Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Pharmacy Technician to join our Primary Care Network based in Plymouth. A key member of the practice, responsible for medicines management services across the organisation. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to manage repeat prescription authorisations and reauthorisation, acute prescription requests, management of medicines on transfer of care and systems for safer prescribing.

Who are we?

We are an ambitious and diverse GP Practice Network, providing care to over 30,000 patients across six locations in Plymouth. We are a forward-thinking team that always aspire to fresh thinking and innovation for new or improved ways to delivering the best healthcare for our patients. We can guarantee a day working in Pathfields will not be dull and will bring fulfilment and the sense you really are making a difference as part of a diverse team we are most proud of!

We have approximately 140 employees in diverse roles including GPs, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Pharmacy Technicians, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Phlebotomists Receptionist, Administrators and many more! We recognise that staff our best asset and work hard to provide a supportive and inclusive culture where staff can thrive. Wherever you work with Pathfields, you will always have the opportunity to bring new ideas to continuously improve our service to patients.

Primary 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 upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

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 To support the clinical pharmacist as the PCN point of contact for all medicines related matters To process repeat medication requests, including the conversion of acute requests to repeat medicines, changing quantities of medicines To issue prescriptions in line with agreed clinical protocols and within your competency To encourage cost-effective prescribing throughout the PCN To undertake medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care To update and maintain accurate and timely patient medication records on each practice clinical system, including advice given and action taken To liaise with secondary and primary care colleagues to ensure correct medicines are continued following the transfer of care To monitor practice adherence to the prescribing policy To support virtual and remote models of consultation and support including e-consultations, telehealth and telemedicine To liaise with practices and implement and embed a robust repeat prescribing system for use across all practices 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 To apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines To identify and be proactive in your training needs and development and as agreed with the Clinical Pharmacist To support in the delivery of enhanced services and other service requirements on behalf of the PCN 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 To actively signpost patients to the correct healthcare professional To undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes To contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance When requested to by a clinician, have appropriate conversations with patients and initiate medications such as Vitamin D, Iron Supplements, Folic Acid, Statins etc as per the PCN protocol. 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

Secondary Responsibilities:

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

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

Role Responsibilities:

Medicines Information:

Manage patients and health care professionals' medicine queries. Act as a source of medicines information for all of the practice team and patients (e.g. around doses, side effects, adverse events, possible alternatives e.g. low/out of stock)

Medication Safety and Quality:

Increase quality and safety of prescribing through mechanisms such as audit and PDSA cycles. Implement drug withdrawals and alerts e.g. MHRA aimed at improving medicines safety. Work with primary care professional and patients to implement NICE and other evidence based guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills:

Exceptional communication skills (written and oral). High level of computer literacy. A flexible pro-active approach to work. Experience of autonomous practice working and multi-professional team working. Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise task effectively. Ability to make clear decisions with confidence and communicate these effectively. Ability to work under pressure while remaining calm in difficult situations. Ability to effectively assess, plan, treat and refer patients appropriately and evaluate patient care confidently Broad and sound knowledge of complex and common conditions in primary care in both adults and children. Experience of working to protocols / guidelines and patient groups / patient specific directives. Professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality at all times. Completion of the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway

(CPPE)

course is preferred but

not essential.

Why should you apply?

Competitive salary based on experience. A supportive and friendly working environment. An offer of a permanent contract on completion of a probation period. An opportunity to join the NHS Pension scheme. An opportunity to join the Cycle to Work Scheme. 6.6 weeks holidays including bank holidays (pro rata). Eligibility for the NHS discount service. An opportunity to develop personal skills and experience. An annual study leave entitlement to aid development. Comprehensive induction/training schedule. In house teaching, mentoring and support.

How to apply?

If you think you're the right person to fulfil this role within our team then we want to hear from you! Please apply via CV and supporting statement telling us why you would be the ideal candidate for this role!

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Hour

- 37hrs per week

Monday - 08:00-18:00 (30 min lunch) Tuesday- 08:00-18:00 (30 min lunch) Wednesday- Non working day Thursday - 08:00- 18:00 (30 min lunch) Friday- 08:00- 17:00 (30 min lunch)

Salary:

17 per hour - Salary negotiable depending on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme On-site parking
Work Location: In person