Dispenser

The Roseland Surgeries; Truro; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A general practice in Cornwall is seeking a dedicated Dispenser to join their team. The role involves dispensing medications, managing stock, and providing medication advice under supervision. Candidates should have experience in dispensing and excellent communication skills. You'll be part of a friendly team, contributing directly to patient care and making a difference in the community. This position offers ongoing training, a supportive environment, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health Shield cash health plan

NHS Pension Scheme

Free on-site parking

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Experience in dispensing medications.
• Experience with stock control and ordering.
• Experience in a primary care setting.

Responsibilities

• Dispense prescriptions accurately and safely.
• Provide medication advice under supervision.
• Support complaint handling and contribute to improvements.

Skills

Clear and professional communication

Strong problem-solving skills

Effective time management

Ability to work under pressure

Confidentiality in handling patient information

Education

NVQ Level 2 Qualified Dispenser or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Are you passionate about patient care and precision? Join our dynamic general practice team as a Dispenser, where your skills will directly support the health and wellbeing of our community.

As a vital member of the dispensary, you will work under the guidance of the Dispensary Manager and your colleagues to ensure patients receive their medications safely, accurately, and on time. You will be the go‑to person for medication queries, supporting clinicians and patients alike with professionalism and empathy.

This is more than just dispensing – it is about making a difference every day, being part of a supportive team, and helping deliver outstanding care in a trusted local practice.

Please note that the scheduled interview date for this post is Thursday 29th January 2026 and that interviews will be held in person at Portscatho Surgery.

Main duties of the job

• Dispense medications safely, accurately, and in line with legal protocols
• Manage stock including ordering, storage, and disposal
• Support patients with medication queries and occasional reception cover
• Collaborate with clinical and admin teams to ensure smooth care delivery
• Maintain compliance with safeguarding, governance, and prescribing standards
• Engage in training and contribute to service improvement and public health initiatives

About us

We aim to provide the best possible care to our patients by integrating innovation and enhancements with the traditional values of a family‑oriented General Practice.

Roseland Surgeries is led by two dedicated partners, Drs. Hynds and Tubman, and serves a vibrant community of around 3,800 patients across the picturesque Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. Our services are delivered from three sites: Portscatho Surgery, Tregony Surgery, and St Mawes Surgery.

We offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of our patients. Full details can be found on our website: www.roselandsurgeries.co.uk.

What we offer

At Roseland Surgeries, we’re proud to provide a supportive and rewarding working environment. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:

• A close‑knit, collaborative team culture where your contributions are valued
• The opportunity to work in a scenic and peaceful part of Cornwall
• A chance to make a meaningful impact within your local community
• Free on‑site parking available across all three practice locations
• Access to a Health Shield cash health plan, covering everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy, plus an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health and counselling support
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• Seasonal staff events to celebrate and connect as a team
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression

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
• 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
• 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 right and responsibility to 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.

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.

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

• Experience in dispensing medications
• Experience handling prescriptions and liaising with patients and healthcare professionals
• Experience of working with the general public and/or patients
• Experience with stock control and ordering processes
• Experience of working in a primary care setting

Skills, abilities, and personal attributes

• Clear and professional communication (phone, email, face‑to‑face)
• Ability to work under pressure with accountability and emotional resilience
• Accurate, detailed, and appropriate notetaking
• Understanding of adult and child safeguarding
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Effective time management, planning and organisation
• Adherence to legal, ethical and professional policies, procedures and codes of conduct
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling patient information
• Competent IT skills (word processing, email, and internet)
• Ability to use initiative with appropriate discretion and sensitivity
• Build positive working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to identify, assess, and manage risk appropriately
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Respond with sensitivity and empathy in challenging or distressing situations
• Proficiency with SystmOne or other clinical systems
• Use resources efficiently and responsibly

Other requirements

• Pass a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Access to own transport and ability to travel between surgery sites and across the locality

Qualifications

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

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.