Overview
Senior Dispenser required to join a rural dispensing practice. You will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate dispensing of medication to patients. Work with the Lead Dispenser to maintain effective financial control of the dispensary.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
* Work with the Lead Dispenser to oversee daily operations in the dispensary.
* Ensure adequate staffing levels and rota planning to meet patient medication needs.
* Support and encourage the professional development of dispensary staff.
* Communicate clearly with the team to ensure duties are understood and delivered effectively.
Dispensing & Operational Duties
* Dispense medicines to patients safely, accurately, and efficiently in line with SOPs, including NOMAD prescriptions.
* Process prescriptions, endorsements, and monthly submissions to the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA).
* Manage the dispensing of controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy.
* Provide patients with clear advice on prescriptions and address any queries or issues.
Stock & Financial Control
* Liaise with suppliers to maintain cost-effective drug supplies.
* Monitor and maintain stock levels, ensuring cold chain compliance where required.
* Minimise wastage and maintain maximum profit margins.
* Oversee safe disposal of returned or out-of-date medicines.
Compliance & Quality
* Ensure all activities meet legal, clinical, and regulatory requirements, including NICE and CQC standards.
* Maintain up-to-date SOPs and policies, ensuring they are followed by all staff.
* Assist in conducting audits as required to ensure quality and compliance.
Collaboration
* Liaise with GPs, practice nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
* Maintain strong communication with the branch surgery and wider practice team.
* Support the Lead Dispenser in implementing changes and service improvements.
About Us
We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with a list size of 10,200 patients, around 60% of whom are dispensing patients. Our team includes five GP Partners, a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, and 5 part-time dispensers and 3 prescription clerks who work under the supervision of our Lead Dispenser. We are a training practice, hosting medical students and registrars, and we are proud to have a CQC rating of Good. We are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a supportive working environment.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
* GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths.
* NVQ Level Two in Dispensing.
* Stock management skills.
* Experience in primary care.
* Proficient in using EMIS.
* Strong leadership and communication skills.
Desirable
* NVQ Level Three in Dispensing.
Experience
* Experience working in a GP practice.
* Previous senior dispenser or team leader experience in a dispensary.
* Stock management skills.
* Experience in primary care.
* Proficient in using EMIS.
Other
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a DBS disclosure check.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Len Valley Practice
Groom Way, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 2QF
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