Mendip Country Practice, Job Description – Dispensary Counter Assistant/Driver
September 2024

ROLE:
•	strive towards the smooth effective running of the dispensary
•	assist the practice in it’s provision of excellent primary health care
•	recognise the importance of, and thus provide, helpful, efficient and capable communication to other staff, patients and the public
•	understand the strict guidelines of confidentiality and the consequences should it be breached

RESPONSIBILITIES (following training):

•	Training
Undertake all relevant training as directed by the Practice Manager, be aware of own needs and discuss with PM either at appraisal or any other time.  Training may take place in-house or off the premises.  When not held at the practice every effort will be made to book as close to the practice as possible.  Be aware of all practice procedures and protocols.  Particular knowledge of Dispensary Procedures Manual at all times, and full training given in SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures in dispensary).  Be aware of practice Health & Safety, COSHH, Risk Assessment and Complaints Procedures and how to obtain more information.

•	Provide a welcome, helpful and professional face to everyone who walks in
Make sure all messages passed on straight away -  orally/message book/email or practice note
Help with queries from GP’s, attached staff and other staff members
Deal with emails and practice notes
Generally ensure smooth running of dispensary, keep workplace tidy
Maintain levels of forms, order from source or request photocopying in plenty of time
Deal with changes in patients’ details, enter on EMIS & on paper notes
After full dispensary training:
Issuing and preparing prescriptions for patients, maintaining confidentiality, working efficiently and meticulously at all times
Monitoring stock levels, placing stock orders etc
Health and safety
General Housekeeping ie. fridge temperatures, equipment maintenance
Correct disposal of medication returned
Allow all dispensing guidelines (SOPs) as per manual, dispense drugs, deal with queries from GPs and patients, hand out repeat prescriptions etc

•	Delivery of medication to patients home addresses in the surrounding villages.

•	Meetings
Attending meetings as directed, reading minutes and where necessary taking action and keeping a record of that action.

•	ANY OTHER DUTIES WHICH ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THE POST.
THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES/ PERSONAL ABILITIES:
•	work to the highest standards possible at all times
•	IT skills, ability to use clinical software (EMIS) accurately and safely – full training is given
•	keep calm & deal with emergencies
•	organise work and prioritise
•	be positive, motivate others
•	deal with change
•	have good communication skills, compassion, understanding and empathy
•	welcome training opportunities
•	be able to ask for help if in difficulty
•	work well on own but also as part of a team
•	cover other team members for sickness and holiday leave - essential
•	be able to provide additional hours at busy periods ie. Christmas/Easter

Other Information
•	Hourly rate payable into your bank account on the last working day of each month.
•	Four weeks paid holiday entitlement plus bank holidays. Bank holidays are paid if they fall on your normal working day.
•	Pro-rata share of Saturday mornings (approximately 1 in 5 under review)
•	NHS Pension, Staff uniform
•	Shift times between surgery hours of 8.30am – 6.30pm