Pharmacy Technician

NHS; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Milton Keynes seeks a Pharmacy Technician to support the safe and effective use of medicines. Candidates must be registered with the GPhC and have experience in a pharmacy or healthcare environment. This role involves managing repeat prescriptions, supporting medication reviews, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient safety. A supportive atmosphere focused on professional development is offered.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Registration with the GPhC is essential.
• Must have experience working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Good knowledge of medicinal safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage repeat prescriptions effectively.
• Support medication reviews and reconciliations.
• Assist with clinical audits and quality improvements.

Skills

Good clinical systems knowledge

Accurate record keeping

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Tools

Clinical IT systems

Electronic prescribing tools

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and reliable Pharmacy Technician who takes pride in doing things properly and wants to be part of a practice that genuinely values its team. This is a full-time role at Purbeck Health Centre, working 37.5 hours per week in a supportive and well-organised environment where good communication and teamwork come first.

You will play an important part in keeping our prescribing safe, accurate and efficient. The role involves supporting the clinical team with medicines reconciliation, repeat prescription processing, and patient queries about medication. You will also take part in audits and quality improvement work to help us deliver safe and effective care across the practice.

You will work closely with our GPs, pharmacists, nurses and administrative staff in a setting where everyone works together and communication is open and respectful. We are a forward-thinking practice, and we take pride in looking after our staff as well as our patients.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being part of a team, has a good eye for detail, and is committed to safe, consistent, high-quality work. If that sounds like you, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

This is a varied and hands-on role that supports the safe and effective use of medicines across the practice. You will help manage repeat prescriptions, complete medicines reconciliation for new patients and hospital discharges, and deal with queries from patients and staff about medication.

You will take part in audits and safety reviews, support prescribing changes, and help ensure our systems are accurate and up to date. You will work closely with GPs, pharmacists, nurses and the reception team to make sure patients receive the right medicines at the right time.

You will help monitor high-risk medicines, support safe repeat prescribing, and encourage patients to use medicines in the best way for their health. You will also be involved in quality improvement projects, clinical governance work, and prescribing initiatives within the practice and wider PCN.

The role suits someone who enjoys being busy, can stay organised and accurate under pressure, and works well as part of a team. It is an important position that directly supports patient safety and the smooth running of the practice.

About us

Purbeck Health Centre is a well-established, forward-thinking GP practice that takes pride in providing high quality care to our patients and a positive, supportive environment for our staff. We are a busy but friendly team made up of GPs, ACPs, pharmacists, nurses, HCAs, pharmacy technicians and an experienced administrative team who all work closely together.

We value teamwork, communication and reliability. Everyone has an important role, and we make a real effort to support one another, especially when the day gets busy. We believe that a calm, organised and respectful way of working leads to better care for our patients and a better day for our staff.

We have a strong focus on quality improvement, patient safety and staff development. You will be supported through a full induction and ongoing training, and encouraged to build on your skills and confidence in the role.

Our practice has a positive and welcoming atmosphere where people work hard, help each other and take pride in doing their jobs well. We look after our team and we recognise that good care starts with a good working environment.

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Pharmacy Technician

Responsible to: Lead GP

Accountable to: The Partners

Hours per week: 37.5

Job Summary

The Pharmacy Technician is a key member of the clinical team and works within professional boundaries to support the safe, accurate and timely use of medicines across the practice.

The role involves technical and administrative support to clinicians and the wider team. The post holder will help ensure efficient repeat prescribing, manage medicine-related queries, support audits and quality improvement, and contribute to the delivery of safe, effective patient care.

The Pharmacy Technician will work under the supervision of the Lead GP and alongside pharmacists, nurses, GPs and administrative staff to ensure the highest standards of medicines management and patient safety.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical and Technical Duties

• Support medication reviews and medicines reconciliation, including for new patients and post-discharge.
• Manage repeat prescriptions and prescription queries in line with practice policies.
• Support antimicrobial stewardship and promote safe, evidence-based prescribing.
• Contribute to medicines optimisation and patient safety audits.
• Support the implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance.
• Monitor high-risk medicines and ensure appropriate tests and reviews are in place.
• Assist with prescription management systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide advice to patients and staff about medicines, within scope of practice.
• Promote best use of electronic prescribing and safe repeat prescribing systems.
• Support the introduction and review of prescribing initiatives and incentive schemes.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work closely with GPs, ACPs, pharmacists, nurses, HCAs and the wider team.
• Communicate clearly and professionally at all times.
• Support the training and development of colleagues where relevant.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to service improvement.

Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement

• Take part in clinical audits, quality improvement work and patient safety reviews.
• Identify trends or risks in prescribing and highlight these to the clinical team.
• Record accurate data using clinical systems and SNOMED coding.
• Support continuous improvement in prescribing safety and quality.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain GPhC registration and meet all continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
• Work within legal, ethical and professional codes of conduct at all times.
• Respect patient confidentiality and handle information securely.
• Contribute to clinical governance, learning from incidents and near-misses.
• Take part in annual appraisal and ongoing performance review.

Service Delivery

• Follow all practice policies and procedures, including safeguarding and information governance.
• Participate in public health campaigns and vaccination programmes where required.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
• Contribute to the effective running of the practice through flexibility and teamwork.

Generic Responsibilities

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion All staff must treat patients and colleagues fairly, with dignity and respect, and must not discriminate on any grounds. Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a positive and inclusive working culture.

Health and Safety All staff must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and comply with practice policies and statutory requirements.

Confidentiality All staff are responsible for maintaining confidentiality at all times in accordance with data protection laws and NHS guidance.

Continuous Improvement Staff are encouraged to identify opportunities to improve quality, safety and efficiency, and to share good practice within the team.

Learning and Development All staff must complete mandatory training as directed and take part in ongoing professional development. The post holder is expected to assess their learning needs, undertake training as appropriate, and share learning with colleagues.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Meets GPhC qualification and training requirements for a Pharmacy Technician.

Experience Essential

• Experience of working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Working under clinical supervision to ensure safe, effective and efficient use of medicines.

Experience Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care or a GP practice.
• Knowledge of QOF, enhanced services and the wider NHS landscape.

Skills and Knowledge Essential

• Good clinical systems and IT knowledge.
• Accurate record keeping and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
• Ability to manage workload, prioritise and work calmly under pressure.

Personal Qualities Essential

• Reliable, organised and professional.
• Emotionally resilient and able to adapt to change.
• Respectful, approachable and team-focused.
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Other Requirements

• DBS check and Occupational Health clearance.
• Commitment to ongoing CPD and GPhC revalidation.

Summary

This is a valued and responsible role within the practice, offering the opportunity to make a real difference to patient safety and medicines management. You will be supported by a welcoming team who take pride in delivering high standards of care in a professional and supportive environment.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

• Good working knowledge of medicines management and pharmacy procedures.
• Understanding of safe prescribing, storage and handling of medicines.
• Ability to use clinical IT systems confidently, including electronic prescribing and patient record systems.
• Accurate data entry skills with strong attention to detail.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload, plan tasks and stay organised under pressure.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and information governance requirements.
• Awareness of clinical governance and patient safety principles.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to follow clear procedures and use initiative when required.
• Knowledge of primary care processes including repeat prescribing, medicines optimisation and prescribing audits.
• Understanding of national prescribing guidance and medicines optimisation priorities.
• Experience in supporting or delivering training on safe medicines use.
• Knowledge of audit, quality improvement and performance monitoring in general practice.

Qualifications

• Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Meets GPhC qualification and training requirements for registration as a Pharmacy Technician.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.
• Up to date with all statutory and mandatory training.
• Completion of, or working towards, an approved training pathway such as the Primary Care Pharmacy Educational Pathway (PCPEP) or Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCH).
• Additional training or qualifications in audit, quality improvement or medicines optimisation.
• Evidence of mentoring, supervision or leadership training.

Experience

• Experience working as a Pharmacy Technician in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Experience working under clinical supervision to ensure safe, effective and efficient use of medicines.
• Experience managing repeat prescriptions, medicines reconciliation and patient queries about medication.
• Experience using clinical IT systems and electronic prescribing tools.
• Evidence of good communication skills and teamwork within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and following governance or safety processes
• Experience working in a GP practice, Primary Care Network (PCN) or community-based healthcare setting.
• Understanding of QOF, enhanced services and prescribing incentive schemes.
• Experience contributing to audits, quality improvement work or prescribing safety projects.
• Experience in training, mentoring or supporting colleagues in safe medicines management.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.