Band 4/5 Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician - Bristol

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a motivated Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician in Bristol. The role involves providing a medicines optimisation service, liaising with healthcare professionals, and supporting patient care. Ideal candidates will be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and possess relevant qualifications. Training will be provided for those without prior experience. This position offers a supportive environment to enhance skills and assist in mental health care.

Qualifications

• Registered with GPhC as a Pharmacy Technician.
• Recognised, current Accuracy Checking Technician qualification or willingness to complete.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Car driver or to be mobile across a dispersed area.

Responsibilities

• Provide a medicines optimisation service to various wards and teams.
• Liaise with healthcare professionals regarding patient medication discrepancies.
• Provide advice to patients on their medication.
• Support new staff and assist with training.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

IT literate

Education

Registered with GPhC as a Pharmacy Technician

Recognised Medicines Optimisation qualification

Accuracy Checking Technician qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a motivated Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician with excellent communication skills to join our Pharmacy team. We are seeking an individual who is enthusiastic about improving the lives of those living with mental health issues and the drive and ambition to make a positive difference to patient care. Previous experience in mental health is not required, as you will be provided with competency based training and support to expand on your knowledge and experience.

Applicants must be a qualified Pharmacy Technician registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council with previous relevant hospital experience. Ideally you should possess hospital pharmacy experience, a recognised medicines optimisation qualification and be a qualified accuracy checking technician. Pharmacy technicians without these qualifications will be considered. The banding will be based on experience and will be paid as a band 5 upon completion of accreditations in both medicines management and accuracy checking.

For the clinical aspect of this role, you will be working closely with experienced locality lead pharmacists and be responsible for providing a comprehensive medicines optimisation service to a variety of AWP inpatient units and community teams in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a medicines optimisation service to a wide range of specialty mental health/physical health wards and community teams across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.
• Liaise with doctors and nurses regarding discrepancies with patients medication to improve patient care, as well as escalating problems to the relevant Pharmacist.
• Provide advice to patients regarding their medication.
• Act as a role model and help train new members of staff including Pre-Registration Technicians.
• Support the dispensary with dispensing and accuracy checking of prescribed and stock items, escalating any queries to the Responsible Pharmacist.

The AWP pharmacy service supplies medicines and provides clinical support to wards and teams across our core catchment area. We have two dispensaries: one in Calne (Wiltshire) and one at Callington Road Hospital (Bristol).

Working hours are 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, with an occasional commitment to the Saturday and bank holiday rotas. Working hours for weekends and bank holidays are 10am-1pm.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Registered with GPhC as a Pharmacy Technician
• Recognised, current Accuracy Checking Technician qualification or willingness to complete within one year of course induction day
• Recognised, current Medicines Optimisation qualification or willingness to complete within one year of course induction day
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Car driver or to be mobile with the facility to move quickly across a geographically dispersed area with limited access to public transport
• Excellent time management skills
• IT literate, including Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Experience in a hospital pharmacy or equivalent position
• Experience of working in a mental health setting
• Knowledge of specific requirements for mental health medicines, e.g. clozapine