Dispenser

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Bawtry; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. is seeking a diligent dispenser to join our pharmacy team.

You will prepare, label and dispense acute and repeat prescriptions, ensuring accuracy, legality, and patient safety while maintaining confidential records. In a collaborative environment you will handle stock, respond to queries, support governance processes and help deliver high‑quality patient service across the dispensary and practice.

Qualifications

• Pharmacy dispensing experience or relevant healthcare experience preferred.
• Commitment to accuracy and patient privacy.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow practice procedures.
• Understanding of NHS processes and dispensing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Dispense acute and repeat prescriptions accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain records of medications dispensed and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage stock levels, stock rotation and expiry monitoring.
• Handle patient queries, provide professional, friendly service and protect confidentiality.
• Assist with governance, audits and quality‑improvement activities.
• Collaborate with Dispensary Manager, GPs and pharmacy team to support patient care.

Skills

Dispensing accuracy

Patient service

Stock control

Data protection

Communication

Education

Pharmacy qualifications or relevant healthcare qualification

Job description

Main duties and responsibilities

Dispensing

• Prepare, label and dispense acute and repeat prescriptions accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure prescriptions are legally valid and raise any concerns or discrepancies with the appropriate clinician.
• Carry out dispensing and accuracy-checking duties within the limits of the postholder's training and competence.
• Ensure the correct medication, strength, quantity and dosage instructions are supplied.
• Maintain accurate records of all medication dispensed.
• Prepare monitored dosage systems where required and in accordance with practice procedures.
• Process medication owing to patients and ensure outstanding items are supplied promptly.
• Refer medication‑related questions or clinical concerns to the appropriate clinician or pharmacist.
• Follow practice procedures for the safe handling and dispensing of controlled drugs.

Patient service

• Provide a friendly, helpful and professional service to patients.
• Hand out medication following the appropriate identity and safety checks.
• Collect NHS prescription charges and check evidence of exemption where required.
• Advise patients when medication is unavailable or delayed and agree suitable arrangements.
• Respond to routine prescription and dispensing enquiries in person and by telephone.
• Maintain patient dignity, confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Manage difficult or sensitive conversations calmly and professionally.

Stock management

• Order medication and other dispensary supplies from approved wholesalers.
• Receive deliveries and check them accurately against orders and invoices.
• Store medication safely and in accordance with manufacturers requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and help ensure the dispensary maintains appropriate supplies without unnecessary over‑ordering.
• Rotate stock and regularly check expiry dates.
• Remove and process expired, damaged or recalled medication in accordance with practice procedures.
• Monitor refrigerated medication and record fridge temperatures as required.
• Support the management of drug alerts, recalls and supply shortages.
• Help identify cost-effective alternatives and minimise unnecessary waste.

Administration and governance

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records on the clinical system.
• Follow all practice policies and standard operating procedures.
• Record and report dispensing errors, near misses and significant events.
• Participate openly in reviews and learning following dispensing incidents.
• Support the practice in meeting the requirements of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme.
• Assist with dispensary audits, stock checks and quality‑improvement work.
• Work in accordance with data protection, confidentiality, infection prevention and health and safety requirements.
• Complete all mandatory and role‑specific training within the required timescales.

Teamworking

• Work collaboratively with the Dispensary Manager, dispensers, GPs, nurses, pharmacy team, reception staff and other colleagues.
• Communicate clearly regarding medication queries, supply issues and patient concerns.
• Support colleagues during busy periods, annual leave and sickness absence.
• Contribute to dispensary and wider practice meetings where required.
• Help maintain a positive, respectful and supportive working environment.
• Assist with the induction and training of new team members when appropriate.
• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.

General responsibilities

The postholder must:

• Work within their level of competence and seek guidance whenever necessary.
• Treat patients and colleagues with dignity, respect and fairness.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information obtained during their employment.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns appropriately.
• Comply with the practices equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain a flexible approach to meet the operational needs of the dispensary and practice.