Dispenser

This full time post is also potentially available as a job share opportunity. You will be required to work a range of shifts covering the core opening times of the department which are Monday to Friday
Some flexibility of hours is advantageous to support overtime during holidays and unplanned leave.

Title:
Dispenser

Responsible to:
Dispensary Manager

Accountable to:
The Partners

Job Summary:

The post holder will project a positive and friendly image to dispensary patients and other visitors and deal with queries in a professional, courteous and efficient way.

The Dispenser is responsible for the professional, efficient and accurate dispensing of medication to patients, acting as the intermediary between doctor and patient with regards to prescriptions.

The post holder will be the main contact for patients with medication queries, for both dispensing and non-dispensing patients.

They will maintain the professional image of the Practice and be responsible for assisting the Dispensary Manager in ensuring effective financial control of the dispensary.

This role can be physically demanding due to it primarily being a standing role, but the variety offered by this post is also very rewarding and stimulating.

Key responsibilities

Role

• Correctly issue all drugs and appliances, to the public or other departments of Attleborough

Surgeries, against a duly authorised prescription.

• Receive, assist and direct patients via online forms, System One online access, in person and on the telephone, in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
• Action repeat prescription requests so that they are up to date as much as possible on a daily basis and ensure that all requests are completed within a 48 hour deadline.
• Be responsible for your dispensing role by only using your computer login and annotating your unique number on the prescription being dealt with and on the label that has been dispensed.
• Follow up any stock orders that haven't been fulfilled by the main wholesaler immediately and constantly review outstanding stock orders to ensure patients supply is not impeded. This may involve asking the Dispensary Manager.
• Query any medication request which is not on a repeat prescription with the patient's usual doctor and ensure these queries are actioned appropriately. This may include writing a record on the consultation, telephoning the patient, changing a medication review date or issuing the prescription as per the doctor's instructions.
• Be part of the rota that dispenses the delivery medication, monitored dosing systems and Care Home medication on a weekly basis ensuring that it is completed on time each week.
• Maintain accurate stock records using the System One computer system on an ongoing basis, amend stock balances and reorder levels in order to maintain a high level of service to the patients.
• Action on medication requests from outside sources e.g. Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, using

Docman, ensuring that anything that is not straight forward is checked with a Doctor. Docman should be checked on a regular basis.

• Ensure stocks of bottles, bags, prescriptions and all other items necessary for dispensing are adequate.
• Take advantage of training opportunities and attend departmental meetings.
• Promote the practice in a positive manner and contribute to achieving the practices aims and objectives.
• Ensure adequate staffing by covering for other staff whilst on holiday or sick leave.
• Ensure the confidentiality of patients is maintained at all times.

Accountability

• In the first instance all matters should be addressed with the Dispensary Manager including administration and personnel matters.
• Any matters that are not satisfactorily resolved by the Dispensary Manager should be referred to the

Practice Manager.

• Any clinical problems relating to the issue or dispensing of medication should be referred to a partner or doctor on duty.

Associated Tasks

• Ensure patients are dealt with in a pleasant and courteous manner giving priority to patients at the dispensary hatch and acknowledging their presence at all times. Patient service is of vital importance to Attleborough Surgeries.
• Issues authorised by a doctor in the surgery are to be made up and given to the patient after consultations.
• Patient requests for repeat prescribing are to be taken by via online order, in writing and at the hatch.
• Prescriptions will be managed via Electronic Prescription Services (EPS) where a nominated chemist is available and all paper prescriptions will be sorted in to doctors for signing and, once signed, in to pharmacies for collection. Records of prescriptions sent to the chemists should be made and kept for reference.
• Medications for dispensing patients to be dispensed using SystmOne, ensuring that no medication is dispensed without being scanned for accuracy.
• For dispensed patients, ensure the back of the prescription is correctly and

---