Cutlers Hill Surgery

Dispensary Counter Assistant

The closing date is 13 October 2025

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and personable Dispensary Counter Assistant to join our dedicated Dispensary team. This vacancy has arisen following an internal promotion, reflecting our commitment to recognising and rewarding talent within the organisation. We actively invest in the development of our staff and provide opportunities for training, growth, and career progression.

Main duties of the job

In this role, you will be responsible for the collection and distribution of medication, handling both card and cash payments, and providing a high standard of service to patients and the public. Additional duties will include monitoring and recording fridge and room temperatures, maintaining accurate records, updating medication files, and responding to medication enquiries using the Systmone computer system. Full training will be provided.

About us

The surgery is surrounded by national reserves, woodlands, beaches, marshes and a huge network of countryside footpaths, not to mention being only 15 minutes from the renowned historical seaside town of Southwold. As well as the stunning location, we pride ourselves on how we have adapted and developed throughout the pandemic, all the while maintaining high standards of patient-centred care and continuity for our community.

Details

Date posted

23 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A1418-25-0006

Job locations

Bungay Road

Halesworth

Suffolk

IP19 8SG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

The Dispensary Desk Assistant provides frontline support in the dispensary, ensuring patients and customers receive an efficient, friendly, and safe service. The role involves greeting patients, processing prescriptions, handling enquiries, managing payments, and supporting the dispensary team with administrative and organisational tasks. The post holder will act as the first point of contact at the dispensary desk, maintaining high standards of customer care while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy in all interactions.

They will work closely with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare staff to support the smooth running of the dispensary, including assisting with stock control, record keeping, and the preparation of prescriptions. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy healthcare environment.

Job Responsibilities:

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 shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the Dispensary and that all Dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.

To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook.

To undertake any necessary work as may be required and appropriate to maintain a high standard and efficient dispensing service.

Issue prescriptions daily to keeping on top for our 5 day collection

Deal with patient queries in person.

Be first point of contact to patients with queries

Deal with patient notes issued by doctors/nurses or staff

Maintain a clean and tidy working area

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 jobholder 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.

Always get patients or their representatives to confirm their date of birth or address before giving out any medication

Health & Safety:

The jobholder 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 jobholder 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 jobholder 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 jobholder 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.

Contribute as required to the Practices achievement of Quality and Outcomes Framework points.

Communication:

The jobholder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members

Communicate effectively with patients and carers

Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.

Keep the Dispensary Manager and/or the Practice informed of any relevant issues

Attend the Quarterly Dispensary Meeting as well as quarterly Staff Meetings wherever possible

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The jobholder 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.

Report any concerns over the probity of other team members to the relevant Manager or GP as appropriate.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

The Dispensary Desk Assistant provides frontline support in the dispensary, ensuring patients and customers receive an efficient, friendly, and safe service. The role involves greeting patients, processing prescriptions, handling enquiries, managing payments, and supporting the dispensary team with administrative and organisational tasks. The post holder will act as the first point of contact at the dispensary desk, maintaining high standards of customer care while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy in all interactions.

They will work closely with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare staff to support the smooth running of the dispensary, including assisting with stock control, record keeping, and the preparation of prescriptions. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy healthcare environment.

Job Responsibilities:

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 shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the Dispensary and that all Dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.

To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook.

To undertake any necessary work as may be required and appropriate to maintain a high standard and efficient dispensing service.

Issue prescriptions daily to keeping on top for our 5 day collection

Deal with patient queries in person.

Be first point of contact to patients with queries

Deal with patient notes issued by doctors/nurses or staff

Maintain a clean and tidy working area

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 jobholder 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.

Always get patients or their representatives to confirm their date of birth or address before giving out any medication

Health & Safety:

The jobholder 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 jobholder 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 jobholder 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 jobholder 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.

Contribute as required to the Practices achievement of Quality and Outcomes Framework points.

Communication:

The jobholder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members

Communicate effectively with patients and carers

Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.

Keep the Dispensary Manager and/or the Practice informed of any relevant issues

Attend the Quarterly Dispensary Meeting as well as quarterly Staff Meetings wherever possible

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The jobholder 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.

Report any concerns over the probity of other team members to the relevant Manager or GP as appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good standard of general education (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal politely and professionally with patients, staff, and healthcare professionals.
  • Ability to follow instructions accurately and work methodically.
  • Competent IT skills
  • Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection, and customer service principles.
  • Previous experience in a customer-facing role (e.g., retail, healthcare, or reception).
  • Experience handling cash, card payments, or stock management.
  • Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
  • Friendly, approachable, and patient-focused.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing demands.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good standard of general education (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal politely and professionally with patients, staff, and healthcare professionals.
  • Ability to follow instructions accurately and work methodically.
  • Competent IT skills
  • Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection, and customer service principles.
  • Previous experience in a customer-facing role (e.g., retail, healthcare, or reception).
  • Experience handling cash, card payments, or stock management.
  • Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
  • Friendly, approachable, and patient-focused.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing demands.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.

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

Cutlers Hill Surgery

Address

Bungay Road

Halesworth

Suffolk

IP19 8SG


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Cutlers Hill Surgery

Address

Bungay Road

Halesworth

Suffolk

IP19 8SG


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Manager

Hayley Witham

nwicb.cutlersmanagement@nhs.net

01986874618

Details

Date posted

23 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A1418-25-0006

Job locations

Bungay Road

Halesworth

Suffolk

IP19 8SG


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