Dispenser

Role details

Job title: Dispenser

Location: Littlebury Medical Centre

Reports to: Senior Dispenser / Practice Manager

Clinical accountability: Designated dispensing GP

Job purpose

To contribute to a safe, accurate

and efficient dispensing service for the practices eligible dispensing

patients. The postholder will prepare prescribed medicines, maintain stock and

dispensing records, and provide a professional, approachable service to

patients, working collaboratively with the dispensary, clinical and

administrative teams. All duties must be undertaken within the postholders

training, assessed competence and agreed supervision arrangements, in

accordance with practice standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Dispensing and prescription

processing

Receive and process acute and repeat prescription requests through approved

practice systems, referring requests requiring clinical review or authorisation

to the appropriate clinician.

Prepare, assemble and label medicines against authorised prescriptions,

following SOPs and maintaining accuracy throughout the dispensing process.

Identify discrepancies, unclear instructions or other concerns and refer them

to the designated GP or authorised clinician before supply.

Ensure medicines undergo the required checks before release. Undertake checking

duties only where specifically trained, assessed as competent and authorised

under practice procedures.

Maintain accurate patient and dispensing records, documenting relevant

communications, actions and outstanding items.

Manage owing items and uncollected medicines in accordance with SOPs, ensuring

appropriate follow-up.

Support controlled drug receipt, storage, records and stock checks only within

authorised duties and supervision arrangements.

Do not prescribe, independently change medicines or doses, or undertake

clinical decisions outside the role.

Patient service and

communication

Provide a courteous, helpful and confidential service in person, by telephone

and through approved practice communication systems.

Confirm patient identity and collection arrangements before handing out

medicines, following practice procedures.

Respond to routine dispensing queries within competence, referring clinical

questions, concerns about side effects and requests for treatment advice to an

appropriate clinician.

Keep patients informed about prescription readiness, outstanding items and

supply delays, using approved messaging processes and respecting

confidentiality and communication preferences.

Escalate medicine shortages promptly to the dispensary lead and relevant

clinician; do not agree clinical alternatives independently.

Recognise communication and accessibility needs and arrange appropriate

support.

Handle concerns respectfully, referring complaints and urgent issues through

the appropriate practice pathways.

Stock control and

dispensary administration

Order medicines and consumables from approved suppliers within agreed

authority, maintaining appropriate stock levels and minimising avoidable waste.

Check deliveries against orders and delivery documentation, promptly reporting

discrepancies, damaged stock and missing items.

Store medicines securely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and

practice procedures; monitor and record storage temperatures and escalate

excursions promptly.

Rotate stock, complete expiry-date checks and stock counts, and investigate

discrepancies with the dispensary lead.

Support action on medicine recalls and safety alerts as directed, maintaining

clear records.

Arrange authorised supplier returns and segregate expired, damaged or returned

medicines for appropriate disposal under SOPs.

Collect and record prescription charges where applicable and follow procedures

for exemption declarations and cash reconciliation.

Assist with prescription endorsement, monthly submission and reimbursement

administration under the dispensary leads direction.

Check relevant delivery and invoice documentation and raise discrepancies for

review.

Keep work areas, equipment and storage spaces clean, organised and secure.

Quality, safety and

professional responsibilities

Follow current dispensary SOPs and practice policies, including

confidentiality, information governance, safeguarding, infection prevention,

health and safety, and equality and inclusion.

Report dispensing errors, near misses, incidents and hazards promptly through

the practice reporting process and contribute to learning and improvement.

Participate in relevant audits, stock reconciliation, quality monitoring and

inspection preparation as requested.

Complete induction, mandatory training and role-specific development; maintain

evidence of training and competence.

Attend relevant team meetings and communicate effectively with GPs, dispensary

colleagues, reception staff, suppliers and other healthcare professionals.

Support colleagues and provide agreed cover within the roles competence and

supervision boundaries.

Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, following discussion

and any necessary training.

Essential

Relevant Level dispensing qualification, such as NVQ or equivalent,

for a qualified appointment. If appointed as a trainee, willingness to

undertake an agreed qualification and work under appropriate supervision until

competence is confirmed.

Good literacy, numeracy and computer skills, with the ability to maintain

accurate records.

Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.

Clear, professional communication and a patient-focused approach.

Ability to follow written procedures, recognise limitations and seek support

promptly.

Ability to organise workload, manage competing priorities and work effectively

as part of a team.

Understanding of confidentiality and the importance of safe medicines handling.

Commitment to learning, reliability and maintaining professional standards.

Desirable

Experience in a GP dispensary, community pharmacy or other relevant healthcare

setting.

Experience using a GP clinical system and dispensing or stock-ordering

software.

Knowledge of prescription administration, stock control and reimbursement

processes.

Experience of patient enquiries, cash handling, audit or quality improvement.

Review and acknowledgement

This job description outlines the

main responsibilities and is not exhaustive. It will be reviewed with the

postholder as service needs develop. Any changes will remain appropriate to the

role and the postholders training and competence.

We are a highly regarded GP practice based in Holbeach with just under 10000 patients.

Our team consists of three GP partners, a salaried GP, ACPs, nurses, HCAs, a full dispensary team, Clinical Pharmacist and admin support.

Qualifications

Experience