PCN Pharmacy Technician

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our Primary Care Network (PCN) pharmacy technician team.

This is a varied role supporting the safe, effective and efficient use of medicines across the PCN. Working closely with our Clinical Pharmacists, GPs and wider multidisciplinary team, you will support medicines optimisation, medicines safety and the day-to-day management of medication-related queries.

The role will include processing medicines-related correspondence, managing pharmacy technician tasks, supporting high-risk drug monitoring and medicines safety searches, responding to medication queries and liaising with patients, community pharmacies, care homes and other healthcare professionals.

We are looking for someone who is organised, approachable and able to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues. You will be supported by the wider team and provided with appropriate training to become familiar with our local systems, processes and protocols.

The successful candidate must be a registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Job description

The PCN Pharmacy Technician will work closely with Clinical Pharmacists, GPs and the wider multidisciplinary team to support the safe and effective use of medicines across the PCN.

The role will include processing medicines-related correspondence, managing medication queries and repeat prescribing tasks, supporting medicines synchronisation and resolving medication discrepancies. The post holder will also support high-risk drug monitoring, medicines safety searches and safety alerts, as well as responding to appropriate queries from patients, community pharmacies and care homes.

The Pharmacy Technician will work within agreed PCN and practice protocols, maintaining accurate patient records and escalating clinical queries or concerns to the appropriate clinician when required.

Job responsibilities

The PCN Pharmacy Technician will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to support medicines optimisation and the safe and effective management of medicines across the PCN.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Processing and actioning medicines-related clinical correspondence, including letters from secondary care, community pharmacies and private healthcare providers.
• Updating patient medication records and repeat medication templates in accordance with agreed protocols.
• Managing pharmacy technician tasks, including medicines synchronisation, out-of-stock queries, repeat medication discrepancies and appropriate acute medication requests.
• Responding to appropriate medicines-related queries from patients, community pharmacies and care homes.
• Supporting communications relating to compliance aids and medication changes.
• Communicating previously agreed clinical decisions to patients where appropriate.
• Reviewing and actioning relevant medicines safety alerts.
• Supporting high-risk drug monitoring and following up patients in accordance with practice protocols.
• Undertaking scheduled medicines safety searches, including DOAC monitoring and searches relating to contraindicated medicines.
• Supporting medicines safety requirements relating to sodium valproate and other high-risk medicines.
• Managing proxy access for authorised care home staff.
• Liaising effectively with Clinical Pharmacists, GPs, community pharmacies, care homes and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Maintaining accurate and appropriate patient records.
• Recognising the limits of professional competence and escalating clinical queries or concerns to the appropriate clinician.
• Working in accordance with PCN policies, procedures and agreed protocols.
• Participating in appropriate training, professional development, supervision and appraisal.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. The successful candidate will receive appropriate training and support and will not be expected to have prior experience of every local process or protocol.

About the organisation

St Pauls Primary Care Network (PCN) is based in Cheltenham and made up of four GP practices who work collaboratively to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to our local population.

Our PCN team is made up of a range of healthcare professionals working alongside our GP practices, including Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, HCAs, Social Prescribers, Care coordinators and other additional roles. By working together across practices, we aim to improve access to services, support effective medicines management and provide joined-up care for our patients.

We value teamwork, good communication and a supportive working environment. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the PCN and our member practices and will be supported to develop their knowledge and confidence within the role.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• BTEC/NVQ Level 3, Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent recognised Pharmacy Technician qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and commitment to maintaining professional competence.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development required for the role.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working as a registered Pharmacy Technician within a healthcare or pharmacy setting.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary or wider healthcare team.
• Experience of dealing with medication-related queries and communicating with patients and healthcare professionals.
• Experience of maintaining accurate and confidential patient or healthcare records.
• Understanding of medicines management, medicines optimisation and medication safety.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within general practice, primary care or a Primary Care Network.
• Experience supporting high-risk drug monitoring and medicines safety work.
• Experience processing medicines-related correspondence from primary and secondary care.
• Experience using GP clinical systems, such as SystmOne.
• Experience using TeamNet or similar primary care systems.

Skills

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative within agreed protocols.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Confident IT skills and ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Understanding of confidentiality, information governance and data protection.
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality patient care.
• Professional, reliable and approachable manner.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Willingness to undertake training and develop within the role.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the role of Pharmacy Technicians within general practice and Primary Care Networks.
• Understanding of current medicines safety issues within primary care.
• Knowledge of high-risk medicines and associated monitoring requirements.
• Familiarity with PCN working and multidisciplinary teams.