Apprentice Dispenser - Llanfairpwll Health Centre

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our busy GP Practice as an Apprentice Dispenser. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in healthcare whilst undertaking the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification, a fully supported 12-month training programme.

Working within our dispensing team, you will assist in the safe and efficient dispensing of medicines to patients, provide excellent customer service, and learn all aspects of dispensary operations including prescription processing, stock management, medicines handling and healthcare governance.

The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail, good communication skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Full training will be provided, together with ongoing support from experienced dispensary staff.

This role offers the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care within a friendly and supportive General Practice environment.

Welsh is desirable, Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in the safe and accurate dispensing of prescriptions under supervision.
• Process prescriptions, select and label medicines in accordance with Practice procedures and SOPs.
• Provide a friendly and professional service to patients and respond to routine prescription enquiries.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, storing and monitoring medication stock.
• Maintain accurate dispensing records and use Practice computer systems effectively.
• Complete the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and all mandatory training requirements.
• Work in accordance with Practice policies, confidentiality requirements, health and safety regulations and DSQS standards.
• Participate in audits, competency assessments and quality improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider Practice team and undertake other duties appropriate to the role.

About us

Rural practice with 2 surgeries 8200 patients in beautiful South West Anglesey. Llanfairpwll Health Centre & Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery. 7 GPs 1 ANP experienced practice nurses, health care assistants and a well established admin team. EMIS clinical system. It's a happy supportive place to work with a good team spirit.

We provide dispensing services at Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery, Dwyran

Details

• Date posted: 10 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £8 an hour Apprentice Dispenser
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 18 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: M0044-26-0240
• Job locations: Llanfairpwll Health Centre, Llanfairpwll, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 5YZ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

APPRENTICE DISPENSER JOB DESCRIPTION

Apprentice Dispenser

Responsible To

Dispensary Team Leader and Practice Manager

Accountable To

GP Partners- Dispensing Lead GP

Hours

37.5

Salary

In accordance with apprenticeship regulations and Practice policy.

Location

Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery Dwyran Llanfairpwllgwyngyll Ynys Mon LL61 6YD

Job Purpose

To provide support within the Practice Dispensary whilst undertaking and successfully completing the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification over a 12-month period.

The post holder will work under the supervision of qualified dispensers and clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to safely and effectively dispense medicines to eligible dispensing patients.

The Apprentice Dispenser will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service in accordance with Practice policies, NHS Wales requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the principles of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS). The role includes participation in structured workplace training, competency assessments, mandatory training and continuous professional development.

Key ResponsibilitiesDispensing Duties

Assist in the safe preparation and dispensing of prescriptions under supervision.

Accurately select, assemble and label medicines in accordance with prescriptions and SOPs.

Process repeat prescriptions and Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) prescriptions where applicable.

Ensure prescriptions are processed efficiently whilst maintaining accuracy.

Highlight any prescription queries or concerns to a qualified dispenser, pharmacist or GP.

Maintain accurate dispensing records.

Adhere to all legal, professional and Practice requirements relating to dispensing activities.

Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Patient Care and Customer Service

Provide a professional, courteous and patient-centred service.

Assist patients collecting medication and respond appropriately to routine enquiries.

Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

Signpost patients to the appropriate member of the Practice team when necessary.

Support the delivery of excellent patient care and customer service.

Manage all interactions in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Stock Management

Assist with ordering, receiving and storing pharmaceutical stock.

Monitor stock levels and report shortages.

Conduct regular stock rotation and expiry date checks.

Maintain appropriate storage conditions, including refrigerators and cold-chain medicines.

Assist with medicines recalls and stock audits.

Support the safe disposal of expired or unwanted medicines in accordance with Practice procedures.

Administrative Duties

Use EMIS Web and dispensing systems safely and effectively.

Maintain accurate patient, prescription and stock records.

Assist with filing, scanning and other dispensary administration.

Support dispensary audits and quality improvement activities.

Maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment.

Follow all Practice policies, procedures and SOPs.

Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification

The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and will be expected to complete the programme within 12 months.

The Apprentice Dispenser will:

Attend all scheduled training sessions, tutorials and reviews.

Complete coursework, assignments and portfolio evidence within agreed timescales.

Participate in workplace observations and competency assessments.

Develop knowledge of medicines, dispensing procedures and healthcare legislation.

Apply learning from the qualification within the workplace.

Successfully achieve the qualification within the agreed timeframe.

Protected learning time will be provided in accordance with Practice requirements and apprenticeship arrangements.

DSQS and Quality Requirements

The Apprentice Dispenser will support the Practice in maintaining compliance with Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) standards by:

Participating in competency assessments.

Following all dispensary SOPs.

Undertaking continuous professional development.

Supporting quality improvement activities.

Participating in audits and reviews.

Maintaining evidence of training and competency.

Promoting safe and effective dispensing practice.

Contributing to patient safety and risk management processes.

Mandatory Training and Development

The Apprentice Dispenser must complete all mandatory training and refresher requirements relevant to the role.

This includes:

Governance and Compliance

Information Governance

Data Security Awareness

GDPR and Confidentiality

Equality, Diversity and Human Rights

Patient Safety

Safeguarding Adults

Safeguarding Children

Infection Prevention and Control

Medicines Management Awareness

Controlled Drugs Awareness

Near Miss and Dispensing Error Reporting

Health and Safety

Health and Safety at Work

Fire Safety

Basic Life Support (where required)

Lone Worker Awareness (where applicable)

Business Continuity and Emergency Planning

Dispensary Specific Training

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Prescription Processing

Stock Management

Cold Chain and Refrigerator Monitoring

Medicines Storage Requirements

Repeat Prescribing Processes

Dispensing Software Training

Competency Requirements

The Apprentice Dispenser will undertake structured competency assessments in:

Confidentiality and Information Governance

Prescription Processing

Medicines Selection and Assembly

Labelling of Medicines

Patient Communication

Stock Control and Ordering

Use of Dispensing Systems

Repeat Prescribing Procedures

Cold Chain Management

SOP Compliance

Incident and Near Miss Reporting

Professional Conduct

Competencies will be reviewed and signed off by the Lead Dispenser and/or Practice Manager.

General Responsibilities

The post holder will:

Act in accordance with Practice policies and procedures.

Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Treat patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect.

Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, whilst complying with all Practice health and safety policies, procedures and training requirements.

Participate in annual appraisal and personal development reviews.

Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary Practice team.

Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications

GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Eligibility and willingness to undertake the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification.

Skills and Knowledge

Good communication skills.

Good organisational skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

IT skills.

Ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Personal Qualities

Reliable and punctual.

Professional and approachable.

Enthusiastic and willing to learn.

Flexible and adaptable.

Committed to high standards of patient care.

Able to work accurately under pressure.

Desirable Criteria

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply

Previous healthcare, pharmacy, retail or customer service experience.

Knowledge of the NHS and Primary Care services.

Experience of using computerised record systems.

Understanding of dispensing services within General Practice.