Pharmacy Dispenser

**Pharmacy Dispenser**

To assist the Pride Pharmacy team to provide an exemplary pharmacy service to the hospital and its customers. To work within own level of competence and in accordance with current legislation, accepted professional and ethical standards and Pride Pharmacy policies and procedures.
- To, under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, provide regulated pharmacy activity
- Provide excellent customer service and be polite and courteous in dealings with customers, patients and other persons with whom you come into contact with throughout your working day.
- Prepare labels using the pharmacy computer system and correctly assemble prescriptions, ensuring each item is accurately dispensed and in the correct packaging, according to standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Ensure the appropriate ordering and receipt of medication from suppliers in accordance to local procedures.
- Assist in the restocking of shelves/cupboards in the dispensary and pharmacy shop, rotating stock, undertaking daily and quarterly stock checks, addressing any stock discrepancies, processing/destroying returned medicines according to pharmacy procedures.
- To assist with general reception duties including receiving prescriptions from patients and members of staff. This will include dealing with prescription charges and exemptions in an accurate and responsible manner in accordance with departmental procedure. Including and accepting cash or electronic remuneration for such charges, giving back the correct change where necessary, cashing up at the end of each day (if needed).
- Undertake over the counter sales of pharmacy medicines under the supervision of the responsible pharmacist.
- Working with customers in a polite and efficient manner - face to face, over the phone, or by electronic methods, to deal with enquiries of a routine nature from a wide range of staff groups, referring appropriate queries to the relevant member of the pharmacy team.
- To liaise with various members of the pharmacy team, ward staff and patients when solving supply problems and ensuring the best service to patients and customers.
- To maintain standards of safety, tidiness and cleanliness within the department in accordance with COSHH and Health and Safety regulations. To ensure all working practices and Standard Operating Procedures are followed including topping up of sundries, temperature monitoring, archiving of prescriptions and waste destruction.
- To keep abreast of new developments and attend such training courses from time to time
- Ensure the optimal use of all communication options are used to provide an excellence patient service.
- Ensure medication is delivered to patients in a safe & timely manner in line with Pride Pharmacy procedure.
- To participate in training of new staff as required.
- To partake in general pharmacy duties across the Pride Pharmacy estate including full participation in 7 day shift working and bank holiday rosters as required. In addition the post holder will take part in a system of flexible shifts to facilitate Pride Pharmacy LTD operational times and service needs.
- Adhere to Pride Pharmacy security procedures

**Any other reasonable duties which may from time to time be agreed with the Pride Pharmacy operational manager.**

**Communication and relationship skills (include internal/external contacts)**
- Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills to present and communicate with a broad spectrum of people
- Effective computer / IT knowledge and skills.

**Education**
- 5 GCSE or equivalent - grade C or above including Maths, English and a Science.
- Dispensing Assistant Course (NVQ Level 2 Equivalent) accredited by the GPhC or level 2 pharmacy qualification
- Successful completion of medicine counter staff training as per GPhC's requirements (underpinning knowledge of relevant units in the QCF Level 2 and 3 Pharmacy Service Skills qualifications) or equivalent pharmacy qualification

**Knowledge, training and experience**
- Experience working alongside set procedures and processes
- Customer / patient facing experience
- Community / hospital pharmacy dispensing experience
- Basic awareness of health, safety and hygiene.
- IT literate and a competent user of the MS Office suite of products or other relevant programmes.
- Experience of using JAC dispensing software (desirable)

**Skills and abilities**
- Analytical and judgement skills required to deal with day to day problems of medicine supply including understanding of when to act within departmental guidelines and when to refer problems to senior staff.
- Able to work in a commercial environment while maintaining safe standards.
- Ability to deal with difficult and sensitive issues in a supportive and professional manner to effect positive outcomes
- Ability to deal effectively with challenging situations and challenging individuals
- Ability to gain the confidence of colleagues and peers
- Ability to follow procedures & policies set d