Job summary
We are looking for a friendly, detail-focused Dispenser to join our supportive dispensary team. The role plays a vital part in ensuring patients receive their medicines safely, accurately and efficiently, while always maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and care.
Working closely with the Dispensary Manager/Practice Operations Manager, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary, supporting strong legal compliance and sound financial control. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who takes pride in teamwork, patient care and delivering an excellent service to the community.
Main duties of the job
Actively contribute to the dispensary team by supporting the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of medications in line with Suffolk Primary Care policies and SOPs.
Responsibilities include issuing prescriptions and stock items, processing repeat prescriptions, dosset boxes, private and exempt charges, and responding to patient, GP and staff queries, including Ask My GP tasks. Maintain accurate records on clinical systems, including controlled drug registers, audits, DSQS reviews and prescription endorsement for monthly submission and reimbursement.
Ensure effective stock control by ordering, checking deliveries, managing invoices, rotating stock, date checking, removing expired or uncollected items, and minimising waste. Safely receive, store and monitor medicines, including refrigerated items, and act on MHRA recalls. Handle controlled drugs and pharmaceutical waste in compliance with legislation and safety requirements.
Maintain cleanliness and functionality of the dispensary environment and equipment. Support audits, stock checks, team cover, meetings and ongoing professional development. Liaise with GPs regarding medication concerns, act on notifications and procedural updates, and work collaboratively with the Dispensary Manager and team to ensure compliance with legislative and operational changes.
About us
Suffolk Primary Care (SPC) is a forward-thinking partnership of GP surgeries across Suffolk. Our collaborative approach enables doctors and staff to share resources, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Benefits of Working with SPC
NHS Pension Scheme:
- Defined benefits scheme
- Life insurance
- Family benefits, including adult dependents & children's pensions
- Ill health benefits
- 23.7% employer contribution
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme:
- Low monthly payments, no deposit, no credit check
- Fully comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres & breakdown cover
- Up to £2,000 annual SPC contribution (subject to conditions)
Flexible Working Arrangements:
GP remote working options to accommodate personal commitments
Additional Benefits:
- Eye care vouchers
- Health service discounts, including a complimentary Blue Light Card for new starters
- Minimum 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) for full-time employees, with enhancements for long service
- Enhanced maternity & paternity terms
- High street discounts via our online portal
- Salary sacrifice schemes for technology, homewares (Currys, John Lewis, Decathlon), cycling, and gym memberships
At SPC, we invest in our staffs professional growth and well-being, fostering a positive work environment that benefits both our team and the communities we serve.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
- The
main purpose of the Dispenser is to ensure that the drugs and medicines are
prepared efficiently, accurately and safely according to legal requirements,
and respecting patient confidentiality at all times.
To
assist the Dispensary Manager in ensuring that effective financial and legal
control of the dispensary is maintained
Job Responsibilities
To actively contribute within the dispensing team in
assisting in the preparation of all aspects of dispensing including stock
control, ordering, re-stocking of the dispensary in line with the objectives of
the dispensary work plan.
- Issuing
stock items and prepared prescriptions.
- Handing
out prescriptions, collection of prescription charges / checking patient
exemption statements and prescription exemptions are completed correctly.
- Processing
and dispensing repeat prescription requests received in the surgery in line
with Suffolk Primary Care policies.
- Collecting
private charges for private medications, vaccines and other medications.
- Issuing
and dispensing dosset boxes.
- Sorting,
stamping and endorsing prescriptions in preparation to send to PPD on monthly
basis by the required date to ensure timely reimbursement.
- Remove
items from the collection drawers which have not been collected on a monthly
basis and audit on clinical system.
- Check
stock against invoices for accurate delivery and claim for missing/damaged
items on credit note.
- Operation
of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the
objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
and ordering appropriate quantities of goods via the wholesalers preferred
method.
- Ensuring
that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions and any MHRA recalls are actioned.
- Ensuring
that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and
maintaining the temperature control record.
- Cleaning
work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis and ensuring that all dispensary
equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.
- Date
checking to be performed as per SOP.
- Maintaining
full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions including the
electronic CD register.
- Accepting
orders for repeats and dealing with queries from patients and support staff.
- Dealing
with Ask My GP queries and action appropriately.
- Ensure
audits are completed timely and any DSQS patient reviews are performed.
- Handling
and safe destruction of patient returned medicines.
- Stocking
shelves, refrigerators and other storage areas using the rotation method.
- Removing
out of date stock from the shelves, refrigerators and other storage areas.
- To
action tasks, notifications and emails.
- Using
the computer to maintain accurate and up to date records and issue
prescriptions.
- Liaise
with the GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of
medication requests.
- Dealing
with queries from patients regarding prescriptions.
- To
handle controlled drugs and maintain accurate register for legal and stock
control purposes in line with current legislation and safe storage as required.
- Assist
in stock checks where required.
- To
provide cover for members of the team during absence.
- To
perform safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste ensuring compliance including
controlled drugs where appropriate.
- To
attend and contribute to team meetings.
- To
act upon any new information relating to stock or procedures.
- To
keep professionally up to date with current dispensing Suffolk Primary
Care.
- To
work with the Dispensary Manager and other members of the team to comply with
Standard Operating Procedures following any legislative changes or other
relevant procedures as notified.
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 Dispensary Manager or SPC.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
- The
main purpose of the Dispenser is to ensure that the drugs and medicines are
prepared efficiently, accurately and safely according to legal requirements,
and respecting patient confidentiality at all times.
To
assist the Dispensary Manager in ensuring that effective financial and legal
control of the dispensary is maintained
Job Responsibilities
To actively contribute within the dispensing team in
assisting in the preparation of all aspects of dispensing including stock
control, ordering, re-stocking of the dispensary in line with the objectives of
the dispensary work plan.
- Issuing
stock items and prepared prescriptions.
- Handing
out prescriptions, collection of prescription charges / checking patient
exemption statements and prescription exemptions are completed correctly.
- Processing
and dispensing repeat prescription requests received in the surgery in line
with Suffolk Primary Care policies.
- Collecting
private charges for private medications, vaccines and other medications.
- Issuing
and dispensing dosset boxes.
- Sorting,
stamping and endorsing prescriptions in preparation to send to PPD on monthly
basis by the required date to ensure timely reimbursement.
- Remove
items from the collection drawers which have not been collected on a monthly
basis and audit on clinical system.
- Check
stock against invoices for accurate delivery and claim for missing/damaged
items on credit note.
- Operation
of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the
objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
and ordering appropriate quantities of goods via the wholesalers preferred
method.
- Ensuring
that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions and any MHRA recalls are actioned.
- Ensuring
that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and
maintaining the temperature control record.
- Cleaning
work surfaces and shelving on a regular basis and ensuring that all dispensary
equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.
- Date
checking to be performed as per SOP.
- Maintaining
full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions including the
electronic CD register.
- Accepting
orders for repeats and dealing with queries from patients and support staff.
- Dealing
with Ask My GP queries and action appropriately.
- Ensure
audits are completed timely and any DSQS patient reviews are performed.
- Handling
and safe destruction of patient returned medicines.
- Stocking
shelves, refrigerators and other storage areas using the rotation method.
- Removing
out of date stock from the shelves, refrigerators and other storage areas.
- To
action tasks, notifications and emails.
- Using
the computer to maintain accurate and up to date records and issue
prescriptions.
- Liaise
with the GPs or in patient records if concerned about the appropriateness of
medication requests.
- Dealing
with queries from patients regarding prescriptions.
- To
handle controlled drugs and maintain accurate register for legal and stock
control purposes in line with current legislation and safe storage as required.
- Assist
in stock checks where required.
- To
provide cover for members of the team during absence.
- To
perform safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste ensuring compliance including
controlled drugs where appropriate.
- To
attend and contribute to team meetings.
- To
act upon any new information relating to stock or procedures.
- To
keep professionally up to date with current dispensing Suffolk Primary
Care.
- To
work with the Dispensary Manager and other members of the team to comply with
Standard Operating Procedures following any legislative changes or other
relevant procedures as notified.
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 Dispensary Manager or SPC.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent recognised qualification)
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 or additional pharmacy/medicines training
Experience
Essential
- Experience:
- Experience working in a dispensary or pharmacy environment
Desirable
- Experience working in a GP practice or NHS primary care setting
Skills, Knowledge and Other
Essential
- Skills & Abilities:
- Accurate dispensing and record-keeping
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge:
- Good knowledge of pharmacy law, NHS prescription handling, and Controlled Drugs
- Understanding of SOPs, MHRA alerts, and infection control
- Personal Attributes:
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Calm under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable
- Patient-focused
- Other Requirements:
- Eligible to work in the UK
- Willingness to participate in ongoing CPD
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Familiarity with SystmOne or similar GP clinical systems
- Awareness of DSQS requirements and prescription reimbursement process
- Willingness to support and mentor junior staff or trainees
- Local knowledge or links to the community served
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent recognised qualification)
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 or additional pharmacy/medicines training
Experience
Essential
- Experience:
- Experience working in a dispensary or pharmacy environment
Desirable
- Experience working in a GP practice or NHS primary care setting
Skills, Knowledge and Other
Essential
- Skills & Abilities:
- Accurate dispensing and record-keeping
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge:
- Good knowledge of pharmacy law, NHS prescription handling, and Controlled Drugs
- Understanding of SOPs, MHRA alerts, and infection control
- Personal Attributes:
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Calm under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable
- Patient-focused
- Other Requirements:
- Eligible to work in the UK
- Willingness to participate in ongoing CPD
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Familiarity with SystmOne or similar GP clinical systems
- Awareness of DSQS requirements and prescription reimbursement process
- Willingness to support and mentor junior staff or trainees
- Local knowledge or links to the community served
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.
