About this role
Job summary
Mayflower Medical Practice is looking for a reliable, organised and patient-focused Dispenser to join our busy dispensing team.
The successful candidate will support the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of medication to our patients. This will include processing repeat and acute prescriptions, preparing and labelling medication, managing stock and dealing with patient queries in a professional and helpful manner.
Working within a dispensing GP practice is a varied and fast-paced role. You will work closely with GPs, pharmacy colleagues, reception staff and the wider practice team to ensure patients receive their medication safely and promptly.
We are looking for someone who has excellent attention to detail, communicates confidently and works well as part of a small team. The role requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, manage competing priorities and provide a consistently high standard of service to patients.
Previous experience working as a dispenser within a GP practice or community pharmacy would be desirable. An appropriate dispensing qualification, or a willingness to undertake the required training, is essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive practice and play an important role in delivering safe and effective care to our dispensing patients.
Main duties of the job
ey responsibilities will include:
Accurately preparing, labelling and dispensing prescriptions in accordance with practice procedures. Carrying out appropriate clinical and accuracy checks within the scope of the role. Processing repeat and acute medication requests. Handing out medication and collecting prescription charges or obtaining evidence of exemption. Ordering, receiving, storing and rotating medication stock. Monitoring stock levels, expiry dates and owing medication. Dealing with patient, pharmacy and healthcare professional queries. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality at all times. Supporting the efficient day-to-day running of the dispensary. Following all relevant legal, professional and practice policies, including those relating to controlled drugs, health and safety and infection prevention. Contributing to the practices Dispensing Services Quality Scheme requirements. Identifying and reporting dispensing errors, near misses and medication-related concerns. Supporting colleagues during busy periods and periods of absence.
About us
Mayflower Medical Practice provides primary care services to approximately 7,000 patients across our two sites in Bawtry and Finningley. We are a friendly, supportive and patient-focused practice, with our clinical, dispensing and administrative teams working closely together to provide a high standard of care to our local communities.
Our busy dispensary is based at our Finningley site and provides a valuable service to eligible patients living in the surrounding rural areas. The team is responsible for the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of acute and repeat medications, managing stock and supporting patients with prescription and medication-related queries.
We pride ourselves on maintaining a welcoming and professional working environment where teamwork is essential and every member of staff plays an important role. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team within a well-established practice that is committed to delivering safe, accessible and high-quality patient care.
Job description Job responsibilities Main duties and responsibilitiesDispensing
Prepare, label and dispense acute and repeat prescriptions accurately and efficiently.Ensure prescriptions are legally valid and raise any concerns or discrepancies with the appropriate clinician.Carry out dispensing and accuracy-checking duties within the limits of the postholders training and competence.Ensure the correct medication, strength, quantity and dosage instructions are supplied.Maintain accurate records of all medication dispensed.Prepare monitored dosage systems where required and in accordance with practice procedures.Process medication owing to patients and ensure outstanding items are supplied promptly.Refer medication-related questions or clinical concerns to the appropriate clinician or pharmacist.Follow practice procedures for the safe handling and dispensing of controlled drugs.Patient serviceProvide a friendly, helpful and professional service to patients.Hand out medication following the appropriate identity and safety checks.Collect NHS prescription charges and check evidence of exemption where required.Advise patients when medication is unavailable or delayed and agree suitable arrangements.Respond to routine prescription and dispensing enquiries in person and by telephone.Maintain patient dignity, confidentiality and privacy at all times.Manage difficult or sensitive conversations calmly and professionally.Stock managementOrder medication and other dispensary supplies from approved wholesalers.Receive deliveries and check them accurately against orders and invoices.Store medication safely and in accordance with manufacturers requirements.Monitor stock levels and help ensure the dispensary maintains appropriate supplies without unnecessary over-ordering.Rotate stock and regularly check expiry dates.Remove and process expired, damaged or recalled medication in accordance with practice procedures.Monitor refrigerated medication and record fridge temperatures as required.Support the management of drug alerts, recalls and supply shortages.Help identify cost-effective alternatives and minimise unnecessary waste.Administration and governanceMaintain accurate and up-to-date records on the clinical system.Follow all practice policies and standard operating procedures.Record and report dispensing errors, near misses and significant events.Participate openly in reviews and learning following dispensing incidents.Support the practice in meeting the requirements of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme.Assist with dispensary audits, stock checks and quality-improvement work.Work in accordance with data protection, confidentiality, infection prevention and health and safety requirements.Complete all mandatory and role-specific training within the required timescales.TeamworkingWork collaboratively with the Dispensary Manager, dispensers, GPs, nurses, pharmacy team, reception staff and other colleagues.Communicate clearly regarding medication queries, supply issues and patient concerns.Support colleagues during busy periods, annual leave and sickness absence.Contribute to dispensary and wider practice meetings where required.Help maintain a positive, respectful and supportive working environment.Assist with the induction and training of new team members when appropriate.Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.General responsibilitiesThe postholder must:
Work within their level of competence and seek guidance whenever necessary.Treat patients and colleagues with dignity, respect and fairness.Protect confidential and sensitive information obtained during their employment.Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns appropriately.Comply with the practices equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing professional development.Maintain a flexible approach to meet the operational needs of the dispensary and practice.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Previous experience of dispensing medication within a GP practice, community pharmacy or another appropriate healthcare setting. Experience of working accurately and safely within established procedures. Experience of providing a professional, patient-focused service. Experience of working effectively as part of a team. Experience of managing a busy workload and prioritising competing tasks. Experience of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
Desirable
Previous experience of working within a dispensing GP practice. Experience of using SystmOne or another clinical system. Experience of processing acute and repeat prescriptions. Experience of ordering medication and managing dispensary stock. Experience of handling controlled drugs. Experience of preparing monitored dosage systems. Experience of dealing with NHS prescription charges and exemptions. Experience of supporting audits, near-miss reviews or the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, or an equivalent recognised dispensing qualification. GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or an equivalent qualification. Accredited accuracy-checking qualification. Qualification or accredited training in the preparation of monitored dosage systems. Evidence of relevant continuing professional development or additional dispensary training.
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 The Mayflower Medical Practice
Address The Health Centre
Station Road
Bawtry
DN10 6RQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mayflowermedicalpractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)