Primary Care Network Pharmacy Technicians

Primary Care Network Pharmacy Technicians

Are you passionate about community-focused care? Do you want to be part of a team shaping the future of healthcare in Mid Dorset? If yes, then we want to hear from you.

Mid Dorset Primary Care Network is looking for enthusiastic and forward-thinking Pharmacy Technicians to join our thriving and growing team.

The right candidate will be supported by highly skilled and experienced clinical leads delivering pharmacy support to our eight partnership GP practices within Mid Dorset.

Ideally, we are looking for full-time roles, but we will consider part-time hours for the right candidates.

Want to know more? Please contact theresa.larcombe@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Main duties of the job

To support the aims and objectives of the Primary Care Network (PCN) Pharmacy team in ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and efficient systems for repeat prescribing, medicines optimisation, reducing medicines waste, and maximising patient outcomes. The successful candidate will work to deliver the aims and objectives of the PCN Pharmacy Strategy.

About us

Mid Dorset Primary Care Network provides central clinical and administrative services for patients across the eight GP practices within the Mid Dorset area. We are a highly effective organization where we put the patients at the very heart of our services.

We always strive to make our teams the best they can be, where every individual is valued and encouraged to develop new ideas. We provide our employees with an environment in which to grow and develop their skills through supported learning and mentoring. We are fortunate to have clinicians within our team who are registered trainers outside of the PCN, bringing their wealth of knowledge to our organization.

We are made up of multidisciplinary teams, supported by GPs, nurses, and a range of other healthcare professionals. We do not work in isolation and proactively develop new services for our patients in partnership with other healthcare providers within secondary, community, and social care.

For the right candidates, we offer support, care, and understanding, making you feel instantly part of our Mid Dorset Family.

Job responsibilities

• To undertake medicines reconciliation in accordance with protocols and to update patients' medical records/prescribing accordingly.
• To support the achievement of the Prescribing Quality and Outcomes Framework targets.
• Contribute to the review and development of repeat prescribing protocols/Standard Operating Procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of repeat prescribing systems.
• To provide advice to GPs, staff, and patients on changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• To participate in medication audits.
• To prepare evidence-based resources and information to support the implementation of rational, cost-effective prescribing.
• To support the Clinical Pharmacist in providing medication reviews, patient information leaflets, and medicine awareness.
• To take a proactive approach to the safe handling of prescriptions, including risk assessment and making recommendations for improvement.
• To respond to medication queries from patients and staff professionally, referring to the appropriate clinical lead and GP in accordance with protocols.
• To advise on sourcing and safe management of medicines as appropriate.
• To provide support to Mid Dorset GP practices.
• To carry out any requirements as directed by the team lead, within the scope of practice.
• To provide services to patients in their own homes and for those in residential and nursing homes.
• To deliver pharmaceutical care plans that maximize cost-effective prescribing and improve patient care quality.
• To attend group meetings or other events to advise on the appropriate use of medicines.
• To support practices with monitoring and managing their prescribing budgets.
• To prepare evidence-based resources and information to support the pharmacy team and other health professionals in implementing rational, cost-effective prescribing.
• To help plan, develop, and support the introduction of new working processes within the practice to optimize prescribing quality.
• To communicate messages and pass on information as appropriate.
• To perform clinical data entry, data allocation, and collation, processing, and recording information according to PCN procedures.
• To initiate contact with and respond to requests from patients, team members, and healthcare professionals.
• To help maintain a positive, patient-focused culture.
• To help maintain a supportive culture within internal and external teams.
• Any other duties as appropriate to the position.

Duties may vary over time under the direction of the management team, depending on workload and staffing levels.

Effective communication across teams, patients, and stakeholder groups is essential.

To work in accordance with all PCN protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Able to respond to change and apply new developments effectively
• Resilient and able to cope under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficient keyboard and computer skills
• Team player and supportive of colleagues
• Flexible attitude towards workload
• Willing to attend peer support and supervision sessions
• Awareness of Primary Care Network arrangements

Qualifications

• NVQ3 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)
• Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Experience

• Understanding of prescribing and medicines management issues
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience dealing with the public and patients
• Post-qualification experience in a primary/community care setting
• Familiarity with SystmOne clinical system

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure check will be required to ensure suitability for the role.