Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION DISPENSARY MANAGER Reports to GP Partners / Practice Manager Job summary To ensure the provision of quick, efficient and accurate dispensing of medication to the patients of Quantock Vale Surgery, and to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary. Key tasks Managing the dispensary staff Attendance at, and input to, partners meetings as appropriate Sorting prescriptions, checking endorsements, preparing forms and submitting prescriptions monthly to the NHS Prescription Services, dealing with resubs. Dispensary Services Quality Scheme, inclusion of staff competency recording, development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, recording of significant events, carry out and complete an annual audit in line with guidance from DSQS. Liaise with QVS finance officer for ad-hoc invoice payments, monthly accounts filing.

Job responsibilities Safety Aspects:

Ensure staff are competent and safe to practice. Ensure Dispensary practices are safe and in line with Standard Operating Procedures and current clinical guidelines. Ensure policies and procedures are up to date and available. Ensure that when there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose or labelling instructions to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor.



Take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time. Record and report any untoward incidents, significant events, drug errors or any other issues of quality and risk immediately to the nominated partner. Ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions. Ensure that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary and that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and is in good working order.



Ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record. Staff management: Organising dispensary staff rotas and ensuring adequate staff cover at all times. Training dispensary staff, including encouraging and organising attendance on relevant recognised courses. Appraising dispensary staff Assisting the practice manager with the recruitment of dispensary staff Assisting the practice manager with disciplining dispensary staff Business aspects: Ensure team process all prescriptions within appropriate timescales.



Order medication needed and check off incoming medication. Ensure all invoices are forwarded onto the finance officer in a timely manner. Operate efficient stock control, appropriate to the needs of the practice. Hold responsibility for opening and closing the dispensary morning/evening and ensuring the dispensary is secure, even if this task is delegated.



Communicate confidently and professionally over the telephone when dealing with patients, practice staff and partner organisations (other local pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, suppliers and so on). Cover for annual leave and sickness as required. To undertake any other necessary work as may be required and appropriate to maintain a high standard and efficient dispensing service. Liaise with drug reps to take advantage of current deals.



Ensure stock purchasing is in line with current dispensing doctors deals. Purchasing and stock control: Ad hoc daily ordering of stock Weekly checking of price concessions and ordering as necessary Weekly checking of injectables held in the dispensary and ordering as necessary. Ensuring goods are correctly delivered. Checking monthly statements Maintain adequate stocks, ensuring timely stock rotation.

Destruction of drugs:

Daily: dealing with returned medication from patients Monthly: dealing with uncollected medication Quarterly: dealing with returned controlled drugs from patients for destruction Six monthly: dealing with out-of-date controlled drugs with the appropriate officer from the Health Authority for destruction. Other: This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and will be reviewed periodically in conjunction with the post holder. The post holder is required to carry out any duties that may reasonably be requested by the partners or the practice manager.