About this role
Job summary
Dispenser - Debenham Group Practice (part of Suffolk Primary Care)
Hours: Up to full time (37.5 hours per week) Base: Working across our three sites Debenham, Otley and Grundisburgh
We are looking for an experienced Dispenser to join our warm and supportive team.
Our dispensary team plays a key part in looking after our patients making sure their medicines are prepared safely, accurately and on time, while offering friendly advice and support along the way.
You will be part of a close-knit, welcoming group of colleagues who work together across all three of our village surgeries. We help each other out and take pride in providing an excellent service to our patients and colleagues.
Why join us?
A genuinely friendly and supportive team Opportunities for further training and development Being part of Suffolk Primary Care, an at-scale group of practices sharing ideas and best practice Beautiful rural locations and loyal patient communities If you would like to be part of a team that looks out for one another and takes pride in patient care, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
What the role involves
Dispensing and checking medication in line with legal and practice standards Helping patients with prescription queries and collecting charges Processing repeats and keeping accurate electronic records Supporting stock control, ordering, and rotation Maintaining a safe, tidy dispensary and following SOPs Working closely with GPs, nurses, and reception teams About you
You will need to:
Hold an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent) Be organised, accurate and reliable Enjoy working as part of a team and communicating with patients Have a caring and professional approach, even on the busy days Experience in a GP dispensary or community pharmacy would be great.
About us
Suffolk Primary Care (SPC) is a forward-thinking partnership of GP surgeries across Suffolk. Our collaborative approach enables doctors and staff to share resources, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Benefits of Working with SPC
NHS Pension Scheme:
Defined benefits scheme Life insurance Family benefits, including adult dependents & children's pensions Ill health benefits 23.7% employer contributionAdditional Benefits:
Eye care vouchers Health service discounts, including a complimentary Blue Light Card for new starters Minimum 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) for full-time employees, with enhancements for long service Enhanced maternity & paternity terms High street discounts via our online portal Salary sacrifice schemes for technology, homewares (Currys, John Lewis, Decathlon), cycling, and gym memberships At SPC, we invest in our staffs professional growth and well-being, fostering a positive work environment that benefits both our team and the communities we serve.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The Dispenser is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications in line with legal and clinical standards. Working as part of the dispensary team, you will ensure high standards of service to patients whilst contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the dispensary, including stock management, prescription processing, and administrative duties. The role requires strict attention to detail, confidentiality, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times.
Responsibilities
Dispensing & Patient Services
Dispense and issue medications in accordance with legal requirements and SOPs.
Hand out prescriptions to patients, checking exemptions and collecting appropriate charges (NHS and private).
Provide dosette boxes and support patients with medication queries or concerns.
Liaise with GPs or review patient records where prescription appropriateness is in question.
Process repeat prescriptions in line with protocols.
Administrative Duties
Maintain accurate electronic records, including CD (Controlled Drugs) registers.
Sort, endorse, and submit prescriptions for reimbursement via NHS Prescription Services (NHSBSA).
Action prescription-related messages, tasks, and emails (e.g. AskmyGP or SystmOne notifications).
Support audits, including DSQS patient reviews and internal compliance checks.
Stock & Inventory Management
Order, receive, and check deliveries; process discrepancies and credit claims.
Rotate stock, remove expired medications, and ensure safe storage of drugs, including refrigerated items.
Carry out regular stock checks and maintain appropriate stock levels to avoid wastage.
Manage and safely dispose of pharmaceutical waste and returned medications, including controlled drugs.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure dispensing practices meet all legal and ethical standards.
Participate in the implementation and review of SOPs following legislative or procedural changes.
Action MHRA drug alerts and recalls appropriately.
Maintain cleanliness and safety of dispensary workspaces and equipment.
Team Support & Professional Development
Provide support and cover for team members during absences.
Attend and contribute to dispensary meetings.
Remain up to date with developments in dispensing practice, policies, and systems.
Assist in training or mentoring junior staff where appropriate.
Training and Qualifications
NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent) is essential.
Commitment to continued professional development and refresher training.
Understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality obligations.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience working in a dispensary or pharmacy environment
Desirable
Experience working in a GP practice or NHS primary care setting
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent recognised qualification) GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 or additional pharmacy/medicines 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 Debenham Group Practice
Address 20 Low Road
Debenham
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 6QU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.debenhamgrouppractice.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)