NhsJobs Newmarket

Prescription Clerk

Wickhambrook Surgery · Newmarket, CB8 8XU

Salary: £12.71 (per hour)
Location: Newmarket, CB8 8XU

Prescription Clerk role at Wickhambrook Surgery in Newmarket, CB8 8XU. Salary: £12.71 (per hour). Source: NhsJobs. Apply directly with the employer via the link above.

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Job description

Job Description: Prescription Clerk

Job Purpose

To provide efficient, accurate, and timely administrative support in the processing of repeat and acute prescription requests, ensuring all medication requests are managed in accordance with Practice Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), prescribing guidance, patient safety standards, and confidentiality requirements. The role supports the safe and effective management of prescription workflows whilst providing excellent patient service and maintaining effective communication with clinicians, patients, pharmacies, and external healthcare organisations.

Key Responsibilities

Prescription Processing

• Process repeat prescription requests received via SystmOne, email, paper requests, & face-to-face requests.

• Issue repeat medications in accordance with Practice SOPs, ensuring medication reviews, monitoring requirements, and review dates are checked before issue.

• Identify prescriptions requiring clinical review and refer appropriately to a GP, Pharmacist, or Prescribing Clinician.

• Process managed repeat prescriptions in accordance with Practice procedures.

• Issue prescriptions for third-party providers, community services, and external healthcare organisations where appropriate.

• Ensure all prescription requests are actioned accurately, efficiently, and within agreed timescales.

• Escalate urgent medication requests in accordance with Practice procedures.

• Maintain accurate patient records and update prescription-related information on SystmOne as required.

• Order any medication not routinely stocked.

Patient and Communication Support

• Respond to prescription queries from patients in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner.

• Answer telephone calls promptly and deal with medication and prescription-related enquiries within the scope of the role.

• Liaise with GPs, Clinical Pharmacists, Nurses, Community Pharmacies & other healthcare professionals regarding prescription queries and medication requests.

• Provide patients with information regarding prescription processing times and Practice procedures.

• Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with GDPR, NHS guidance, and Practice policies.

Prescription Administration

• Monitor prescription workflows and ensure outstanding requests are followed up appropriately.

• Action prescription-related tasks, electronic communications, and internal messages within designated timescales.

• Maintain accurate records of prescription requests, medication reviews, and communications.

• Support the management of medication reviews, following the protocols in place within the practice.

• Assist with processing prescription queries arising from pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.

Dispensary Support

• Work on the dispensary hatch as required, handing out medication in accordance with SOPs.

• Handle prescription charge payments and related paperwork accurately.

• Assist dispensary staff with prescription preparation by accurately selecting and picking medications from issued prescriptions.

• Support dispensary workflow during periods of high demand or staff absence.

• Assist with general housekeeping, infection prevention, and maintaining a safe working environment.

• Flexibility to take a share of cover for colleagues leave and sickness.

Quality, Compliance and Patient Safety

• Work in accordance with all Practice SOPs, prescribing policies, and dispensary procedures.

• Identify and report prescribing, dispensing, or administrative errors in line with Practice incident reporting procedures.

• Assist with audits, data collection, and quality improvement activities relating to prescribing and medicines management.

• Contribute to maintaining high standards of patient safety and service delivery.

• Participate in mandatory training and maintain relevant competencies.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organisational and workload management skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Competent IT, keyboard, and data-entry skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

• Professional, reliable, and flexible approach to work.

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a GP Practice, dispensary, pharmacy, or healthcare environment.

• Knowledge of repeat prescribing processes and NHS prescription systems.

• Experience using SystmOne or other clinical systems.

• Understanding of medication review processes.

• Knowledge of prescription charges, exemptions, and NHS prescription regulations.

Accountability

The post holder is responsible to the Dispensary Manager and will work closely with GPs, Clinical Pharmacists, Prescribing Teams, and other Practice staff. The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant Practice policies, SOPs, confidentiality requirements, health and safety regulations, information governance standards, and professional expectations.