About this role
Job summary
Wickhambrook Surgery in Suffolk is seeking a motivated and organised Prescription Clerk to join the team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The successful candidate will ideally commence in November; however, there is flexibility for an immediate start where required. The position is offered at 20 hours per week during the training period, increasing to 25 hours per week upon completion of training. Where training is required, an earlier start date can be arranged to ensure the successful applicant is fully trained and confident in the role before the current postholder begins their maternity leave.
As a prescription clerk, you will play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient processing of repeat prescription requests.
Working closely with GPs, clinical pharmacists, dispensary staff, and administrative colleagues, you will help ensure that patients receive their medication in a timely and accurate manner.
Main duties of the job
Duties will include;
Process repeat prescription requests received via SystmOne, email, paper requests, and face-to-face requests. Issue repeat medications in accordance with Practice SOPs, ensuring medication reviews, monitoring requirements, and review dates are checked before issue. Identify prescriptions requiring clinical review and refer appropriately to a GP, Pharmacist, or Prescribing Clinician. Process managed repeat prescriptions in accordance with Practice procedures. Issue prescriptions for third-party providers, community services, and external healthcare organisations where appropriate. Maintain accurate patient records and update prescription-related information on SystmOne as required. Order any medication not routinely stocked. Respond to prescription queries from patients in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner. Answer telephone calls promptly and deal with medication and prescription-related enquiries within the scope of the role.For further details, please see job description.
About us
We are a training practice situated in the semi-rural village of Wickhambrook. We are easily accessible from the nearby towns of Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Newmarket, and around the Suffolk area. Wickhambrook Surgery is a training practice, serving a patient population of 5,200. The clinical system we use is SystmOne, and we are proud of our consistently high achievement in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
Supporting your work life balance and professional development is important to us, and we are happy to discuss any requirements with you. We offer the following benefits
Competitive salary based on experienceSupportive and friendly environment20 days hoiday (pro rata) + bank holidaysNHS PensionPeer supportFree car parking
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Description: Prescription Clerk
Job Purpose
To provide efficient, accurate, and timely administrative support in the processing of repeat and acute prescription requests, ensuring all medication requests are managed in accordance with Practice Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), prescribing guidance, patient safety standards, and confidentiality requirements. The role supports the safe and effective management of prescription workflows whilst providing excellent patient service and maintaining effective communication with clinicians, patients, pharmacies, and external healthcare organisations.
Key Responsibilities
Prescription Processing
Process repeat prescription requests received via SystmOne, email, paper requests, & face-to-face requests. Issue repeat medications in accordance with Practice SOPs, ensuring medication reviews, monitoring requirements, and review dates are checked before issue. Identify prescriptions requiring clinical review and refer appropriately to a GP, Pharmacist, or Prescribing Clinician. Process managed repeat prescriptions in accordance with Practice procedures. Issue prescriptions for third-party providers, community services, and external healthcare organisations where appropriate. Ensure all prescription requests are actioned accurately, efficiently, and within agreed timescales. Escalate urgent medication requests in accordance with Practice procedures. Maintain accurate patient records and update prescription-related information on SystmOne as required. Order any medication not routinely stocked. Patient and Communication Support
Respond to prescription queries from patients in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner. Answer telephone calls promptly and deal with medication and prescription-related enquiries within the scope of the role. Liaise with GPs, Clinical Pharmacists, Nurses, Community Pharmacies & other healthcare professionals regarding prescription queries and medication requests. Provide patients with information regarding prescription processing times and Practice procedures. Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with GDPR, NHS guidance, and Practice policies. Prescription Administration
Monitor prescription workflows and ensure outstanding requests are followed up appropriately. Action prescription-related tasks, electronic communications, and internal messages within designated timescales. Maintain accurate records of prescription requests, medication reviews, and communications. Support the management of medication reviews, following the protocols in place within the practice. Assist with processing prescription queries arising from pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Dispensary Support
Work on the dispensary hatch as required, handing out medication in accordance with SOPs. Handle prescription charge payments and related paperwork accurately. Assist dispensary staff with prescription preparation by accurately selecting and picking medications from issued prescriptions. Support dispensary workflow during periods of high demand or staff absence. Assist with general housekeeping, infection prevention, and maintaining a safe working environment. Flexibility to take a share of cover for colleagues leave and sickness. Quality, Compliance and Patient Safety
Work in accordance with all Practice SOPs, prescribing policies, and dispensary procedures. Identify and report prescribing, dispensing, or administrative errors in line with Practice incident reporting procedures. Assist with audits, data collection, and quality improvement activities relating to prescribing and medicines management. Contribute to maintaining high standards of patient safety and service delivery. Participate in mandatory training and maintain relevant competencies.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Attributes
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organisational and workload management skills. Ability to work effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Competent IT, keyboard, and data-entry skills. Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Professional, reliable, and flexible approach to work. Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection. Desirable
Previous experience in a GP Practice, dispensary, pharmacy, or healthcare environment. Knowledge of repeat prescribing processes and NHS prescription systems. Experience using SystmOne or other clinical systems. Understanding of medication review processes. Knowledge of prescription charges, exemptions, and NHS prescription regulations.
Accountability
The post holder is responsible to the Dispensary Manager and will work closely with GPs, Clinical Pharmacists, Prescribing Teams, and other Practice staff. The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant Practice policies, SOPs, confidentiality requirements, health and safety regulations, information governance standards, and professional expectations.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
Skills and Attributes Essential
Able to provide cover for additional shifts eg holidays and sickness Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organisational and workload management skills. Ability to work effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
Full training is available, and this can be completed prior to the start of the fixed contract. Previous experience in a GP Practice, dispensary, pharmacy, or healthcare environment. Knowledge of repeat prescribing processes and NHS prescription systems. Experience using SystmOne or other clinical systems. Understanding of medication review processes.
Experience Desirable
Previous experience of working in a GP Practice, dispensary, pharmacy or healthcare environment.
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 Wickhambrook Surgery
Address Nunnery Green
Wickhambrook
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 8XU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wickhambrooksurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)