Job summary
Working within a small friendly team, providing accuracy in dispensing, maintaining stock, and assisting in the development of the dispensary and the maintenance of targets as set by the NYICB.
Main duties of the job
Dispense, record, and receive payment for all prescriptions, both NHS and private, on a daily basis in accordance with practice protocols. Check prescription forms against dispensed drugs to ensure accuracy of dispensing. Ensure fees are collected for dispensed prescriptions and that fees balance daily with payable dispensed prescriptions. Ensure dispensed prescriptions are stored in an orderly manner for collection.
Maintain familiarity with the structure and general content of the British National Formulary (BNF) and have a basic understanding of the Drug Tariff. Ensure the dispensary is kept clean and tidy in accordance with health and hygiene guidelines. Balance the till at the end of each day.
Monitor stock levels of drugs and place orders twice daily. Check disposable items and order when necessary. Run an expiry date report monthly and safely dispose of out-of-date stock, including Controlled Drugs, in line with safety and security procedures. Maintain accurate stock control to reduce waste and complete an annual stock take for Practice Accounts.
Ensure Controlled Drugs are stored securely and accurately recorded in the Controlled Drugs (CD) register. Dispose of drugs returned by patients in accordance with safety and security procedures and recycle applicable items where appropriate.
Source drugs for patients to ensure supply meets demand, while providing doctors with cost and supply options, aiming to maximise profitability while meeting NHS budgetary requirements.
About us
We are currently a six-partner dispensing practice, supported by one salaried GP, located in a rapidly growing small market town. We enjoy strong working relationships within an active Primary Health Care Team and provide medical services to our local community hospital, St Monicas.
Our partnership delivers General Medical Services to a population of 8,000 patients, almost half of whom live in outlying villages and farms. The practice is also responsible for the medical care of residents in nursing and residential care homes, as well as caring for a significant number of patients with learning difficulties and physical disabilities living in community units locally.
We operate from partnership-owned premises, built over 25 years ago and extended and refurbished last year to provide additional space. The practice is situated on the edge of the town, overlooking community grasslands and the Cleveland Hills, with on-site parking for patients and staff.
We have an excellent working relationship with the Community Team, including District Nurses, a Midwife, Community Matron, Health Visitor, and Social Services, all based locally. The GPs are integral to practice communication and, when not seeing patients face to face, work from the Clinicians Corner within our open-plan office space, providing direct access to the administration and dispensing teams and supporting the open and friendly ethos of the practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description
Job Title: Dispenser
Responsible To: Dispensary Manager and Practice Manager
Job Purpose
To ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing of NHS and private prescriptions, effective stock management, and support the ongoing development of the dispensary while maintaining targets set by the VOYCCG.
Main Areas of Responsibility
1. Dispensing Duties
-
Dispense, record, and receive payment for NHS and private prescriptions daily in accordance with Practice protocols.
-
Check prescription forms against dispensed items to ensure accuracy.
-
Ensure prescription charges are correctly collected and balanced daily against dispensed items.
-
Store dispensed prescriptions in an orderly manner for patient collection.
-
Maintain familiarity with the British National Formulary (BNF).
-
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Drug Tariff.
-
Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the dispensary in line with health and hygiene standards.
-
Balance the dispensary till at the end of each day.
2. Stock Management
-
Monitor drug stock levels and place orders twice daily.
-
Monitor and order disposables as required.
-
Run monthly expiry date reports and safely dispose of expired stock, including Controlled Drugs, in line with security procedures.
-
Maintain accurate stock control to minimise waste.
-
Conduct annual stock takes for Practice accounts.
-
Ensure Controlled Drugs are securely stored and accurately recorded in the Controlled Drugs register.
-
Safely dispose of medications returned by patients and recycle where appropriate.
-
Source medications to meet patient demand, advising clinicians on cost-effective options while meeting NHS budgetary requirements.
-
Monitor drugs in doctors bags to ensure stock is in date.
-
Maintain a register of patients receiving personally administered items and order stock in anticipation of need.
-
Assist with the checking and preparation of prescriptions for submission to pricing authorities.
-
Maintain the cold chain in line with guidance.
-
Check monthly VAT statements, reconcile credit notes against returns, and follow up outstanding credits.
3. Dispensary Organisation
-
Provide training to new reception and dispensing staff.
-
Supervise reception staff undertaking dispensing duties.
-
Delegate tasks appropriately to ensure efficient use of dispensary time.
-
Order dispensary consumables.
-
Identify opportunities for dispensary development and liaise with the Dispensary Manager regarding implementation.
Confidentiality
-
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient, staff, and business information.
-
Ensure all information is handled in accordance with Practice policies, GDPR, and data protection legislation.
-
Disclose information only to authorised individuals in line with Practice procedures.
Health and Safety
The post-holder will promote and maintain health, safety, and security by:
-
Using personal security systems in accordance with Practice guidelines.
-
Identifying and managing risks associated with work activities.
-
Keeping knowledge and skills up to date through training.
-
Adhering to infection control procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.
-
Reporting hazards and potential risks promptly.
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will:
-
Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with Practice policies and legislation.
-
Respect the privacy, dignity, beliefs, and needs of patients, carers, and colleagues.
-
Act in a non-judgemental, welcoming, and respectful manner at all times.
Personal and Professional Development
-
Participate in annual appraisals and performance reviews.
-
Take responsibility for ongoing learning and development.
-
Share knowledge and skills with colleagues undertaking similar roles.
Quality
The post-holder will:
-
Maintain and promote high standards of care and service delivery.
-
Identify and report quality or risk issues.
-
Take accountability for own performance.
-
Contribute ideas to improve team effectiveness and service delivery.
-
Manage time, workload, and resources effectively.
-
Work collaboratively with external agencies to meet patient needs.
Communication
The post-holder will:
-
Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, and carers.
-
Adapt communication methods to meet individual needs.
Contribution to the Implementation of Services
The post-holder will:
-
Apply Practice policies, standards, and guidance.
-
Discuss the impact of policies and guidelines with colleagues.
-
Participate in audits and service evaluations where appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description
Job Title: Dispenser
Responsible To: Dispensary Manager and Practice Manager
Job Purpose
To ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing of NHS and private prescriptions, effective stock management, and support the ongoing development of the dispensary while maintaining targets set by the VOYCCG.
Main Areas of Responsibility
1. Dispensing Duties
-
Dispense, record, and receive payment for NHS and private prescriptions daily in accordance with Practice protocols.
-
Check prescription forms against dispensed items to ensure accuracy.
-
Ensure prescription charges are correctly collected and balanced daily against dispensed items.
-
Store dispensed prescriptions in an orderly manner for patient collection.
-
Maintain familiarity with the British National Formulary (BNF).
-
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Drug Tariff.
-
Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the dispensary in line with health and hygiene standards.
-
Balance the dispensary till at the end of each day.
2. Stock Management
-
Monitor drug stock levels and place orders twice daily.
-
Monitor and order disposables as required.
-
Run monthly expiry date reports and safely dispose of expired stock, including Controlled Drugs, in line with security procedures.
-
Maintain accurate stock control to minimise waste.
-
Conduct annual stock takes for Practice accounts.
-
Ensure Controlled Drugs are securely stored and accurately recorded in the Controlled Drugs register.
-
Safely dispose of medications returned by patients and recycle where appropriate.
-
Source medications to meet patient demand, advising clinicians on cost-effective options while meeting NHS budgetary requirements.
-
Monitor drugs in doctors bags to ensure stock is in date.
-
Maintain a register of patients receiving personally administered items and order stock in anticipation of need.
-
Assist with the checking and preparation of prescriptions for submission to pricing authorities.
-
Maintain the cold chain in line with guidance.
-
Check monthly VAT statements, reconcile credit notes against returns, and follow up outstanding credits.
3. Dispensary Organisation
-
Provide training to new reception and dispensing staff.
-
Supervise reception staff undertaking dispensing duties.
-
Delegate tasks appropriately to ensure efficient use of dispensary time.
-
Order dispensary consumables.
-
Identify opportunities for dispensary development and liaise with the Dispensary Manager regarding implementation.
Confidentiality
-
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient, staff, and business information.
-
Ensure all information is handled in accordance with Practice policies, GDPR, and data protection legislation.
-
Disclose information only to authorised individuals in line with Practice procedures.
Health and Safety
The post-holder will promote and maintain health, safety, and security by:
-
Using personal security systems in accordance with Practice guidelines.
-
Identifying and managing risks associated with work activities.
-
Keeping knowledge and skills up to date through training.
-
Adhering to infection control procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.
-
Reporting hazards and potential risks promptly.
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will:
-
Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with Practice policies and legislation.
-
Respect the privacy, dignity, beliefs, and needs of patients, carers, and colleagues.
-
Act in a non-judgemental, welcoming, and respectful manner at all times.
Personal and Professional Development
-
Participate in annual appraisals and performance reviews.
-
Take responsibility for ongoing learning and development.
-
Share knowledge and skills with colleagues undertaking similar roles.
Quality
The post-holder will:
-
Maintain and promote high standards of care and service delivery.
-
Identify and report quality or risk issues.
-
Take accountability for own performance.
-
Contribute ideas to improve team effectiveness and service delivery.
-
Manage time, workload, and resources effectively.
-
Work collaboratively with external agencies to meet patient needs.
Communication
The post-holder will:
-
Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, and carers.
-
Adapt communication methods to meet individual needs.
Contribution to the Implementation of Services
The post-holder will:
-
Apply Practice policies, standards, and guidance.
-
Discuss the impact of policies and guidelines with colleagues.
-
Participate in audits and service evaluations where appropriate.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Essential criteria
- GCSE Grade A - C in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services with 1000+ hours of dispensing experience.
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience of working in General Practice.
- Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Qualifications
Essential
- Essential criteria
- GCSE Grade A - C in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services with 1000+ hours of dispensing experience.
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Desirable
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Essential criteria
- GCSE Grade A - C in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services with 1000+ hours of dispensing experience.
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience of working in General Practice.
- Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Qualifications
Essential
- Essential criteria
- GCSE Grade A - C in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services with 1000+ hours of dispensing experience.
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
Desirable
- Desirable criteria
- Basic IT skills. Experience with SystmOne IT system. Good Communication skills.
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.
