Dispenser in Bury St Edmunds

The Reynard Surgery is a warm, well-established GP practice in Red Lodge with a good CQC registration. Red Lodge is a rural village on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds with an ever-growing patient population of just over 10k. We have a younger population with many families moving into the local area due to new building developments. We are known for high quality, patient-centred primary care. We are a friendly, collaborative practice that values continuity, safety, and a positive working environment. We are part of the large Forest Heath PCN with approximately 73k patients, and work cohesively across clinical and administrative roles to ensure manageable workloads and excellent care for our patients.

Main duties of the job

• Check all medicines dispensed, ensuring there are no discrepancies.
• Dispense medicines to the entitled population safely and accurately.
• Collect prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol.
• Maintain stock levels, liaising with the dispensary manager to facilitate reordering.
• Receive and store supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained where applicable.
• Dispense controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy.
• Dispose of returned and/or out-of-date medicines safely.
• Process all repeat prescriptions within a 72‑hour timeframe.
• Provide patients with advice regarding prescription matters.
• Process prescription requests via email, phone, face‑to‑face, and online.
• Assist the Dispensary Lead with the preparation of monthly returns.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Keep accurate records, including appropriate coding entries.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Dispenser may be requested to:

• Participate in audit as directed by the audit lead.
• Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary.
• Remain current with the latest guidance to ensure the dispensary conforms to NICE, CQC, and other relevant standards.

About us

The Reynard Surgery is a rural practice approximately 15 miles from Bury St Edmunds, 3 miles from Newmarket and 19 miles from Cambridge. We have an experienced mix of GPs, advanced nurse practitioners, practice nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, and administrative colleagues who work together seamlessly. You'll never feel like you're working alone. We are a busy practice that prioritises safe working while ensuring an effective turnover of appointments. The team proactively manages workflow, clinical admin, and correspondence to keep workloads balanced and sustainable. We foster open communication, shared decision‑making, and a genuinely supportive atmosphere. Working as part of our multidisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to support and care for a diverse patient group.

Person Specification

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in dispensing and record‑keeping.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient dispensing environment.
• Knowledge of safety, health, and environmental policies relevant to dispensing.

Qualifications

• Minimum of grade C in GCSE Maths and English.
• Qualified to at least NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent.
• Experience working with the general public.
• Experience using System One.
• Ability to function as a team member.
• Familiarity with policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services (preferred).
• Experience working in a GP dispensary or pharmacy.
• Broad knowledge of general practice.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

This is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and inclusion and comply with all relevant legislation.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required as part of the recruitment process.