Job summary
We are looking for a Dispensing Assistant to join our small dispensing team at Hatherleigh Medical Centre.
Main duties of the job
In this busy and varied role you will be involved in the preparation of prescriptions that have been authorised by GPs and prescribing nurses. You will be checking stock as it arrived, in accordance with all protocols and systems, to ensure that we have an accurate record of stock at all times. You will also be involved in keeping records and administration systems to make sure that all records are accurate and up to date.
About us
We are a thriving and innovative Medical Group bringing together Holsworthy, Stratton and Hatherleigh Medical Centres. We see patients at all three sites and have a team that includes GPs, a Clinical Pharmacist, paramedics, nurse practitioners, practice nurses, health care assistants and phlebotomists as well as our practice management and administrative support and patient services teams. In addition we also have access to social prescribers, first contact physiotherapists and mental health practitioners through the local Primary Care Network.
With such a comprehensive range of roles within our team we are able to offer timely and innovative support to our 28,000 patients across 3 practices.
Work life balance is important to us and we are ideally placed on the North Devon/North Cornwall border for many outdoor activities including surfing or sea pool swimming at Bude, hiking on Dartmoor or the South West coastal path.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Dispensing
- Take orders for and dispensing acute and repeat prescriptions in accordance with the current dispensary policy.
- Give patients their acute and repeat medications and collecting prescription charges when appropriate and checking patient exemption statements.
- To ensure on collection of their medication, the patient completes the reverse of the prescription correctly. Record and collect the prescription money when required.
- Book appointments where necessary.
- Resolve any patients queries regarding drugs, prescriptions or dispensing service.
- Prepare blister packs.
- To deal with queries from district nurses and support staff.
Stock Management
- Maintain appropriate stocking levels as pre-set on the clinical system.
- Assist in stock checks.
- Ensure all new stock is checked thoroughly and in accordance with the invoices produced following dispensary protocols.
- Ensure that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
- Chase and rectify any anomalies in stock orders from deliveries.
- Maintain the correct stock rotation as advised in the dispensary SOPs.
- Maintain the Controlled Drug Register and stock levels in accordance with regulations.
Dispensing Administration
- Prepare and advise the Finance Manager of all VAT implications.
- Assist in the preparation and submission of dispensing projects e.g. The Dispensing Services Quality Scheme, Drug and Formulary Audits, Dispensing Protocols.
- Report any near misses and significant events through the correct process.
- Use the computer to keep records up to date.
- Maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions.
- Check with GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of requests for medication.
- Make cash register checks to ensure an accurate record and balance are achieved.
- Ensure the dispensary maintains adequate supplies of the required stationery.
- To maintain administrative patient information accurately (address details, telephone numbers) and update as required to reflect accurately every patients details and to ensure confidentiality.
The Dispensary & Surgery Team
- Undertake training, updating and development and maintaining an awareness of pharmaceutical issues.
- Advise other surgery staff on matters relating to the dispensary.
- Clean work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis and ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.
- Ensure the surgery premises, staff and visitors are always protected by identifying to the appropriate team members or management any areas of concern.
- Ensure all security aspects are considered for the dispensary and stocked drugs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Dispensing
- Take orders for and dispensing acute and repeat prescriptions in accordance with the current dispensary policy.
- Give patients their acute and repeat medications and collecting prescription charges when appropriate and checking patient exemption statements.
- To ensure on collection of their medication, the patient completes the reverse of the prescription correctly. Record and collect the prescription money when required.
- Book appointments where necessary.
- Resolve any patients queries regarding drugs, prescriptions or dispensing service.
- Prepare blister packs.
- To deal with queries from district nurses and support staff.
Stock Management
- Maintain appropriate stocking levels as pre-set on the clinical system.
- Assist in stock checks.
- Ensure all new stock is checked thoroughly and in accordance with the invoices produced following dispensary protocols.
- Ensure that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
- Chase and rectify any anomalies in stock orders from deliveries.
- Maintain the correct stock rotation as advised in the dispensary SOPs.
- Maintain the Controlled Drug Register and stock levels in accordance with regulations.
Dispensing Administration
- Prepare and advise the Finance Manager of all VAT implications.
- Assist in the preparation and submission of dispensing projects e.g. The Dispensing Services Quality Scheme, Drug and Formulary Audits, Dispensing Protocols.
- Report any near misses and significant events through the correct process.
- Use the computer to keep records up to date.
- Maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions.
- Check with GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of requests for medication.
- Make cash register checks to ensure an accurate record and balance are achieved.
- Ensure the dispensary maintains adequate supplies of the required stationery.
- To maintain administrative patient information accurately (address details, telephone numbers) and update as required to reflect accurately every patients details and to ensure confidentiality.
The Dispensary & Surgery Team
- Undertake training, updating and development and maintaining an awareness of pharmaceutical issues.
- Advise other surgery staff on matters relating to the dispensary.
- Clean work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis and ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.
- Ensure the surgery premises, staff and visitors are always protected by identifying to the appropriate team members or management any areas of concern.
- Ensure all security aspects are considered for the dispensary and stocked drugs.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE A-C English and Maths, or equivalent
- NVQ2 Dispensing qualification, or equivalent, or willingness to gain this qualification
Desirable
- NVQ3 Dispensing qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a Dispensary
- Experience in a patient/customer facing role, including telephone contact
- Experience working to policies, guidelines and operating procedures
- Experience in stock control, including working with controlled drugs
- Experience in handling sensitive information
- Experience working under pressure
- Experience using a range of computer packages, including computerised records
Desirable
- Working in general practice
- Using a clinical system e.g. SystmOne
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE A-C English and Maths, or equivalent
- NVQ2 Dispensing qualification, or equivalent, or willingness to gain this qualification
Desirable
- NVQ3 Dispensing qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a Dispensary
- Experience in a patient/customer facing role, including telephone contact
- Experience working to policies, guidelines and operating procedures
- Experience in stock control, including working with controlled drugs
- Experience in handling sensitive information
- Experience working under pressure
- Experience using a range of computer packages, including computerised records
Desirable
- Working in general practice
- Using a clinical system e.g. SystmOne
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.
