Dispenser, Dean Medical Practice - Coleford

We are looking for a qualified dispenser to join our friendly and experienced dispensary team at Coleford Health Centre. The dispensary is an integral and valued part of the pharmacy team (including Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician) and the wider practice team at Coleford. Our focus is to ensure that all medicines are dispensed in a safe and timely manner. We provide and ensure we maintain a high level of service to patients, Doctors, Nurses and other members of the Practice team.

Hours per week: 25 hours per week

Closing date: 20th November 2026

Main duties of the job:

• To process prescriptions in accordance with the principles of good practice;
• Dispensing and sale of prescriptions and medicines/appliances;
• Stock control, ordering and re-stocking of the dispensary;
• Checks and audit as required.

Job responsibilities:

• Process prescriptions according to Practice procedures;
• Issue paper and electronic prescriptions to dispensing and non-dispensing patients in a timely manner;
• Process requests for, and prepare, medication compliance aids;
• Checking and reconciliation of prescriptions, including post-dated;
• 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 prescriber or duty doctor;
• 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;
• Ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the Practice(s) are appropriately processed and a record kept of all financial transactions;
• Ensure the relevant checks are performed, these include but are not limited to CDs, PA items, PPA return, expiry dates, fridge temperatures etc;
• Check incoming stock against the invoice and update stock control records. Identify any errors in incoming stock and report to wholesaler and re-order item if necessary;
• Promptly forward all invoices and dispensary related correspondence to the appropriate Manager;
• Take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins including advising appropriate staff and patients as required;
• Operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the Practice(s) with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out of date stock;
• Ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions;
• Ensure safe and effective procurement, storage, dispensing and destruction of controlled drugs;
• Ensure checking of all injectables and ordering as necessary;
• Ensure the disposal of returned and out of date stock;
• Ensure the disposal of out of date controlled drugs with the appropriate officer for destruction;
• Ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintain a temperature control record;
• Maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate;
• 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 kept in good working order;
• Ensure dispensary equipment is accurate and in a good state of repair and kept clean and hygienic.

Working conditions:

• Frequent, prolonged VDU use;
• Time-pressured environment;
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail essential at all times;
• Exposure to distressing situations and written material.

Person Specification:

• Essential: Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check; Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience:

• Essential: Experience of working in a dispensary either a community pharmacy or Secondary Care/Hospital Pharmacy;
• Desirable: Previous experience of General Practice.

Skills:

• Essential: If not already competent in SystmOne, Office & Outlook, willing and able to undertake training and develop competency;
• Ability to follow policy and procedure;
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising);
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously;
• Good interpersonal skills.

Personal Qualities:

• Essential: Clear, polite telephone manner; Polite and confident; Flexible and cooperative; Motivated; High levels of integrity and loyalty; Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations; Ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications:

• Essential: A Dispensing Assistant Qualification is essential; GCSE grade 4/C or above in maths & English, or equivalent.

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.