- Communicate effectively with other team members to ensure the accurate exchange of information relating to patients and their medication
- Respond to queries from patients, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes etc., whether by face-to-face contact, telephone, e-mail, fax etc.
- Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
- Attend regular team meetings with dispensary colleagues and other practice staff
Contribution to the Implementation of Services:
You will:
- Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance
- Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work
- Participate in audit where appropriate
- Be prepared to cover the work of colleagues when they are absent through annual leave or illness
- Be proactive in developing new initiatives in the dispensary
This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and will be reviewed periodically in conjunction with the post holder. The post holder is required to carry out any duties that may reasonably be requested by the partners, the dispensary manager or the practice manager.