MAIN PURPOSE: To prepare and dispense medicines accurately, safely and promptly under the Doctors overall supervision. RESPONSIBLE TO: Dispensary Manager & Practice Manager. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (in no particular order or priority) 1. Dispensing 2. Stock Control 3. Security 4. Docking 5. Other Duties 6. Special Requirements of the Post Dispensing 1. To Dispense to patients, with the aid of the computer, medicines as required by the Doctors in the Practice. 2. Not to dispense medicines to unauthorised persons without the Doctors consent. 3. To dispense and record Private Prescriptions with their payments. 4. To receive, record and dispense Repeat medicine requests. (Note: With regard to patients whose prescription review date has passed, a small quantity only of medicine should be issued, sufficient to sustain them until a review by their doctor can be made). 5. To ensure that the Register of Controlled Drugs (CDs) is kept totally up to date at all times (i.e., all receipts and issues to be recorded and checked with a doctor). 6. To ensure that batch numbers are recorded for all generic drugs dispensed by the Practice. 7. To collect NHS Prescription Charges, when appropriate, and maintain a record of patients who owe money. 8. To liaise, with the Doctors regarding requests from patients for medicines not on Repeat Prescription. 9. To print Prescriptions for items used by District Nurses and order items required by them. 10. To deal with Dispensary related patient enquiries when necessary. 11. To prepare drugs for distribution to outlying areas. 12. Monitor effectiveness of the system and report any problems or variations required to the Dispensary Manager & Practice Manager. 13. Be aware of the Government Policy regarding prescription charges and exemptions. That practice staff who sign for patients will be held liable for exemptions claimed unlawfully. 14. Dispense and check Venalinks (blister packs) as and when needed. Stock Control 1. To maintain adequate stock control with the aid of the computer. 2. To utilise stock in date order to minimise wastage caused by time-expired items. 3. To check drugs delivered each day against invoices, to enter onto computer. Security 1. To ensure that the appropriate security measures for the safeguarding of Controlled Drugs are in place when working in the Dispensary. 2. To ensure that the appropriate security measures are maintained of both the dispensary and medical storeroom whilst on duty. That any breaches of security are brought to the Dispensary Manager and Practice Managers attention ASAP. Docking 1. To provide cover at Docking surgery. Other Duties To ensure the cleanliness of the Dispensary and equipment at all times. To carry out the checking and accounting of prescriptions each month for submission to the Prescribing Pricing Authority. When on late shift. At the end of the evening surgery, to count the till money and ensure that the Drug Cupboard is locked. Special Requirements of the Post An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality. An ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness, common sense and local knowledge to respond to patients enquiries and requests. Excellent Communication skills. Ability to self motivate, organise and prioritise own workload.