Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice; Much Wenlock; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A rural medical practice in England is hiring a Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist to provide high-quality patient and administrative support. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications while offering excellent customer service at the reception. This role includes comprehensive training for a recognized dispensing qualification, emphasizing teamwork in a friendly environment. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a commitment to patient care. Working hours are 31.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Benefits

Full training and professional development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Practical experience of working with others.
• Experience of using own initiative and multitasking.
• Experience in customer service is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions.
• Provide excellent customer service to patients.
• Manage prescription requests via online systems and in-person.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Good standard of general education

GCSE Mathematics

Appropriate qualification in medical reception

Tools

EMIS Web

Docman

Job description

Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

Closing date: 30 December 2025

Hours: 31.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday)

Salary: Band 2 Agenda for Change – £12.51 per hour

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly practice team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is keen to develop a career in primary care, working and training within both our dispensary and reception teams.

In return, we are committed to supporting you in your professional development in a supportive and caring working environment. The successful candidate will receive full training and will work towards a recognised dispensing qualification funded by the practice.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for someone with good communication and organisational skills, who can work confidentially and accurately with attention to detail, has a positive, caring, and professional attitude, and is willing to learn and develop new skills.

The dual role will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions.
• Providing a high standard of customer service to patients and carrying out a range of administrative duties including appointment booking, handling queries and maintaining accurate records.

About us

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice is a rural practice only 15‑20 minutes away from Shrewsbury and Telford, serving a population of over 8,200 patients.

Our practice team is committed to providing high quality, patient‑centred care in a compassionate, friendly and safe environment. We aim to meet the needs of every patient by embracing innovation and new ways of working in the changing health service. Staff are attracted and retained through formal appraisal and opportunities for professional development.

Job responsibilities

Responsible to: Dispensary Lead & Practice Manager, Assistant Practice Manager

Job purpose: Under supervision, provide timely, efficient and accurate dispensing of medication to patients, working to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times. Provide excellent, confidential and professional service to patients and clinical staff, ensuring the smooth running of reception.

Dispensary duties and responsibilities (upon completion of training)

• Complete dispensary qualification within the specified timescale, engaging with supervisors, trainers and the practice and completing modules on time and to a high standard.
• Accurately dispense and check medicines for our patient population.
• Collect prescription charges in line with protocol.
• Maintain stock levels and support reordering processes.
• Receive and store supplies, ensuring correct handling and cold‑chain compliance.
• Dispense controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy.
• Safely dispose of returned and out‑of‑date medication.
• Process repeat prescriptions within the target timeframe.
• Provide clear, helpful advice to patients about their prescriptions.
• Manage prescription requests via online systems and face‑to‑face.
• Support monthly dispensary returns.
• Maintain accurate records and follow all SOPs.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment.
• Provide cover for colleagues during annual or sick leave.
• Dossett preparation.
• Assist with stock checks and dispensary audits.
• Carry out any reasonable duties requested and deemed suitable by management/partners.

Receptionist duties (upon completion of training)

• Greet patients, visitors and health professionals in a courteous and professional manner.
• Deal with enquiries by phone, electronic communication (text/email) or in person, including booking home visits and advising on test results within practice policy.
• Book, amend and cancel patient appointments, ensuring the computerised appointment system is up to date.
• Register new patients, ensuring relevant checks are made; register patients for online services.
• Process repeat prescription requests promptly, including medicines management administration.
• Check in and enter information of drug deliveries on EMIS Web.
• Access out of hours reports and save to patient records.
• Upload documents received via electronic download via Docman.
• Deal with and respond to incoming practice emails/e‑consultations within the relevant timescale.
• Distribute post.
• Email correspondence when requested, adhering to GDPR protocols.
• Scan patient information, workflow through Docman and action subsequent tasks.
• Respond to staff/management/GP requests during surgery promptly.
• Maintain up‑to‑date computerised and manual filing systems.
• Prepare and tidy consultation rooms each day; secure them at closing.
• Perform general housekeeping to achieve health and safety standards, including making drinks for GP/nurse/admin staff and handling the dishwasher.
• Open and lock surgery according to the opening/closing protocol between 0800 and 1830.
• Work safely at all times in accordance with legislative requirements and practice policy and procedures.
• Carry out any reasonable duties requested and deemed suitable by management/partners.

Person specification

Experience

• Practical experience of working with others.
• Experience of using own initiative and multitasking.
• Experience of excellent customer service.
• Practical experience of computerised recording systems.
• Experience of working within a general practice reception environment.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education.
• GCSE Mathematics.
• Appropriate qualification in medical reception (e.g. AMSPAR or NVQ in Customer Service).

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Time management and ability to work to deadlines.
• Negotiation and conflict management.
• Interpersonal skills.

Behaviours

• Planning and organising.
• Performing under pressure – ability to remain calm, controlled and professional.
• Ability to integrate into the team and work effectively as a team member.
• Self‑motivated and resourceful.
• Flexibility – available to work flexible hours demanded by the job.
• Confidentiality, integrity and honesty.

Knowledge

• Understanding of a general practice reception environment.
• Familiarity with EMIS Web and Docman systems.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice