Clinical Pharmacist/Independent Prescriber

NHS Jobs; Liverpool; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs in Australia is seeking an experienced Clinical Pharmacist to lead medicines optimisation, conduct structured medication reviews and support safe deprescribing for patients with multimorbidity.

The role covers independent prescribing, long-term condition management, repeat prescribing, medicines reconciliation after discharge, prescribing safety, QOF and multidisciplinary teamwork, with emphasis on accurate record-keeping and professional governance.

Responsibilities

• Perform structured medication reviews for patients with polypharmacy, frailty and multimorbidity.
• Prescribe independently within scope; manage long-term conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
• Review repeat prescribing; ensure safety and timely medication reauthorisation.
• Reconcile medicines after discharge; resolve discrepancies with hospital and primary care.
• Support prescribing safety; implement MHRA alerts and safety audits.
• Contribute to QOF, cost-effective prescribing and audits.
• Work with GPs, nurses and pharmacists; maintain records and GP registers.

Job description

Clinical Pharmacist/Independent Prescriber

Clinical Medication Reviews and Medicines Optimisation Undertake structured medication reviews for patients with complex polypharmacy, frailty, multimorbidity and high-risk medication regimens. Identify potentially inappropriate prescribing, adverse drug reactions, interactions and contraindications. Review therapeutic effectiveness, patient adherence and opportunities for safe deprescribing. Support patients to understand their medicines and participate in shared treatment decisions. Review medication for elderly, housebound and care home patients where clinically appropriate. Ensure all consultations, treatment decisions and follow-up arrangements are accurately recorded.

2. Independent Prescribing and Long-Term Condition Management

Prescribe independently within the postholder's agreed scope of practice and professional competence. Support the pharmacological management of common long-term conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Initiate, adjust, optimise or discontinue medicines in accordance with evidence-based guidelines. Request and interpret relevant investigations and monitoring results within competence. Identify patients requiring escalation or GP review. Support proactive patient management and achievement of relevant QOF targets.

3. Repeat Prescribing and Prescription Management

Review and process acute and repeat medication requests in accordance with practice protocols. Undertake repeat medication reauthorisation and ensure appropriate medication review intervals. Identify overdue monitoring and address prescribing safety concerns. Respond to medication queries from patients, community pharmacies and healthcare professionals. Support efficient prescribing workflows and reduce avoidable medication-related delays.

4. Medicines Reconciliation and Transfer of Care

Reconcile medicines following hospital discharge and specialist consultations. Review medication changes communicated through discharge summaries and outpatient letters. Identify and resolve discrepancies between hospital and primary care prescribing records. Liaise with hospital clinicians, community pharmacists and other professionals where clarification is required. Ensure medication changes are appropriately documented, communicated and followed up.

5. Prescribing Safety and Clinical Governance

Support safe prescribing and appropriate monitoring of high-risk medicines. Implement relevant MHRA drug safety alerts and medicines recalls. Undertake prescribing safety audits and contribute to quality improvement projects. Identify, report and support investigation of medication incidents and near misses. Contribute to learning from significant events and medication-related complaints. Support implementation of medicines management policies, clinical protocols and safe prescribing systems.

6. Quality Improvement, QOF and Cost-Effective Prescribing

Contribute to QOF achievement through proactive medication reviews and clinical management. Identify opportunities to improve prescribing quality, safety and cost-effectiveness. Support adherence to local formularies and national clinical guidance. Undertake clinical audits and contribute to PDSA quality improvement cycles. Reduce unnecessary prescribing, medication waste and inappropriate polypharmacy. Share audit findings, recommendations and learning with the wider clinical team.

7. Multidisciplinary Working and Professional Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, administrative staff and community pharmacy colleagues. Provide medicines-related advice and professional support to the wider practice team. Participate in relevant clinical meetings, multidisciplinary discussions and practice improvement initiatives. Maintain GPhC registration, prescribing competence and continuing professional development. Work within professional boundaries, practice policies and clinical governance arrangements. Maintain accurate clinical records, confidentiality and appropriate safeguarding standards.