Dispensing Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION POST: DISPENSING ASSISTANT ACCOUNTABLE TO: PRACTICE MANAGER SUMMARY Assist in the preparation and dispensing of prescription medications Record and monitor stock Handle patient queries and requests in a professional and efficient way To carry out all day to day tasks or activities to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the dispensary DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES DISPENSING MEDICATION Receive and record all supplier deliveries including controlled drugs Check invoices and liaising with suppliers on inaccuracies Process repeat medication requests to include printing, assembling and packing according to standard operating procedures Maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions Pass on queries to GP regarding requests for unauthorised medication Issue prepared medication to patients again in line with standard operating procedures Ensure that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner Ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the correct temperature Operation of efficient stock control as fits the needs of the dispensary, with the aim of ensuring continuity and availability of supply to patients while minimising waste Maintain a clear working area and ensure all dispensary equipment is kept clean and in good working order Dispose of returned medication CASH & PRESCRIPTION HANDLING Collect and record prescription fees received Check entitlement to prescription fee exemption Calculate and collect private prescription charges Collate and count prescriptions by GP and exemption status ready for monthly submission to Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) Reconcile daily cash and card takings to till and report any errors to the Practice Manager Maintain electronic spreadsheet record of prescription numbers and amounts received Securely store all prescription forms Ensure the back of prescriptions is completed fully and accurately to minimise financial losses to the practice DELIVERIES & DOSETTE BOXES Working with colleagues, assemble, check and seal dosette boxes for patients Compile automatic repeat medication for deliveries each week Stand in for delivery driver during periods of leave ADMINISTRATION Complete records of blank prescription forms received and disptributed Comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) for recording receipt and dispensing of controlled drugs With colleagues review and update all dispensing SOPs when needed and at least annually Attend practice meetings as representative of dispensary staff Attend dispensary team meetings INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Use practice clinical software (EMIS) to record all dispensed medication Use Dispens-IT to label medication With colleagues, maintain the Dispens-IT stock database Troubleshoot problems with Dispens-IT with assistance from helpdesk Report errors and problems with EMIS to Practice Manager HEALTH & SAFETY Keep work spaces clean and reduce risk of contamination of medication Maintain high standards of personal hygiene, in particular with regard to handwashing and handling medication Identify risks involved with work activity and carry out task in a way that manages those risks Be familiar with spillage control procedures and undergo training in such Carry out correct cleaning of equipment to ensure risk of contamination is minimised PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in any training programme as deemed necessary for the performance of the role Undertake NVQ2 is dispensing services and complete this within 2 years of commencement of employment Participate in annual appraisal including the completion of a self-assessment OTHER DUTIES Since general medical practices are run very much as a team, during any working week all staff will be expected to undertake an equitable amount of other duties such as the posting of mail, delivering medications to outlying collection points, and any other duty which the Practice Manager or Doctors may reasonably request. These duties may increase during times of sickness, emergency and holiday absence and the post holder will be expected to T undertake duties as may be determined from time to time commensurate with the range of activities described above. This job description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed and amended, with the postholder, when necessary.