Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job The post-holder will project a positive and friendly image to dispensary patients and deal with queries in a professional and courteous manner. Accurately process all relevant prescriptions, as authorised by GPs and Prescribing Nurses, in accordance with the principles of good practice. Be an integral part of a team to ensure an efficient well-run department is maintained. Be proactive in identifying ways to further improve and develop the departmental potential and the service provided to its patients.



To manage departmental workload against set time scales and always ensure exactness. Duties of the Role Correctly issue all drugs and appliances against a duly authorised prescription. Receive, assist and direct patients via on-line forms, System One online access, in person and on the telephone, in a courteous, efficient and effective way. Action repeat prescription requests so that they are up to date as much as possible on a daily basis and ensure that all requests are completed within a 72 hour deadline.



Be responsible for your dispensing role by only using your computer login and annotating your unique signature on the label that has been dispensed. Follow up any stock orders that havent been fulfilled by the main wholesaler immediately and constantly review outstanding stock orders to ensure patients supply is not impeded. This may involve asking the Dispensary Manager. Query any medication request which is not on a repeat prescription with the patients usual doctor and ensure these queries are actioned appropriately.



This may include writing a record on the consultation, telephoning the patient, changing a medication review date or issuing the prescription as per the doctors instructions. Be part of the rota that dispenses the delivery medication, monitored dosing systems on a weekly basis ensuring that it is completed on time each week. Maintain accurate stock records using the System One computer system on an ongoing basis, amend stock balances and reorder levels to maintain a high level of service to the patients. Action on medication requests from outside sources e.g.



Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, ensuring that anything that is not straight forward is checked with a Doctor. Ensure stocks of bottles, bags, prescriptions, and all other items necessary for dispensing are adequate. Take advantage of training opportunities and attend departmental meetings. Promote the practice in a positive manner and contribute to achieving the practices aims and objectives.



Ensure adequate staffing by covering for other staff whilst on holiday or sick leave. Ensure the confidentiality of patients is always maintained. Medications for dispensing patients to be dispensed using SystmOne, ensuring that no medication is dispensed without being scanned for accuracy. For dispensed patients, ensure the back of the prescription is correctly and fully filled out by the patient, in particular, a tick as to why the patient is exempt and a signature in the box.



If the patient is exempt, but no evidence is seen, the back of the prescription must be marked accordingly. Any payments taken are recorded and deposited in the cash register then cashed up on a daily basis. Carry out DRUMs (Dispensers Review of Use of Medicines). Working to ensure the Practice achieves the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme requirements by participating in the work and meeting the standards set for this scheme.



Methotrexate Injections to be recorded when ordered and collected, ensuring the prescriptions are generated for each one. Ensure prescriptions and dispensed medicines are collected. Remove uncollected items and amend patients records accordingly. Follow procedures as set out in Standard Operating Procedures and Dispensing Handbook.



Accept responsibilities for other tasks for example Doctors Bags and date checking. Ensure sufficient stock is maintained and that items are stored at the correct temperature. The dispensary fridge temperature and room temperatures (current, lower and upper ranges) must be recorded every working day. Order and check all incoming stock as it arrives, updating the system for changes in price and pack size, ensuring all delivery notes/invoices are signed and any discrepancies are annotated, returned and dealt with by the supplier for credit.



All invoices/delivery notes to be left in the invoices tray for processing. NWOS/Dressings orders to be processed as per the NWOS protocol. Ensure all returns are correctly recorded. To always work in an organised and methodical manner.



Patient Interface To ensure the department provides a professional, efficient and friendly service at all times. Liaising with and counselling patients in line with Standard Operating Procedures and Dispensing Quality Scheme (DRUMS) for which training will be provided. The preparation and distribution of relevant patient information and provide patient education regarding medications, new systems and processes. To advise patients when they are due for review with their GP or nurse in line with the repeat prescribing protocols.



Identify all patients who are eligible for dispensing. To ensure any communication or complaints are dealt with in a courteous and timely manner and the Dispensary or Practice Manager must be contacted. Ensuring patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. To support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples 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.



Protocols/ Security/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 Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines 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 Ensure that you are fully aware and understand all departmental protocols inline with government guidelines and procedures. Ensuing compliance to SOPS and Dispensing Quality Service Scheme. To ensure that you remain updated and knowledgeable of all new legislation, new drugs, reviewed guidelines, product withdrawals. Responsible for the safe and secure handling of medicinal products and disposal of drugs.



To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time. Ensure that all errors and adverse incidents related to pharmacy are promptly reported and written on a Significant Event document. Be aware of and comply at all times with regulations relating to Health and Safety at Work Act, The Medicines Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act. Be responsible for identifying any risks and for reporting them to the Practice Manager.