Pharmacy Technician

Job overview

The pharmacy technician is an integral part of the general practice team, working within their professional boundaries in our practice.

This role will work under the supervision of the pharmacist to ensure the safe, accurate and timely supply of prescribed medication to patients.

They will provide technical and administrative support to the clinical pharmacist and clinicians.

The pharmacy technician will support the practice clinical team with queries around medication from patients.

The pharmacy technician will complete audits around patient safety in the prescribing of medication and present the information for sharing with the clinical team.

Job description

a. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team whilst in a supporting function to the clinical pharmacist and other clinicians and within agreed prescribing standard operating procedures

b. To support the clinical pharmacist as the point of contact for all medicines related matters

c. To process repeat medication requests, including the conversion of acute requests to repeat medicines, changing quantities of medicines

d. To issue prescriptions in line with agreed clinical protocols and within your competency

e. To encourage cost-effective prescribing

f. To undertake medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care

g. To update and maintain accurate and timely patient medication records on each practice clinical system, including advice given and action taken

h. To liaise with secondary and primary care colleagues to ensure correct medicines are continued following the transfer of care

i. To monitor practice adherence to the prescribing policy

j. To support virtual and remote models of consultation and support including e-consultations, telehealth and telemedicine

k. To liaise with practices and implement and embed a robust repeat prescribing system for use across all practices

l. To support the clinical pharmacist in improving the quality and effectiveness of prescribing through clinical audit and education to improve performance against NICE standard

m. To identify and be proactive in your training needs and development and as agreed with the Clinical Pharmacist.

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the pharmacy technician. There may be on occasion a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent on factors such as workload and staffing levels. The pharmacy technician will work within their scope of clinical practice and:

a. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team whilst in a supporting function to the clinical pharmacist and other clinicians and within agreed prescribing standard operating procedures

b. To support the clinical pharmacist as the point of contact for all medicines related matters

c. To process repeat medication requests, including the conversion of acute requests to repeat medicines, changing quantities of medicines

d. To issue prescriptions in line with agreed clinical protocols and within your competency

e. To encourage cost-effective prescribing

f. To undertake medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care

g. To update and maintain accurate and timely patient medication records on each practice clinical system, including advice given and action taken

h. To liaise with secondary and primary care colleagues to ensure correct medicines are continued following the transfer of care

i. To monitor practice adherence to the prescribing policy

j. To support virtual and remote models of consultation and support including e-consultations, telehealth and telemedicine

k. To liaise with practices and implement and embed a robust repeat prescribing system for use across all practices

l. To support the clinical pharmacist in improving the quality and effectiveness of prescribing through clinical audit and education to improve performance against NICE standards, and clinical and prescribing guidance

m. To ensure appropriate supervision of safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs

n. To apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines

o. To identify and be proactive in your training needs and development and as agreed with the Clinical Pharmacist.

p. To support in the delivery of enhanced services and other service requirements on behalf of the PCN

q. To participate in the management of patient complaints when requested to do so and participate in the identification of any necessary learning brought about through incidents and near-miss events

r. To actively signpost patients to the correct healthcare professional

s. To undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes

t. To contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance

u. To attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed

v. To contribute to public health campaigns (e.g. flu clinics) through advice or direct care

To maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the pharmacy technician may be requested to:

a. Support delivery of QOF, incentive schemes, QIPP and other quality or cost effectiveness initiatives and audits

b. Undertake any tasks consistent with the level of the post and the scope of the role, ensuring that work is delivered in a timely and effective manner

Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility.

About the organisation

Join our well-established, forward thinking GMS training practice of 12,700 patients. Based across 2 sites in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold town of Cirencester, we are looking for a dynamic pharmacy technician to join our supportive and friendly team.

CHG at a glance

Systm1 practice using Ardens and AccuRx

5 Partners, 5 Salaried GPs & GP Registrars

Diverse ARRS roles: Paramedic, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Social Prescriber, Care Co-ordinator, Trainee Nurse Associate

Experienced Nursing team including Advanced Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Prescriber

Nurse led chronic disease clinics

Strong administration team & experienced management team

Innovative South Cotswold Frailty service

In-house Vasectomy service and Minor Surgery clinics

GP led Total Triage appointment system

Enthusiastic GP Training Practice, with up to 3 GP Registrars at any time

Strong links with NB Medical to support clinicians

Teaching Practice for Three Counties Medical School

Close links with South Cotswold PCN, Gloucestershire ICB and the LMC

High QOF attainment and CQC rated Good

Skilled worker visa sponsor licence

Whilst committed to our traditional patient centred values we are proud to positively engage with the challenges & opportunities facing Primary Care and continually strive to improve pathways to benefit both patients and staff.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of working autonomously or as part of a team

Desirable

• Experience of working in a GP practice

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE grade A-C in English and Maths
• Qualified to NVQ level 2 in health and social care

Desirable

• CPPE qualified

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide quality care

Desirable

• Basic IT skills