Job Description

: Dispenser

Responsible to: Dispensary Lead / Practice Manager

Accountable to: GP Partners

Job Purpose

To provide safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing of medication to patients, ensuring compliance with legal, professional, and organisational standards. The dispenser will support the smooth running of the dispensary, maintain accurate records, and deliver excellent patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Dispensing & Patient Care

- Accurately prepare, label, and dispense prescriptions

- Ensure controlled drugs are stored, recorded, and dispensed in line with legal requirements.
- Provide advice to patients on the safe and effective use of their medication, escalating queries to the pharmacist or GP when necessary.
- Promote safe disposal of unused/expired medicines.

Stock Management

- Order, receive, and check stock deliveries against invoices.
- Rotate and maintain stock to minimise wastage.
- Ensure secure storage of medicines, including controlled drugs and refrigerated items.
- Conduct regular stock checks and record discrepancies.

Administration & Compliance

- Accurately maintain patient medication records on the clinical system.
- Process repeat prescription requests within agreed timescales.
- Ensure all dispensary records are completed and filed in accordance with SOPs and regulatory standards.
- Support the dispensary in achieving compliance with CQC, NHS England, and local ICB regulations.

Teamwork & Training

- Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and other staff to ensure seamless patient care.
- Participate in training and CPD to maintain up-to-date dispensing knowledge.
- Assist in the training of new dispensary staff and apprentices when required.
- Contribute to regular team meetings and audits.

Person Specification

Essential

- NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (or equivalent qualification) OR commitment to work towards.
- Previous experience working in a pharmacy or GP dispensary.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Desirable

- Experience using GP clinical systems (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne).
- Knowledge of controlled drug regulations.
- Previous experience in stock management.

Working Conditions

- Based in a GP practice dispensary.
- Regular contact with patients, staff, and external suppliers.
- May involve handling and lifting boxes of stock.
- Requirement to follow strict infection prevention and control protocols.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.70 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Flexitime Free flu jabs On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person