Pharmacy Dispenser

**Purpose**
- Ensure the safe, accurate, and timely supply of prescribed medication to patients.
- Provide medicines-related and healthy lifestyle advice to patients.
- Assist in the smooth operation of the pharmacy.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Select, label, and dispense pharmaceutical products in accordance with prescriptions, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and legal requirements.
- Ensure the safe and correct transfer of dispensed items to patients.
- Accurately maintain Patient Medication Records (PMR) in accordance with data protection requirements.
- Identify medicine-related problems or queries and bring these to the attention of the pharmacist.
- Answer queries on the supply and availability of medicines within your competence.
- Receive stock in accordance with SOPs and ensure the safe and appropriate storage of medicines.
- Assist with stock control and maintain reasonable stock levels within the pharmacy.
- Liaise with other healthcare professionals to assist in the continuity of patient care across primary and secondary care.
- Assist with service provision to care homes, including preparing Monitored Dosage Systems.
- Respond to symptoms described by customers by following agreed protocols and using own knowledge and judgement.
- Select and recommend suitable products and provide advice on their correct use.
- Provide advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.
- Refer to the pharmacist when appropriate.
- Assist with enlisting patients in advanced services such as Pharmacy First and the New Medicine Service (NMS).
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of medicines and minor ailments.

**Personal Specification**:

- Completed an accredited NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) Dispensing Assistant training course under the guidance of the pharmacist.
- Good attention to detail and high levels of concentration.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Good level of IT literacy and numeracy.
- Warm, friendly, and professional attitude towards customers.
- Ability to respond to medical queries in a sensitive and professional manner.