Job Description

We are looking for a dispenser to join our existing dispensary team working at our Horsham St Faiths Surgery.

The successful candidate will be expected to work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8AM - 6 PM.

Job Summary:

To accurately and efficiently process and dispense all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs and Nurse Practitioners where appropriate following the principles of good practice. To keep accurate patient records and be responsible for overseeing all administration within the dispensary To adhere to the strictest confidentiality when handling medical records and other information about patients and staff

Key Responsibilities:

Duties may vary under the direction of the Dispensary Manager, depending on workload and staffing levels and may include the following:

initiative Completing DRUM reviews yearly on appropriate patients. Collecting prescription charges and ensuring all relevant paperwork, including the declaration on the reverse of the FP10, is signed by the patient. Advising patients about pre-payment of prescriptions, providing information regarding eligibility for exemption and how to apply for exemption certificates. Dispensing and checking dosette boxes accurately to patients. Adhering to practice policies for controlled drugs, providing a second check on all medication as issued. Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary and reordering when necessary. To 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 kept in good working order. To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook. Checking medication expiry dates and ensuring proper storage conditions are maintained. Ensure that all drug safety alerts and notices are acted upon. Fully observe legal requirements relevant to a dispensing Practice, including HA regulations and controlled drugs. Ensure the safety of all who enter the dispensary. Accepting deliveries of medication and forwarding invoices to the Dispensary Manager. Maintaining up-to-date marketplace knowledge by checking prices with suppliers. Endorsing all prescription forms as appropriate, collating and submitting forms to the PPA to process reimbursement. Effectively controlling stock levels, ensuring sufficient stock for all Practice needs while minimising wastage. Record Fridge temperatures twice daily on appropriate log sheets. Taking informed and appropriate action should any drug alert bulletins be received. Ensuring thorough familiarity with the clinical computer system to ensure all relevant patient information is recorded and resolving any problems that arise. Safely disposing of returned, incorrect or out-of-date medications. Reordering stationery and other non-medical supplies when necessary. Issuing prescriptions to non-dispensing patients. Issuing repeat prescriptions to patients according to agreed time-scale and directions of authorising GP or nurse Practitioner. the Aiding patients with the completion of the exemption criteria on the reverse of the prescription form if necessary. Assisting with audits when necessary. Communicating effectively using email, telephone and face-to-face regarding all enquiries from patients, pharmacies, hospitals, hospices and suppliers. Liaising with members of clinical staff regarding the medication of individual patients. Attending regular meetings with other members of the dispensing team in order for patient information to be exchanged. and remain familiar Maintain a safe working environment free from hazards and remain familiar with COSHH regulations. Being pro-active in suggesting and developing new initiates to improve the dispensary. Prioritising tasks and working under own initiative

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately. In the performance of the duties outlined in this , the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.

Health & Safety:

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others' health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, the Practice Health & Safety Manual, and the Practice Infection Control policy and published procedures. This will include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Actively reporting of health and safety hazards and infection hazards immediately when recognised Keeping own work areas and general / patient areas generally clean, assisting in the maintenance of general standards of cleanliness consistent with the scope of the job holder's role Undertaking periodic infection control training (minimum annually) Reporting potential risks identified

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognises the importance of people's rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Personal/Professional Development:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of one's own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Quality:

The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team's performance. Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources

Communication:

The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognize people's needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The post-holder will:

Apply practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect their own work Participate in audit where appropriate

Person Specification

Position: Dispenser

Location: Horsham St Faiths

Requirements

Essential

Desirable

Education &

Qualifications

NVQ2 in Dispensing or Pharmacy Services NVQ3

Previous experience

Evidence of good practice Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Minimum of one year experience as a Dispenser Experience of Primary Care Computing Systems (preferably emisWeb) Experience of Microsoft Office software (Word and Excel)

Skills, knowledge & abilities

Good communication skills Able to work without supervision Good computer input skills Ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities Ability to work within and adapt to a busy and changing work environment Mentoring/teaching experience

Attitude, aptitudes,

personal characteristics

Flexible Good interpersonal skills Ability to use own judgement and show initiative High standard of personal presentation

Interests

Awareness of current dispensing issues Own professional development

Other requirements

Flexibility to cover annual leave and sick leave To be able to work at multiple surgery sites Access to transport
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.72 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Experience:

Dispensary: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 07/11/2025
Expected start date: 01/01/2026