Purpose:
1. To work alongside pharmacy technicians and under the supervision of the Responsible Pharmacist to ensure the safe, accurate and timely supply of prescribed medication to patients.
2. To provide medicines-related and healthy lifestyle advice to patients as well as assisting in the smooth operation of the pharmacy.
Reports to: Paul Bisby
Key responsibilities:
3. To be working towards or have completed an accredited NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) Dispensing Assistant training course under the guidance of the pharmacist.
4. To select, label and dispense pharmaceutical products in accordance with a prescription by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complying with all legal requirements.
5. To ensure the safe and correct transfer of dispensed items to patients.
6. To accurately maintain Patient Medication Records (PMR) to ensure patient safety and in accordance with data protection requirements.
7. To identify medicine related problems or queries and bring these to the attention of the pharmacist.
8. To answer queries on the supply and availability of medicines, where it is within your competence.
9. To receive stock in accordance with SOPs.
10. To ensure the safe and appropriate storage of medicines.
11. To assist with stock control and the maintenance of reasonable stock levels within the pharmacy environment.
12. To liaise with other healthcare professionals to assist in the continuity of patient care across primary and secondary care
13. To assist with service provision to care homes
14. To respond to symptoms described by customers by following agreed protocols and using own knowledge and judgement.
15. To select and recommend suitable products and provide advice on their correct use.
16. To provide advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.
17. To refer to the pharmacist when appropriate.
18. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of medicines and minor ailments by reading journals, product information and training resources.
19. To assist in providing pharmaceutical care to patients by carrying out reasonable duties as determined by needs of the business.
Personal specification:
20. To be working towards or have completed an accredited NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) Dispensing Assistant training course under the guidance of the pharmacist.
21. Good attention to detail and high levels of concentration.
22. Excellent communication and customer service skills.
23. Excellent team working skills.
24. Good level of IT literacy and numeracy
25. A warm and friendly but professional attitude towards customers.
26. Able to handle heavy prescriptions e.g. we dispense a lot of protein liquid prescriptions and these can weigh 7.5kg per box.