GP Practice Dispenser / Dispensary Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Chartham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme membership

5.6 weeks annual leave entitlement

Training or qualification support

On-site parking

Job summary

Old School Surgery in Chartham is seeking a diligent Dispensary Assistant to join the in-house dispensary team. You will prepare, label and dispense medicines to prescriptions, check accuracy, process repeat prescriptions and manage stock, deliveries and controlled drugs under supervision.

The role involves patient-facing duties alongside GPs and nurses, with reception cover when needed. You should have careful attention to detail, good communication and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and reliability are essential.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to learn new systems.
• Willingness to support colleagues and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, label and dispense medicines in line with prescriptions and practice procedures
• Check dispensed medicines against prescriptions and refer concerns to a GP
• Process repeat prescriptions within required timescales
• Provide courteous service, answering medication and prescription queries
• Order medicines and supplies through wholesaler systems, checking deliveries and returns
• Rotate stock, monitor expiry dates and store medicines safely
• Maintain the cold chain for refrigerated medicines and complete monitoring records
• Collect prescription charges and check patient declarations are completed correctly
• Support safe management of controlled drugs, including reconciliation
• Keep the dispensary clean, tidy, organised and safe
• Maintain accurate dispensing records
• Provide reception cover when required

Skills

Accuracy

Communication

Confidentiality

Organisation

Time management

Procedures

Computers

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

Dispensing software

Clinical software

Job description

Dispensary assistant post at Old School Surgery, a village general practice in Chartham, working in the practice's in-house dispensary. The work centres on preparing, labelling and checking patients' medicines accurately, processing repeat prescriptions and managing stock, deliveries and controlled drugs. The role involves dealing directly with patients and sits alongside GPs, nurses and reception, with reception cover when needed. Prior general practice dispensary experience is helpful but not essential, so attention to detail and reliability matter most.

What the job involves

• Prepare, label and dispense medicines in line with prescriptions and practice procedures
• Check dispensed medicines against prescriptions and refer concerns to a GP or authorised clinician
• Process repeat prescriptions within required timescales
• Provide a courteous service, answering medication and prescription queries within the limits of the role
• Order medicines and supplies through wholesaler systems, checking deliveries and arranging returns
• Rotate stock, monitor expiry dates and store medicines safely
• Maintain the cold chain for refrigerated medicines and complete monitoring records
• Collect prescription charges and check patient declarations are completed correctly
• Support the safe management and documentation of controlled drugs, including reconciliation when asked
• Keep the dispensary clean, tidy, organised and safe
• Maintain accurate dispensing records within patient records
• Provide reasonable reception cover when required

What’s required

Skills & knowledge

• Consistently high accuracy and attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and raise concerns appropriately
• Basic computer literacy and ability to learn new systems

Checks & eligibility

• Satisfactory pre-employment checks appropriate to the role

Other

• Friendly, calm and professional manner
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliability, flexibility and willingness to support colleagues
• Compliance with practice policies, including information governance, infection control, health and safety, safeguarding and medicines management

Nice to have

• Previous experience in a general practice dispensary
• Previous dispensing or community pharmacy experience
• Experience of working in a healthcare or patient-facing environment
• Experience of using a clinical or dispensing computer system
• Recognised dispensing or pharmacy-services qualification, such as NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Relevant training or experience in medicines handling

What’s offered

• NHS Pension Scheme membership, if applicable
• 5.6 weeks annual leave entitlement
• Relevant training or qualification support, if required
• Opportunity to develop knowledge and experience within general practice
• Ample free on-site parking
• Welcoming and supportive practice team