Dispenser in Norwich

We are looking for a dispenser to join our busy dispensary team. You will be based at St Faith's dispensary where we dispense to around 4,000 patients. You will need a level 2 NVQ dispensing qualification.

Your main responsibilities will be ensuring the smooth running of the dispensary, dispensing medication effectively and safely, and being involved in the preparation of MDS trays. You will need to be flexible and able to work under pressure.

• To accurately and efficiently process all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs and nurse practitioners where appropriate in accordance with the principles of good practice.
• To adhere to the strictest confidentiality when handling medical records and other information pertaining to patients and staff.

About us: You will be based at St Faith's dispensary, where we dispense to around 4,000 patients. Working hours and days can be discussed. Salary will depend on experience, with 5.6 weeks holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and on-site free staff car parking.

• Duties may vary under the direction of the Dispensary Manager depending on workload and staffing levels and may include the following:
• Ensuring that all dispensed medications are correct and include all relevant information for the patient; any uncertainty as to the item, dose or labelling to be checked with authorising GP or dispensing nurse.
• Completing DRUM reviews yearly on appropriate patients.
• Collecting prescription charges and ensuring all relevant paperwork, including the declaration on the reverse of the FP10, is signed by the patient.
• Advising patients about pre-payment of prescriptions, providing information regarding eligibility for exemption and how to apply for exemption certificates.
• Dispensing and checking dosette boxes accurately to patients.
• Adhering to practice policies for controlled drugs, providing a second check on all medication as issued.
• Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary and reordering when necessary.
• To ensure that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary and that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and in good working order.
• To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record/logbook.
• Checking expiry dates on medications and ensuring proper storage conditions are observed.
• Ensure that all drug safety alerts and notices are acted upon.
• Fully observe legal requirements relevant to a dispensing practice, including HA regulations and controlled drugs.
• Ensure the safety of all who enter the dispensary.
• Accepting deliveries of medication and forwarding invoices to the Dispensary Manager.
• Maintaining up-to-date marketplace knowledge by checking prices with suppliers.
• Endorsing all prescription forms as appropriate, collating and submitting forms to the PPA to process reimbursement.
• Effectively controlling stock levels, ensuring sufficient stock for all practice needs while minimising wastage.
• Record fridge temperatures twice daily on appropriate log sheets.
• Taking informed and appropriate action should any drug alert bulletins be received.
• Ensuring thorough familiarity with the clinical computer system to ensure all relevant patient information is recorded and resolving any problems that arise.
• Safely disposing of returned, incorrect or out-of-date medications.
• Reordering stationery and other non-medical supplies when necessary.
• Issuing prescriptions to non-dispensing patients.
• Issuing repeat prescriptions to patients according to agreed time-scale and directions of authorising GP or nurse practitioner.
• Assessing if the patient is up-to-date with all medical investigations and follow-up appointments or confirm that these have been arranged.
• Aiding patients with the completion of exemption criteria on the reverse of the prescription form if necessary.
• Assisting with audits when necessary.
• Communicating effectively using email, telephone and face-to-face regarding all enquiries from patients, pharmacies, hospitals, hospices and suppliers.
• Liaising with members of clinical staff regarding the medication of individual patients.
• Attending regular meetings with other members of the dispensing team in order for patient information to be exchanged.
• Maintaining safe and hygienic work surfaces within the dispensing with regular cleaning and ensuring all equipment is in a good state of repair.
• Maintain a safe working environment free from hazards, maintaining familiarity with COSHH regulations.
• Being pro-active in suggesting and developing new initiatives to improve the dispensary.
• Prioritising tasks and working under own initiative.

• Qualifications: NVQ2 in Dispensing or Pharmacy Services, NVQ3 in Dispensing or Pharmacy Services.
• Experience: Minimum of one year's experience as a Dispenser, evidence of good practice, evidence of Continuing Professional Development, experience of Primary Care Computing Systems (preferably emisWeb), experience of Microsoft Office software (Word and Excel).
• Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Good communication & interpersonal skills, able to work without supervision, ability to work as part of an integrated multi-skilled team, flexible, ability to use own judgement and show initiative, high standard of personal presentation, awareness of current dispensing issues, own professional development, flexibility to cover annual leave and sick leave, ability to work within and adapt to a busy and changing work environment, mentoring/teaching experience.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.