General Practice Dispenser

NHS; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A busy general practice in Milton Keynes seeks an enthusiastic and qualified dispenser to join their team. The role involves dispensing medications, patient support, and administrative tasks in a collaborative environment. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services / Dispensing (or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a dispensing or pharmacy role.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Dispense prescription medications under GP supervision and provide patient education.
• Perform administrative tasks including managing stock and processing prescription requests.
• Monitor compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services / Dispensing

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Asplands Medical Centre is a busy general practice set on the edge of Milton Keynes. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, qualified dispenser to join our friendly team.

Main duties of the job

Dispenseprescription medications and other medical products to patients under thedirection of the GP Partners, supported by a Clinical Pharmacist, and inaccordance with all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) andregulatory requirements. This role combines clinical accuracy, patientcommunication, and administrative responsibilities to support the smoothoperation of the dispensary and high-quality patient care. In addition to dispensing medications, dispensersworking in General Practice have a varied workload that encompasses a morepatient centred approach focussed on treatment plans. Overall responsibility lies with the GPPartners and the dispenser follows policies and processes governed by the GPPartners. You will be a contributing member of the dispensary working as partof a cohesive practice team.

About us

The dispensary team consists of the dispensary manager, dispensers and prescription clerks. The dispensary has the support of a clinical pharmacist attached to the practice. The GP partners take overall responsibility for the dispensary.

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Dispensing & Clinical Support:

• Dispense prescription medication and other medical products to patients under the direction of the GP Partners. Use dispensing software to support dispensing.
• Count pills, label bottles and box medications to prepare prescriptions in accordance with SOPs.
• Dispense controlled drugs and private scripts safely and in line with surgery SOPs.
• Supply patients with information and education on their prescribed medication.
• Assist with reviews of medication including the Dispensing Review of Use of Medication (DRUM) and reauthorisation process.
• Check and transcribe medications from Discharge Letters and other Consultant led communications.
• Monitor the prescription-filling process to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and practice-specific policies.
• Liaise with healthcare providers and patients to confirm and clarify prescription information ensuring patient record is accurate.
• Answer patient questions regarding medication, under the supervision and guidance of the GP.
• Date-check stock and dispose of returned medication in line with regulations and practice policy.
• Place orders for medications and ensure availability of stock to meet patient demand.
• Maintain and update electronic patient records accurately and confidentially.

Administrative & Operational Tasks:

• Perform administrative duties including answering phone calls, receiving and inputting prescription requests, and handling prescription queries.
• Procure and manage stock, ensuring timely ordering and accurate inventory records. This will also involve managing stock to provide a cost-effective environment.
• Complete sales transactions for the purchase of prescriptions, handling cash and card payments.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised dispensary environment.
• Gather, organise, and assess patient information as part of the dispensing and clinical process.
• Support with audits, inspections, and quality improvement processes.
• Keep up to date with mandatory training and supplementary learning.
• Coach and support other team members as needed.

The post is based in a busy general practice dispensary and may involve standing for extended periods. The role may also require flexibility to cover shifts during staff absences. The role will involve working at more than one local site.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services / Dispensing (or equivalent)
• Previous experience in a dispensing or pharmacy role
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work well in a team and independently
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and safeguarding
• Experience in a general practice or primary care setting
• Familiarity with SystmOne
• Understanding of NHS prescribing processes and protocols

Experience

• Previous experience in a dispensing or pharmacy role
• Experience in a general practice or primary care setting

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.