At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist patients with prescriptions and support the dispensary team in a busy environment.
- Company: Join Mereside Medical, a thriving healthcare group serving 45,000 patients.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive full training, and work in a supportive team.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for those seeking their first role in healthcare or customer service.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable, and willing to learn; no previous experience required.
The predicted salary is between 24665 - 24665 £ per year.
Based: Haddenham Surgery but also Staploe Medical Centre when needed
Basis: Permanent, up to 32 hours per week (FTE=37 per week)
Salary: Up to £24,665 per annum FTE, pro rata for part-time
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the UK
About Us
Mereside Medical is a flourishing group of three East Cambridgeshire practices in Ely, Haddenham and Soham, together serving c.45,000 patients. As a group, we’ve grown rapidly and now employ more than 170 people across the three practices. We are people-centred in our approach to work and believe that every contact that a patient has with our staff is as valuable as the next in the patient journey. We believe in clinical excellence, and that general practice is the cornerstone of well-being in our community. We are innovative and forward-looking, and we embrace technology to enable more effective, efficient, and connected ways of working to deliver ever better outcomes for our patients.
Our goal is to deliver on the ambitions laid out in the NHS 10 year Health Plan for England in a way that is locally relevant, valued by patients, and satisfying for our staff. In addition to our core general practice work we run a large clinical research trials unit and we work closely with the ICB to develop innovative ways to improve local service provision. We are the lead practice for one of the two local PCNs and are represented in both. We are proud to be the host organisation for the NIHR Greater Cambridge & Suffolk Commercial Research Delivery Centre (Primary Care), one of only 14 in England. This prestigious designation recognises our commitment to accelerating commercial clinical research delivery for health and economic benefit across our region.
The Role
We are looking for a reliable and friendly person to join our dispensary team. This role is ideal for someone looking to gain their first experience in dispensary or customer service. The position involves working Saturdays and may include additional weekday after-school hours and holiday cover. This role will support the dispensary team in delivering an efficient, accurate and patient-focused service while gaining valuable experience in a professional healthcare environment.
Your Responsibilities
- Assisting patients when collecting prescriptions
- Answering basic dispensing and prescription queries politely and professionally
- Handling prescription payments and ensuring forms are completed correctly
- Helping keep the dispensary clean, tidy, and organised
- Assisting with stocking shelves and checking stock dates
- Making sure medicines are stored safely and correctly
- Helping maintain temperature records for refrigerated medicines
- Supporting the team with general dispensary tasks
- Using computers and practice systems as required
- Working as part of a team and helping colleagues when needed
Confidentiality & Compliance
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with GDPR and practice policies
- Follow all health & safety, infection control and dispensary procedures
- Work in accordance with practice policies, professional standards and current legislation
- Promote equality, diversity and respectful treatment of patients and colleagues
About You:
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain their first experience in healthcare, customer service or a dispensary environment. Working alongside our experienced dispensary team, you will develop valuable workplace skills including communication, teamwork, organisation, attention to detail and customer service. Whether you are considering a future career in healthcare or simply looking to gain experience in a professional environment, full training and support will be provided and no previous healthcare experience is required.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, polite, and helpful
- Reliable and punctual
- Organised with good attention to detail
- Willing to learn new skills
- Able to work in a busy environment
- Comfortable speaking with patients and team members
- Willing to work towards NVQ2
It would be helpful if you have:
- An interest in healthcare or dispensary
- Previous customer service or work experience (not essential)
- Basic IT skills
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. The need for flexibility is required, and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
Closing date: 14 August 2026. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. If you have not received a response within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.
Dispensary Assistant in Ely employer: Mereside Medical
Mereside Medical is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and people-centred work culture that prioritises the well-being of both patients and staff. With a commitment to innovation and professional development, employees have access to valuable training opportunities and the chance to contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives in the East Cambridgeshire community. Joining our dispensary team not only provides a pathway into the healthcare sector but also allows you to be part of a dynamic organisation dedicated to clinical excellence and patient satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dispensary Assistant in Ely
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Mereside Medical.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Mereside Medical.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Mereside Medical, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Dispensary Assistant in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Mereside Medical.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Mereside Medical.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Mereside Medical. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Mereside Medical. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mereside Medical
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Mereside Medical’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
