Dispenser

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Dispenser.

Dispensing & Medication Management

• Dispense prescriptions accurately and safely, following legal and practice protocols
• Ensure all medications are checked for safety and accuracy prior to issue
• Provide patients with medication advice under GP or pharmacist supervision
• Process prescription requests and repeat prescriptions in a timely manner
• Prepare and maintain multi-compartment compliance aids (e.g., Dosette boxes)
• Collect prescription charges in line with practice policy

Stock Control & Storage

• Order, receive, and store pharmaceutical stock appropriately
• Maintain cold chain integrity and ensure appropriate storage of refrigerated items, including temperature logging
• Monitor and record stock levels and accurate prescription data
• Safely dispose of expired or returned medications
• Conduct routine stock audits and support medicines optimisation initiatives to minimise waste

Patient Interaction & Support

• Respond to patient queries in person and by telephone with professionalism and empathy
• Provide clear and accurate information on prescription-related matters
• Occasionally cover the front reception, handing out medications and dealing with patient queries
• Support complaint handling and contribute to service improvement through incident learning

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with GPs, nurses, and administration staff to ensure coordinated care
• Support reception teams in handling prescription requests
• Assist the Dispensary Manager with monthly returns and reporting
• Provide cover for colleagues during planned absences or sickness, as agreed in advance

Compliance & Governance

• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant dispensary environment
• Ensure secure handling of medicines, including controlled drugs and electronic prescriptions (EPS)
• Adhere to safeguarding procedures for both adults and children
• Stay informed on regulatory guidance and national prescribing policies
• Support audits, antimicrobial stewardship, and prescribing improvement initiatives

Training & Development

• Complete all mandatory training and induction requirements
• Engage in annual appraisals and ongoing performance reviews
• Support public health initiatives and campaigns
• Demonstrate initiative and contribute to problem-solving within the wider practice team

Additional duties may be required from time to time, subject to workload and staffing needs.

Generic Responsibilities

All staff at Roseland Surgeries are expected to uphold the following standards:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Promote a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment for patients and colleagues. Discrimination on any grounds is not tolerated. Everyone has the rightand responsibilityto be treated and to treat others with dignity and respect.

A good attitude and positive action towards Equality Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) creates an environment where all individuals can achieve their full potential.

Health, Safety & Environment

Maintain a safe, hazard-free workplace by following all relevant legislation and policies, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and Fire Precautions Regulations. Staff must assess risks, protect others, and cooperate with safety protocols.

Confidentiality

Protect patient information at all times. Confidentiality is essential to maintaining trust and meeting legal obligations.

Quality and Continuous Improvement

Contribute to ongoing improvements in care delivery by sharing good practice, participating in audits and reviews, and aligning national strategies with local implementation. Everyone is encouraged to suggest ways to enhance service quality.

Induction & Learning

Complete a full induction and all mandatory training. Staff should assess their own learning needs, mentor others, and share knowledge to support team development and patient education.

Collaborative working

Work effectively within the practice and wider team, manage time well, and communicate clearly. Support others, delegate safely, and contribute to defining care values and policies.

Information Management

All staff should use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in the planning, implementation and monitoring of care and presenting and communicating information. Data should be reviewed and processed using accurate SNOMED codes to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes.

Service delivery

Follow all practice policies and regional directives to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

Security

Remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Keep access codes and passwords secure, and ensure restricted areas are protected.

Professional conduct and appearance

Dress appropriately and maintain professional behaviour in line with organisational policy.

Wider Responsibilities

• Support the induction and development of new and trainee dispensing staff
• Participate in formal training sessions to promote best practice
• Contribute to the delivery and implementation of local policies, procedures and protocols that enhance patient care and support for family carers

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• - Previous experience of working with dispensing medications
• - Experience of working with the general public and patients
• - Familiarity with stock control and ordering processes

Desirable

• - Experience in handling prescriptions and liaising with patients and healthcare professionals
• - Experience of working in a primary care setting

Skills and abilities

Essential

• - Ability to communicate information effectively with people at all levels by telephone, email and face to face
• - Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure
• - Ability to record accurate notes
• - Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
• - Problem solving and analytical skills

Desirable

• - Familiarity with SystmOne or other clinical systems

Personal attributes

Essential

• - Effective time management (planning and organising)
• - Ability to follow legal, ethical and professional policies/procedures and codes of conduct
• - Knowledge of IT systems including the ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet
• - Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity
• - Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity
• - Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals
• - Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• - Good interpersonal skills
• - Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• - Commitment to ongoing professional development
• - Knowledge of and ability to work to key policies and procedures

Desirable

• - Effectively utilise resources

Qualifications

Essential

• - NVQ Level 2 Qualified Dispenser or equivalent (or willingness to train)
• - GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Other requirements

Essential

• - Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• - Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
• - Access to own transport and ability to travel across the locality and between surgery sites on a regular basis

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

The Roseland Surgeries

Address

Gerrans Hill

Portscatho

Truro

Cornwall

TR2 5EE