Practice Dispenser

• Provide a point of contact for patients with enquiries relating to medications and ensure that follow-up action is taken if necessary
• Process patient requests for authorised repeat medication via email, phone, face-to-face and online, to ensure items are ready for collection in line with the practice protocol
• Request authorisation for any acute medications or new medications on behalf of patient
• Ensure that all medicines and appliances are prepared, checked against the prescription and dispensed accurately, safely and promptly working to an agreed protocol and to all applicable legal requirements, to our dispensing patients
• To collect and record prescription charges (NHS and private as necessary) and ensure that the patient declaration on the reverse of the FP10 is duly filled in and signed by the patient and make the appropriate checks for any exempt NHS prescriptions
• Endorse prescription forms as appropriate for PPA processing and reimbursement
• Ensure controlled drugs are dispensed and accurately recorded in accordance with legislation, maintaining the controlled drug register
• Liaise with the Lead Dispenser to operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
• Receive and store supplies as appropriate, ensuring that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions and ensuring that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary
• To ensure that the cold chain is maintained where applicable and refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintain temperature control record, taking appropriate actions if temperatures are out of range
• Ensuring safe disposal of returned and/or out of date medicines
• Reporting any out-of-date controlled drugs so that an expert witness can be arranged for destruction
• Accurately process Dossett boxes for appropriate patients
• Assist the Lead Dispenser in the preparation of monthly returns
• Participate in Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) work, including audits
• Always maintain accurate records, including appropriate coding entries
• Communicate effectively with other team members, patients and carers and recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly
• To work flexibly within the team and to provide cover as necessary
• Take responsibility for own professional development, learning and performance and demonstrate skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
• Participation in an annual individual performance review and appraisal within the practice
• Attend training and events organised by the practice or other agencies, where appropriate, and ensure all mandatory training is completed
• Comply with all statutory and regulatory obligations and relevant practice policies/guidelines, including information governance and confidentiality
• Maintain quality within the practice and alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
• To follow and update practice policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• To attend and contribute to practice and clinical meetings
• Contribute to evaluation/audit within the practice to ensure we maintain a high standard of patient care
• Other duties as reasonably required

Essential

• Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Essential

• Experience of working in a dispensary
• Experience working with the general public/patients

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care
• Broad knowledge of general practice