About this role
Job summary
The Dispenser plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of medicines to eligible dispensing patients across Mortimer Medical Practice's three dispensing sites. Working as part of the dispensary team, the postholder will help deliver a high-quality service, ensuring patients receive their prescribed medication in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
The postholder will accurately dispense prescriptions under the supervision of the Dispensary Manager, in accordance with Practice policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), NHS guidance and medicines legislation. They will support the day-to-day operation of the dispensary by maintaining stock levels, storing medicines appropriately, managing prescription workflows and responding to patient queries within the scope of their role.
Working collaboratively with GPs, clinicians and colleagues, the Dispenser will help deliver a safe, efficient and patient-centred dispensing service, maintaining confidentiality, promoting patient safety and supporting the Practice in providing high standards of care. The role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to remain calm whilst managing competing priorities in a busy healthcare environment.
Main duties of the job
Dispense acute, repeat and electronic prescriptions accurately in accordance with Practice Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), legal requirements and professional guidance.Prepare, label and dispense medicines safely and accurately.Process repeat prescription requests within agreed Practice timescales.Respond to prescription and dispensing enquiries, referring clinical queries appropriately.Liaise with GPs, pharmacies and other healthcare professionals regarding prescription queries.Order medicines and dispensing supplies, checking and storing deliveries correctly.Maintain stock levels, rotate stock, monitor expiry dates and dispose of expired stock in line with procedures.Participate in stock control and stock takes to minimise waste.Maintain accurate dispensing records and complete required documentation.Support NHS prescription submission and end-of-month processes.Comply with UK GDPR, Information Governance and patient confidentiality requirements.Adhere to Practice policies, Health & Safety, Infection Prevention & Control and medicines management procedures.Report dispensing errors, near misses and incidents promptly.Complete mandatory training and maintain professional competence.Work collaboratively with the wider Practice team to deliver a safe, efficient dispensing service.Provide cover across Practice sites, including short-notice absence, and undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required.
About us
Mortimer Medical Practice is a friendly, well-established GP practice based in rural Kingsland, Herefordshire, with branch dispensing surgeries in Orleton and Leintwardine. Serving nearly 9,000 patients, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively, valuing professionalism, respect and kindness. We recognise the contribution of every team member and encourage continuous learning, personal development and career progression. Staff wellbeing is important to us, and we strive to create a supportive workplace where colleagues feel valued and empowered.
We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, supported by strong clinical and managerial leadership, regular communication and ongoing professional development opportunities. We encourage collaboration, shared learning and the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care.
As a community-focused dispensing practice, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our patients and delivering personalised healthcare that makes a genuine difference. Mortimer Medical Practice offers an excellent opportunity to develop a rewarding career in primary care while working within a friendly, supportive and forward-thinking team.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The Dispenser plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of medicines to eligible dispensing patients across our three dispensing sites at Mortimer Medical Practice. Working as part of the Practice dispensary team, the postholder will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service, supporting patients to access their prescribed medication in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
The postholder will be responsible for accurately dispensing prescriptions under the supervision of the Dispensary Manager and in accordance with Practice policies, Standard Operating Procedures, NHS guidance and relevant medicines legislation. They will also support the effective day-to-day operation of the dispensary by maintaining stock levels, ensuring medicines are stored appropriately, managing prescription workflows and responding to patient queries within the limits of their role.
Working collaboratively with GPs, clinicians and colleagues across the Practice, the Dispenser will contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of dispensing services, maintaining patient confidentiality, promoting patient safety and supporting the Practice in providing high standards of care to the local community.
The role requires excellent communication skills, sound judgement, empathy, confidentiality and the ability to remain calm whilst managing competing priorities within a busy healthcare environment.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Dispense acute, repeat and electronic prescriptions accurately and efficiently in accordance with Practice Standard Operating Procedures, legal requirements and professional guidance.
Prepare and label medicines for dispensing, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail at all times.
Receive, process and manage repeat prescription requests within agreed Practice timescales.
Respond to patient enquiries relating to prescriptions and dispensing, referring complex clinical queries to an appropriate clinician or senior member of the dispensary team.
Assist in the management of prescription queries, including liaising with GPs, pharmacies and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Order medicines and dispensing supplies from approved wholesalers, ensuring value for money and continuity of supply.
Receive, unpack and check deliveries, ensuring medicines are stored correctly and stock is rotated in accordance with stock management procedures.
Maintain appropriate stock levels, monitor expiry dates and remove expired or damaged stock in accordance with Practice procedures.
Participate in stock takes and support effective inventory control to minimise waste and ensure medicines availability.
Ensure controlled stationery, prescription stationery and dispensing records are managed securely in accordance with Practice procedures.
Maintain accurate dispensing records and complete all required documentation in accordance with NHS, legal and Practice requirements.
Support end-of-month and NHS prescription submission processes as required.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and comply with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and Practice Information Governance policies.
Work in accordance with all Practice policies, Health and Safety legislation, infection prevention and control requirements, and medicines management procedures.
Report dispensing errors, near misses, incidents and significant events promptly, contributing to a culture of continuous quality improvement and patient safety.
Complete all mandatory training and maintain competence through continuing professional development relevant to the role.
Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, dispensary colleagues and the wider Practice team to ensure an efficient and high-quality dispensing service.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post as reasonably requested by the Dispensary Manager or Practice Management Team.
Be prepared to cover across all sites and provide short notice cover for unexpected absence.
Information Governance
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Comply with GDPR, NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice and Information Governance policies.
Ensure patient information is accurate, secure and handled appropriately.
Health, Safety and Security
Maintain a clean, tidy and safe reception environment.
Follow all Health & Safety, Fire Safety and Infection Prevention and Control procedures.
Report hazards, incidents or security concerns promptly.
Assist with opening and closing procedures as required.
Team Working
Work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence or increased demand.
Participate in Practice meetings and contribute to service improvements.
Demonstrate flexibility to support the changing needs of the Practice.
Training and Personal Development
Participate in mandatory and statutory training.
Undertake Care Navigation training and continue to develop knowledge of local NHS and community services.
Participate in annual appraisal and personal development planning.
Maintain competence in Practice systems and digital technologies.
General Responsibilities
The duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may change to meet the evolving needs of the Practice. All employees are expected to undertake any reasonable duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post.
Place of Work:
The main place of work will be based at Leintwardine Surgery, but there may be occasional times where travel is required to the practices branch surgeries at Orleton and Kingsland.
Notes
This job description provides an overview of the role and is not exhaustive. The post-holder may be asked, following appropriate consultation, to undertake other duties commensurate with the post to meet the changing needs of the Practice. The job description and person specification will be reviewed periodically and may be amended following consultation with the post-holder.
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of safe dispensing procedures and medicines legislation relevant to the role. Knowledge of patient confidentiality, GDPR and Information Governance. Understanding of Health and Safety and Infection Prevention & Control requirements. Awareness of the importance of patient safety and risk management.
Desirable
Knowledge of NHS General Practice and Primary Care services. Understanding of Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). Knowledge of Controlled Drug procedures. Awareness of CQC standards relating to medicines management.
Experience Essential
Experience of dispensing medicines in a community pharmacy or GP dispensing practice. Experience of working in a customer-facing environment. Experience of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information. Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
Previous experience within an NHS GP dispensing practice. Experience of dispensing using clinical computer systems (e.g. EMIS Web and DispensIT). Experience of stock control and medicines ordering. Experience of handling repeat prescription processes.
Personal Qualities Essential
Professional, courteous and approachable manner. Honest, trustworthy and reliable. Committed to providing high standards of patient care and customer service. Calm and resilient when working under pressure. Flexible and adaptable to changing service needs. Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality at all times. Positive attitude with willingness to learn and develop.
Desirable
Enthusiastic about continuous improvement and service development. Demonstrates initiative whilst working within professional boundaries. Supports and promotes the Practice's values and team culture.
Skills and Abilities Essential
Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to prioritise workload and work effectively under pressure. Good organisational and time management skills. Competent IT skills, including use of clinical systems and Microsoft Office. Ability to work independently whilst recognising own limitations. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and written guidance.
Desirable
Ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and services. Experience of training or supporting new members of staff. Confidence in resolving routine patient queries and escalating appropriately.
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent recognised dispensing qualification). GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
Desirable
Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Services or working towards. Accredited Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) qualification. First Aid qualification
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 Mortimer Medical Practice
Address Kingsland
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 9QL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mortimergpsurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)