Apprentice Dispenser - Llanfairpwll Health Centre in Rhosneigr

Apprentice Dispenser - Llanfairpwll Health Centre

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our busy GP Practice as an Apprentice Dispenser. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in healthcare whilst undertaking the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification, a fully supported 12-month training programme.

Working within our dispensing team, you will assist in the safe and efficient dispensing of medicines to patients, provide excellent customer service, and learn all aspects of dispensary operations including prescription processing, stock management, medicines handling and healthcare governance.

The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail, good communication skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Full training will be provided, together with ongoing support from experienced dispensary staff.

This role offers the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care within a friendly and supportive General Practice environment.

Welsh is desirable, Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

Assist in the safe and accurate dispensing of prescriptions under supervision.

Process prescriptions, select and label medicines in accordance with Practice procedures and SOPs.

Provide a friendly and professional service to patients and respond to routine prescription enquiries.

Assist with ordering, receiving, storing and monitoring medication stock.

Maintain accurate dispensing records and use Practice computer systems effectively.

Complete the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and all mandatory training requirements.

Work in accordance with Practice policies, confidentiality requirements, health and safety regulations and DSQS standards.

Participate in audits, competency assessments and quality improvement activities.

Work collaboratively as part of the wider Practice team and undertake other duties appropriate to the role.

About us

Rural practice with 2 surgeries 8200 patients in beautiful South West Anglesey. Llanfairpwll Health Centre & Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery. 7 GPs 1 ANP experienced practice nurses, health care assistants and a well established admin team. EMIS clinical system. It's a happy supportive place to work with a good team spirit.

Job responsibilities

APPRENTICE DISPENSER JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible To

Dispensary Team Leader and Practice Manager

Accountable To

Hours

37.5

In accordance with apprenticeship regulations and Practicepolicy.

Location

Job Purpose

To provide support within the Practice Dispensary whilstundertaking and successfully completing the Buttercups NVQ Level 2Dispensing Assistant Qualification over a 12-month period.

The post holder will work under the supervision of qualifieddispensers and clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and behavioursrequired to safely and effectively dispense medicines to eligible dispensingpatients.

The Apprentice Dispenser will contribute to the delivery ofa high-quality dispensing service in accordance with Practice policies, NHSWales requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the principles ofthe Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS). The role includesparticipation in structured workplace training, competency assessments,mandatory training and continuous professional development.

Key ResponsibilitiesDispensing Duties

Assist in the safe preparation and dispensing ofprescriptions under supervision.

Accurately select, assemble and label medicines inaccordance with prescriptions and SOPs.

Process repeat prescriptions and Electronic PrescriptionService (EPS) prescriptions where applicable.

Ensure prescriptions are processed efficiently whilstmaintaining accuracy.

Highlight any prescription queries or concerns to aqualified dispenser, pharmacist or GP.

Adhere to all legal, professional and Practice requirementsrelating to dispensing activities.

Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Patient Care and Customer Service

Provide a professional, courteous and patient-centredservice.

Assist patients collecting medication and respondappropriately to routine enquiries.

Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcareprofessionals.

Signpost patients to the appropriate member of the Practiceteam when necessary.

Support the delivery of excellent patient care and customerservice.

Manage all interactions in accordance with confidentialityand data protection requirements.

Stock Management

Assist with ordering, receiving and storing pharmaceuticalstock.

Monitor stock levels and report shortages.

Conduct regular stock rotation and expiry date checks.

Maintain appropriate storage conditions, includingrefrigerators and cold-chain medicines.

Assist with medicines recalls and stock audits.

Support the safe disposal of expired or unwanted medicinesin accordance with Practice procedures.

Administrative Duties

Use EMIS Web and dispensing systems safely and effectively.

Maintain accurate patient, prescription and stock records.

Assist with filing, scanning and other dispensaryadministration.

Support dispensary audits and quality improvementactivities.

Maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment.

Follow all Practice policies, procedures and SOPs.

The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the ButtercupsNVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and will be expected tocomplete the programme within 12 months.

The Apprentice Dispenser will:

Attend all scheduled training sessions, tutorials andreviews.

Complete coursework, assignments and portfolio evidencewithin agreed timescales.

Participate in workplace observations and competencyassessments.

Develop knowledge of medicines, dispensing procedures andhealthcare legislation.

Apply learning from the qualification within the workplace.

Successfully achieve the qualification within the agreedtimeframe.

Protected learning time will be provided in accordance withPractice requirements and apprenticeship arrangements.

DSQS and Quality Requirements

The Apprentice Dispenser will support the Practice inmaintaining compliance with Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) standardsby:

• Participating in competency assessments.
• Following all dispensary SOPs.
• Supporting quality improvement activities.
• Participating in audits and reviews.
• Maintaining evidence of training and competency.
• Promoting safe and effective dispensing practice.
• Contributing to patient safety and risk managementprocesses.

Mandatory Training and Development

The Apprentice Dispenser must complete all mandatorytraining and refresher requirements relevant to the role.

This includes:

• Governance and Compliance
• Information Governance
• Data Security Awareness
• GDPR and Confidentiality
• Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
• Safeguarding Adults
• Safeguarding Children
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Controlled Drugs Awareness
• Near Miss and Dispensing Error Reporting
• Health and Safety
• Health and Safety at Work
• Basic Life Support (where required)
• Lone Worker Awareness (where applicable)
• Business Continuity and Emergency Planning
• Dispensary Specific Training
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Prescription Processing
• Stock Management
• Cold Chain and Refrigerator Monitoring
• Repeat Prescribing Processes
• Dispensing Software Training

Competency Requirements

The Apprentice Dispenser will undertake structuredcompetency assessments in:

• Confidentiality and Information Governance
• Prescription Processing
• Medicines Selection and Assembly
• Labelling of Medicines
• Stock Control and Ordering
• Use of Dispensing Systems
• Repeat Prescribing Procedures
• Cold Chain Management
• SOP Compliance
• Incident and Near Miss Reporting
• Professional Conduct

Competencies will be reviewed and signed off by the LeadDispenser and/or Practice Manager.

General Responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Act in accordance with Practice policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Treat patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity andrespect.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• take reasonable care of their own health and safety and thatof others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, whilst complying withall Practice health and safety policies, procedures and training requirements.
• Participate in annual appraisal and personal developmentreviews.
• Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinaryPractice team.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of thepost.

Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications

GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (orequivalent).

Eligibility and willingness to undertake the Buttercups NVQLevel 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification.

Skills and Knowledge

Good organisational skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Personal Qualities

• Reliable and punctual.
• Professional and approachable.
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Committed to high standards of patient care.
• Able to work accurately under pressure.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welshand/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply

Previous healthcare, pharmacy, retail or customer serviceexperience.

Knowledge of the NHS and Primary Care services.

Experience of using computerised record systems.

Understanding of dispensing services within GeneralPractice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Eligibility and willingness to undertake the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification.

Experience

• This is an apprenticeship so we recognise applicants might be at the start of their career so we are not specifying essential experience criteria
• Demonstrates experience gained through school, employment, volunteering, youth groups, clubs, sports teams or other community activities.
• Previous retail or customer service experience

Additional Criteria

• Good organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Professional and approachable.
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Committed to high standards of patient care.
• Able to work accurately under pressure.
• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.