Job responsibilities
Job description
Dispenser / Patient Services Advisor (Full time)
We are a friendly, forward-thinking practice delivering high-quality care to patients within a safe and efficient working environment. Our main surgery in Dorking and two dispensing branches in Box Hill and Westcott serve a total of 11,300 patients.
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Dispenser / Patient Services Advisor to join our dedicated multi-disciplinary team to provide high-quality care and excellent customer service. Remuneration is highly competitive, depending on experience. We would prefer someone with a dispensing background but will fund a dispensing course to train the right person.
You will work on our reception desks at New House Surgery (Dorking), Riverbank Surgery (Westcott) and Hillside Surgery (Box Hill). Duties include, but are not limited to, interacting with our patients in person, via telephone and via our website, booking appointments, issuing repeat prescriptions, dispensing medication and dealing with administrative tasks. You need to be able to work autonomously but also as part of a team. Excellent computer skills are essential and you will need your own transport.
You will act as the central point of contact for patients, the distribution of information, messages and enquiries for the clinical team, liaising with multi-disciplinary team members and external agencies such as secondary care and community service providers.
The following are the core responsibilities of the Dispenser / Patient Services Advisor. On occasion, there may be a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
a. To be responsible for checking all medicines dispensed, ensuring there are no discrepancies
b. Dispensing medicines to the entitled population safely and accurately
c. Collecting prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol
d. Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary, liaising with the dispensary manager to facilitate reordering
e. Receiving and storing supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained where applicable
f. Ensuring controlled drugs are dispensed in accordance with practice policy
g. Safe disposal of returned and / or out-of-date medicines
h. Ensuring all repeat prescriptions are processed within a 48-hour timeframe
i. Providing patients with advice regarding all prescription matters
j. Process prescription requests via email, post, face-to-face and online
k. Processing Dossett boxes
l. Assisting the Dispensary Manager in the preparation of monthly returns
m. Maintaining a clean and safe working environment at all times
n. Maintain accurate records at all times, read coding entries appropriately
o. Maintaining and monitoring the practice appointment system
p. Process personal, telephone and e-requests for appointments
q. Answer incoming phone calls, transferring calls or dealing with the callers request appropriately
r. Signpost patients to the correct service
s. Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, team members and external agencies
t. Read code data on SystmOne
u. Photocopy documentation as required
v. Data entry of new and temporary registrations and relevant patient information as required
w. Input data into the patients healthcare records as necessary
x. Direct requests for information i.e. SAR, insurance / solicitors letters and DVLA forms to the administrative team
y. Manage all queries as necessary in an efficient manner
z. Carry out system searches as requested
aa. Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times
bb. Monitor and maintain the reception area and notice boards
cc. Support all clinical staff with general tasks as requested
dd. Ensure consultation rooms are well stocked with clinical supplies
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Dispenser / Patient Services Advisor may be requested to:
a. Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead
b. Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary
c. Remain current with the latest guidance ensuring the dispensary conforms to NICE, CQC etc guidance
d. Support administrative staff, providing cover during staff absences
e. Scanning of patient-related documentation and attaching scanned documents to patients healthcare records
f. Complete opening and closing procedures in accordance with the duty rota
g. As required support Reception Manager in the management of repeat prescriptions, ensuring they are processed accurately and efficiently
h. Ordering and monitoring of stationery supplies
