Dispensary Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for a friendly, organised and motivated Dispensary Assistant to join our team at Mullion and Constantine Group Practice.

This is an important patient-facing role within our busy GP practice, supporting the safe and efficient running of the dispensary. You will work as part of a supportive team, helping with a range of dispensing and administrative duties while providing a high standard of service to our patients.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, be able to work accurately and efficiently, and enjoy working as part of a team. Previous experience in a dispensary, pharmacy or healthcare setting would be an advantage, although training and support can be provided for the right candidate.

Working hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8.30am - 6.00pm.

If you are reliable, approachable and committed to providing excellent patient care, we would love to hear from you

Main duties of the job

Main duties will include:

• Preparing and dispensing prescriptions accurately and efficiently under the direction of the dispensary team.
• Receiving, processing and checking prescriptions in accordance with practice procedures.
• Assisting with the ordering, receiving, checking and storing of medicines and other dispensary stock.
• Maintaining accurate records of medicines, stock and dispensing activities.
• Supporting stock control, including monitoring expiry dates and rotating stock appropriately.
• Assisting with the preparation of repeat prescriptions and prescription queries.
• Liaising with GPs, practice staff, pharmacies, suppliers and patients where appropriate.
• Providing a friendly, professional and helpful service to patients, responding to queries within the limits of the role and referring clinical queries to the appropriate member of the team.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation and confidentiality within the dispensary.
• Following practice policies, procedures and legal requirements relating to the safe handling and supply of medicines.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the dispensary operates smoothly and patients receive their medication safely and on time.
• Undertaking any other appropriate duties required to support the effective running of the dispensary.

The role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, confidentiality and a commitment to excellent patient care.

About us

Mullion and Constantine Group Practice is a busy and friendly dispensing GP practice serving patients across the rural communities of Mullion, Constantine, Ruan and The Lizard in Cornwall.

We provide care across our four practice sites and are committed to delivering high-quality, personalised healthcare to our local communities. Our practice team currently includes 5 GP Partners, 3 Salaried GPs, a nursing team, Healthcare Assistant, dispensary team and dedicated reception and administration teams.

We work closely as a multidisciplinary team, supporting one another to provide a friendly, efficient and patient-centred service. Our dispensary is an integral part of the practice, working alongside our clinical and administrative teams to ensure patients receive their medicines safely and efficiently.

We are proud of our strong links with the local community and our welcoming team environment, and we value the contribution that every member of staff makes to the care and service we provide.

Job responsibilities

The Dispensary Assistant will work as an integral member of the practice dispensary team, supporting the safe, accurate and efficient dispensing of medicines to patients. The post holder will work closely with the GPs and wider practice team to ensure that patients receive their medicines in a safe, timely and professional manner.

The post holder will be responsible for:

• Ensuring that all medicines and appliances dispensed are accurately prepared and checked against the original prescription. Any concerns regarding the appropriateness of an item, dosage, quantity or labelling instructions must be referred to the authorising GP or duty doctor.
• Supporting the collection of prescription charges where applicable and ensuring that patient declarations on FP10 forms are completed and signed appropriately.
• Handling prescription monies and other practice monies responsibly, ensuring they are securely stored, accurately recorded and banked in accordance with practice procedures.
• Supporting the preparation, amendment and checking of blister packs and other monitored dosage systems as required.
• Ensuring dispensary invoices and relevant correspondence are processed promptly and forwarded to the Practice Manager in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintaining effective stock control to ensure continuity of medication supply while minimising wastage, including monitoring stock levels and expiry dates.
• Ordering, receiving, checking and appropriately storing medicines and dispensary supplies in accordance with practice Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintaining appropriate storage conditions for medicines and ensuring that all dispensary procedures comply with relevant legislation, guidance and practice policies.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the dispensary, ensuring shelves, work surfaces and equipment are kept clean and in good working order.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to drug alerts, recalls and safety notices, taking any necessary action in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintaining full, accurate and up-to-date records of all dispensing transactions, using the practice computer systems and dispensing software as appropriate.
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and handling all patient information in accordance with practice policies and relevant legislation.
• Working collaboratively with GPs, dispensary colleagues, reception and administration staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Providing a friendly, professional and courteous service to patients, dealing with routine queries appropriately and referring clinical or complex queries to the relevant member of the clinical team.
• Contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the dispensary and supporting the team in maintaining a safe, effective and patient-centred service.
• Undertaking any other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility, as required to maintain a high standard of dispensing and patient care.

The post holder will be expected to work in accordance with the practice's policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining high standards of professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality and patient safety at all times.

Person specification

Experience

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care
• Experience of working in a GP Practice

Qualifications

Desirable

• Qualified to NVQ Level 2