Qualified Dispenser

Our practice Qualified Dispensers dispense prescription medication and pharmaceutical products to patients.

We are looking to recruit a part-time position of 22.5 hours per week to be worked over 3 days. Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

To process all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs where appropriate in accordance with dispensary standard operating procedures.

It is essential that applicants have a good standard of general education and possess excellent keyboard and IT skills. Previous dispensary experience is preferred and applicants should have been trained to NVQ2 Pharmacy Service standard.

Our dispensary team work over our three sites at Brampton, Corby Hill and Wetheral working on a rota basis when required over five days between 07:45 and 19:00 hours; the post will also include some Saturday mornings.

About us

We are a popular and forward-thinking training practice of over 17,000 patients operating from three sites in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside of the Northern Pennines and Eden Valley, close to the great border city of Carlisle, within easy reach of the Lake District, the Borders and Northumberland.

We are part of Carlisle Rural PCN and have an excellent team of Healthcare Professionals and supportive administration teams. We are also a dispensing practice with dedicated Medicines Management Team and Dispensing Team.

The Practice is committed to safeguarding adults and children therefore if the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) the successful candidate(s) will be subject to a criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £43.50. Deducted at £14.50 from 1st month salary and over the following 2 months

Enhanced Check: £61.50. Deducted at £20.50 from 1st month salary and over the following 2 months

Job responsibilities

Job Responsibilities differ between staff who work at branch sites (Corby Hill and Wetheral) and those who work at the main site in Brampton. Where a responsibility refers to a branch site, this is identified below by (B). All remaining responsibilities are applicable to all sites.

To have a thorough knowledge of all practice procedures and to work in accordance with written protocols.

Receive patients consulting with members of the practice team (B)

Be able to cover all reception positions as necessary and input registration and other patient details as required (B)

Deal with patient and other general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments (B)

To have a general understanding of all key operational responsibilities as applied to the location, e.g., safety, security, maintenance of equipment, etc., and report as necessary to the Operations Manager (B)

To ensure that all medicines and appliances are dispensed and checked against the prescription following standard operation procedures. Whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose or labelling instructions, check with the authorising Doctor, duty Doctor, or Pharmacist.

To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration on the reverse of the FP10 is duly filled in and signed by the patient.

To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the practice are appropriately stored and banked, and a record kept of all financial transactions.

To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out-of-date stock.

To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions.

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 in good working order.

To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time.

To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook.

To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions, incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate.

To communicate factual information to other staff and patients about medication.

Undertake patient surveys/audits as required.

To ensure adherence to dispensary standard operating procedures at all times.

To undertake any Medicines management tasks as requested by the Medicines Manager, Dispensary Manager, or Pharmacist.

To assist in training and/or mentoring of dispensary staff as required by the dispensary supervisor.

To ensure competency against the DSQS checklist and ensure annual updating of the competency portfolio.

To assist in the completion of the DSQS as requested by the dispensary team leader, including completion of audits, updating standard operating procedures, and portfolio management.

To undertake any necessary work as may be required and appropriate to maintain a high standard and efficient dispensing service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education, including 5 GCSEs with English and Maths at Grade 4 or above
• NVQ2 Pharmacy Service Standard or equivalent

Experience

• Basic computer use
• Experience in dealing directly with the public/patients
• Experience in a healthcare setting / Primary care / Pharmacy
• Dealing with queries and complaints
• Experience of Microsoft Office software
• Stock control, usage tracking, and re-ordering arrangements
• Familiarity with EMIS software

Other requirements

• Ability to work without direct supervision and use own initiative
• Ability to work well in an integrated and multi-skilled team
• Ability to work well and remain calm under pressure
• Ability/willingness to travel to other clinics to work during work hours when necessary
• Ability to self-motivate, organise, and prioritise own workload
• Flexibility of working hours/able to work within a rota and provide additional cover in times of need
• An understanding, acceptance, and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality

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.