About this role
Job summary
The Prescription Clerk plays a vital role in supporting the safe, efficient, and timely management of repeat prescription requests within the GP practice. Working closely with GPs, clinical pharmacists, nurses, reception staff, and community pharmacies, the post holder will ensure that prescription requests are processed accurately and in accordance with practice protocols, NHS prescribing guidance, and relevant legislation.
The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a busy workload while maintaining patient confidentiality and providing a high standard of customer service. The Prescription Clerk will act as a key point of contact for patients with prescription enquiries, escalating complex clinical matters to the appropriate healthcare professional.
The successful candidate will contribute to the smooth running of the prescribing process, helping to ensure patients receive their medications safely and efficiently while supporting the delivery of high-quality primary care services.
Main duties of the job
The Prescription Clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of repeat prescription requests in accordance with practice protocols and NHS prescribing guidelines. The role involves receiving and processing prescription requests, responding to patient and pharmacy enquiries, liaising with GPs, pharmacists, and other clinical staff, and ensuring any queries or discrepancies are referred appropriately. The post holder will maintain accurate patient records, support medication review processes, uphold patient confidentiality at all times, and contribute to the efficient delivery of prescribing services within the practice.
About us
Our practice is a well-established, patient-centred GP surgery providing high-quality primary care services to a registered population of just under 10,000 patients. We are committed to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare that meets the diverse needs of our local community.
Our multidisciplinary team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, administrative and reception staff, and other allied healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to provide a wide range of NHS services. These include routine and urgent medical care, chronic disease management, health promotion, vaccinations, and preventative healthcare.
We are dedicated to continuous improvement, delivering care in line with NHS standards, embracing innovation, and supporting the ongoing development of our staff. We strive to provide accessible, responsive services while ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care in a welcoming and professional environment.
Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose
The Prescription Clerk is responsible for the efficient, accurate, and confidential processing of repeat prescription requests within the GP surgery. The role supports clinicians and administrative staff to ensure patients receive their medications safely and in a timely manner while adhering to practice policies, NHS guidelines, and data protection requirements.
Key ResponsibilitiesProcess repeat prescription requests received via online services, telephone, email, written requests, and in person.Ensure prescription requests comply with practice protocols and prescribing policies.Forward requests requiring clinical review to the appropriate GP, pharmacist, or prescribing clinician.Liaise with local pharmacies regarding prescription queries and medication requests.Respond to patient enquiries regarding prescriptions in a professional and courteous manner.Monitor and manage the repeat prescription inbox and workflow to meet agreed turnaround times.Identify discrepancies, missing information, or medication queries and escalate appropriately.Maintain accurate patient records by updating information on the clinical computer system where authorised.Ensure prescriptions are processed in accordance with NHS regulations, prescribing guidance, and practice procedures.Support medication reviews by identifying patients whose reviews are overdue and notifying the appropriate clinician.Assist with processing hospital discharge medication requests and correspondence as directed.Maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times in accordance with GDPR, NHS policies, and practice procedures.Participate in administrative duties that support the smooth running of the practice when required.General DutiesWork collaboratively with GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff.Maintain excellent standards of customer service.Follow practice health and safety policies and infection prevention procedures.Attend mandatory training and participate in staff meetings.Contribute to continuous improvement of prescribing processes and administrative systems.Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Practice Manager.Person SpecificationEssentialPrevious administrative experience.Excellent organisational and time management skills.High level of accuracy and attention to detail.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements.DesirablePrevious experience working in a GP practice, NHS, or healthcare setting.Experience using SystmOne.Knowledge of repeat prescribing procedures.Understanding of medical terminology.Experience working with NHS prescribing guidance and protocols.Key SkillsAttention to detailAccuracy in data entryCustomer serviceCommunication skillsProblem-solvingOrganisation and prioritisationTeamworkConfidentiality and professionalismWorking ConditionsOffice-based within a GP surgery.Regular use of computer systems and telephones.Frequent interaction with patients, clinicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals.Compliance with NHS policies, practice procedures, and statutory regulations.Performance MeasuresTimely processing of prescription requests.Accuracy of prescription administration.Compliance with practice prescribing protocols.Positive patient and clinician feedback.Effective management of prescription-related queries and workload.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Previous experience using system one. Previous experience in an administrative or customer service role. Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Experience using computerised systems and accurate data entry.
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.
Employer details Employer name Queensview Medical Centre
Address Queensview Medical Centre
Thornton Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN2 6LS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.queensviewmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)