Dispenser\\Medical Receptionist in Barnard Castle

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Dispenser/Receptionist in this busy practice with 11,000 patients registered. Applications are welcome with an aptitude for communication, excellent people skills and an ability to work with initiative. Qualifications and experience are desired, but we would be willing to train the right person and therefore not essential. The role involves providing a point of contact for patients in reception/dispensary and to act as a local point of communication between patients, doctors, and other medical staff and to assist the clinicians to offer an effective and efficient prescription service. Full training is provided.

Main duties of the job:

• Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
• To assist the doctors in their efforts to offer an effective and efficient Dispensing Service.
• Provide general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
• Ability to use own judgment and be able to work under pressure without direct supervision.
• To be reliable and flexible.
• To observe strict confidentiality on all matters relating to the practice and its patients.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure efficiency of Systm1 appointment system and monitor flow of patients into consulting and treatment rooms.
• Ensure patients without appointments but who need urgent consultation are seen in a logical and non-disruptive manner.
• Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover, ensure procedures are completed.
• Advise patients of relevant charges for private services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.
• Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and other visitors.
• Enter requests for home visits onto computer stating time received and including all relevant information and where necessary i.e., urgent calls refer to the duty doctor.
• Ensure reception and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy.
• Be able to cover all reception positions as necessary.
• Ensure total familiarity with all appointment systems in effect including regular and incidental variations i.e., doctors on holiday and taking occasional days.
• Process appointment requests for today, future appointments from patients by telephone and in person and ensuring sufficient information is taken.
• To receive incoming and initiate outgoing telephone calls in order to facilitate timely and appropriate communications with others.
• Open up premises at the start of the day when first arrive, de-activate alarm and make all necessary preparations to receive patients.
• When last to leave at the end of the day, ensure that the building is totally secured, internal lights are off, all electrical equipment has been turned off and the alarm activated.
• Prepare rooms for meetings.
• There is a comprehensive Dispensing & Repeat Prescription Protocol held within the Practice which is adhered to at all times.
• To ensure that all medicines and appliances dispensed are checked against the prescription and whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose or labelling instructions to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor.
• To order batch and weekly prescriptions.
• To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration on the reverse of the FP10 is duly filled in and signed by the patient.
• To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the practice are appropriately stored and a record kept of all financial transactions.
• To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out-of-date stock.
• To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
• To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time.
• To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate.
• Follow guidelines for DDA management.
• Returning incorrect goods to the wholesalers.
• Removing out of date stock from the shelves, refrigerators, and other storage areas.
• Disposal of returned unused medicines.
• Dispensing and collecting private prescriptions/charges for vaccines and holiday prophylactic medication.

Person Specification:

• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience of administration duties.
• Experience of Systm One or other clinical system.
• Experience of working in a health care setting.
• Excellent communicator with a pleasant, polite and professional manner.
• Ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team.
• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality and respect for diversity.
• Understanding of personal responsibility re Health and Safety.
• Comfortable working to agreed objectives/duties.
• Clear, polite telephone manner.
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising).
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.