Senior Dispenser

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Dispenser to join our friendly 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 our patients. Working withthe lead dispenser to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary is maintained.

The Senior Dispenser plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient and effective running of the dispensary. Working with the Lead Dispenser, they support day to day operations, oversee staffing levels and rota planning, and encourage the professional development of the dispensary team. The role involves dispensing medicines accurately in line with SOPs, including controlled drugs and NOMAD prescriptions, processing claims to the Prescription Pricing Authority, and providing clear advice to patients on their medication.

They are responsible for stock management and financial control, liaising with suppliers to maintain cost effective drug supplies, monitoring stock levels and cold chain compliance, minimising waste and overseeing safe disposal of medicines. The post holder ensures compliance with all legal, clinical and regulatory requirements, keeps SOPs up to date, and assists with audits to maintain quality and safety standards.

Collaboration is key, with regular liaison with GPs, nurses, hospitals and the wider practice team, including the branch surgery. The Senior Dispenser also supports the Lead Dispenser in delivering service improvements and implementing change.

We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with alist size of 10,200 patients, of which around 60% are dispensing patients. Ourteam includes five GP Partners, a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, and 5part-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.

Job Description Senior Dispenser

Reports to:
Lead Dispenser

Hours: 30hrs (with over time as required)

Salary:
Dependant on experience

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Dispenser to join our friendly 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 our patients. Working with the lead dispenser to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary is maintained.

About Us

We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with a list size of 10,200 patients, of which around 60% 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

• GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths.
• NVQ Level Two in Dispensing.
• Experience in primary care.
• Proficient in using EMIS.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• NVQ Level Three in Dispensing.

• Experience…