Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Pharmacy Technician

Reconcile the medications of patients whose care is transferred back to primary care in a timely and effective manner liaising with patients and other providers to ensure patients receive appropriate medication on discharge

Proactively engage with patients whose care has been transferred to reduce potential readmission including identifying and rectifying unexplained variation

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement systems to ensure the effective and continuous supply of medication to high-risk patients

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement systems to ensure safe and effective management of high-risk medication

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement changes to medicines in line with MHRA alerts, product withdrawal and other local or national guidance

Provide feedback and seek advice from pharmacist for patients where the post holder has clinical concerns around competence to safely manage their medications

Manage requests to prescribe medication from specialists in line with Berkshire West formulary and locally agreed guidelines

Update patient medication records in line with incoming clinical correspondence

Refer patients to their community pharmacist for support with using their medicines

To provide advice to GPs, staff and patients in changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality and cost effectiveness.

To respond to medication queries from patients and staff in a professional manner referring to the appropriate clinician in accordance with protocols and personal and professional boundaries.

Provide support to patients to maximise the benefit from their medication

Provide telephone support for patients with medication queries

Provide professional telephone and written advice and support to patients and their carers

To maintain full and complete records of all patient contacts using appropriate clinical templates and coding

Carry out medication reviews for patients on 3 or less medications

Create and run searches to ensure patients are keeping up with monitoring.

Audit and risk stratification

Participate in audit activities to optimise medicines safety and the use of prescribing resource

Feedback results of clinical audit activities in areas agreed with GP practice and PCN teams

Make recommendations based on the outcomes of audit and shared learning activities

Operational Performance

Work collaboratively to help develop and promote a positive working culture, including involvement in developing, improving and promoting the pharmacy service

Ensure adherence to efficient administrative processes within the pharmacy service

Personal Contribution

Maintain productive relationships encouraging the giving and receiving of regular feedback to create and maintain a culture of constantly seeking to refine and improve the service and learn together

Engagement with patients, internal and external stakeholders

Engage with users of the service to understand peoples experience of the service and to measure levels of satisfaction

Maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Quality

Manage own time, workload and resources

Support training and development of administrative staff to support pharmacy service in line with protocols and procedures

Work within risk management and health and safety policies and procedures within GP practices and other providers

Adhere to a robust process for recording learning events, complaints, accidents and significant events

Provide support to assist with the development and management of any changes or new processes and systems that need implementing.

Carry out any other appropriate duties as determined by the organisation.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

You may gain knowledge of a highly confidential nature relating to the private affairs, diagnosis and treatment of patients, information affecting members of the public, matters concerning staff and details of items. Under no circumstances should such information be divulged or passed to any unauthorized person. This includes holding conversations with colleagues concerning patients or staff in situations where the conversation may be overheard. All patient identifiable information must be handled in a way that is compliant with the law and respects patients right to privacy and confidentiality at all times. Breaches of confidence will result in disciplinary action which may involve dismissal.

Equal Opportunities

Our policies and practices are designed to ensure equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery. All staff are expected to comply with these policies and practices including but not limited to supporting the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues; acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation; respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues and behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings, priorities and rights

Use of new technology

We will make use of computer technology. Staff should expect to use automated information systems in their work in order to improve quality and co-ordination of services, and to enable faster and more accurate communication within and outside of the organisation.

Health and Safety

Perform duties in such a way that accidents to themselves and to others are avoided, and to cooperate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. Employees will, therefore, refer any matters of concern through their respective teams. Similarly, it is each persons responsibility to ensure a secure environment and bring any breaches of security to the attention of their managers. All staff to abide by all health and safety matters and keep up to date on Health and Safety Regulations and legislation.

Training and Development

A responsibility to undertake statutory and mandatory training. In accordance with the Training and Development Policy staff are expected to actively participate in the appraisal system and using this process to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

Person Specification: Pharmacy Technician

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Knowledge and Understanding

Relevant theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine

Understanding of NHS long term plan and priorities relevant to primary care

Awareness of systems to support management of patients in a primary care setting, delivering pharmaceutical input and support in the context of pathways of care and the business of the organisation(s)

Awareness of funding systems to enable GP clinical pharmacist services to assist delivery of PCN and NHS priorities and requirements for financial balance and quality

Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology

An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing

Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law, ethics and current legislation

Able to maintain confidentiality

Ability to use own initiative, discretion and sensitivity

Skills and Competencies

Computer literate with an ability to use the required GP clinical systems

Able to analyse and interpret prescribing data

Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily

Able to effectively manage allocated resources

Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines

Able to think analytically; anticipating obstacles and thinking ahead; using analytical techniques to draw logical solutions to problems

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, whilst recognising peoples needs for alternative methods of communication

Influencing and negotiating skills

An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues

Attributes

Works effectively independently and as a member of a team

Flexible approach to meet service needs and ensure a stakeholder focused response

Self-motivated and proactive

Commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work

Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required

Independently mobile to be able to work across several sites and travel to meet with stakeholders

Flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change

Demonstrate ability to work in a busy environment; ability to deal with both urgent and important tasks and to prioritise effectively whilst also supporting others

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Pharmacy Technician

Reconcile the medications of patients whose care is transferred back to primary care in a timely and effective manner liaising with patients and other providers to ensure patients receive appropriate medication on discharge

Proactively engage with patients whose care has been transferred to reduce potential readmission including identifying and rectifying unexplained variation

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement systems to ensure the effective and continuous supply of medication to high-risk patients

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement systems to ensure safe and effective management of high-risk medication

Work with pharmacy service team to develop and implement changes to medicines in line with MHRA alerts, product withdrawal and other local or national guidance

Provide feedback and seek advice from pharmacist for patients where the post holder has clinical concerns around competence to safely manage their medications

Manage requests to prescribe medication from specialists in line with Berkshire West formulary and locally agreed guidelines

Update patient medication records in line with incoming clinical correspondence

Refer patients to their community pharmacist for support with using their medicines

To provide advice to GPs, staff and patients in changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality and cost effectiveness.

To respond to medication queries from patients and staff in a professional manner referring to the appropriate clinician in accordance with protocols and personal and professional boundaries.

Provide support to patients to maximise the benefit from their medication

Provide telephone support for patients with medication queries

Provide professional telephone and written advice and support to patients and their carers

To maintain full and complete records of all patient contacts using appropriate clinical templates and coding

Carry out medication reviews for patients on 3 or less medications

Create and run searches to ensure patients are keeping up with monitoring.

Audit and risk stratification

Participate in audit activities to optimise medicines safety and the use of prescribing resource

Feedback results of clinical audit activities in areas agreed with GP practice and PCN teams

Make recommendations based on the outcomes of audit and shared learning activities

Operational Performance

Work collaboratively to help develop and promote a positive working culture, including involvement in developing, improving and promoting the pharmacy service

Ensure adherence to efficient administrative processes within the pharmacy service

Personal Contribution

Maintain productive relationships encouraging the giving and receiving of regular feedback to create and maintain a culture of constantly seeking to refine and improve the service and learn together

Engagement with patients, internal and external stakeholders

Engage with users of the service to understand peoples experience of the service and to measure levels of satisfaction

Maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Quality

Manage own time, workload and resources

Support training and development of administrative staff to support pharmacy service in line with protocols and procedures

Work within risk management and health and safety policies and procedures within GP practices and other providers

Adhere to a robust process for recording learning events, complaints, accidents and significant events

Provide support to assist with the development and management of any changes or new processes and systems that need implementing.

Carry out any other appropriate duties as determined by the organisation.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

You may gain knowledge of a highly confidential nature relating to the private affairs, diagnosis and treatment of patients, information affecting members of the public, matters concerning staff and details of items. Under no circumstances should such information be divulged or passed to any unauthorized person. This includes holding conversations with colleagues concerning patients or staff in situations where the conversation may be overheard. All patient identifiable information must be handled in a way that is compliant with the law and respects patients right to privacy and confidentiality at all times. Breaches of confidence will result in disciplinary action which may involve dismissal.

Equal Opportunities

Our policies and practices are designed to ensure equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery. All staff are expected to comply with these policies and practices including but not limited to supporting the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues; acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation; respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues and behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings, priorities and rights

Use of new technology

We will make use of computer technology. Staff should expect to use automated information systems in their work in order to improve quality and co-ordination of services, and to enable faster and more accurate communication within and outside of the organisation.

Health and Safety

Perform duties in such a way that accidents to themselves and to others are avoided, and to cooperate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. Employees will, therefore, refer any matters of concern through their respective teams. Similarly, it is each persons responsibility to ensure a secure environment and bring any breaches of security to the attention of their managers. All staff to abide by all health and safety matters and keep up to date on Health and Safety Regulations and legislation.

Training and Development

A responsibility to undertake statutory and mandatory training. In accordance with the Training and Development Policy staff are expected to actively participate in the appraisal system and using this process to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

Person Specification: Pharmacy Technician

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Knowledge and Understanding

Relevant theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine

Understanding of NHS long term plan and priorities relevant to primary care

Awareness of systems to support management of patients in a primary care setting, delivering pharmaceutical input and support in the context of pathways of care and the business of the organisation(s)

Awareness of funding systems to enable GP clinical pharmacist services to assist delivery of PCN and NHS priorities and requirements for financial balance and quality

Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology

An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing

Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law, ethics and current legislation

Able to maintain confidentiality

Ability to use own initiative, discretion and sensitivity

Skills and Competencies

Computer literate with an ability to use the required GP clinical systems

Able to analyse and interpret prescribing data

Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily

Able to effectively manage allocated resources

Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines

Able to think analytically; anticipating obstacles and thinking ahead; using analytical techniques to draw logical solutions to problems

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, whilst recognising peoples needs for alternative methods of communication

Influencing and negotiating skills

An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues

Attributes

Works effectively independently and as a member of a team

Flexible approach to meet service needs and ensure a stakeholder focused response

Self-motivated and proactive

Commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work

Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required

Independently mobile to be able to work across several sites and travel to meet with stakeholders

Flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change

Demonstrate ability to work in a busy environment; ability to deal with both urgent and important tasks and to prioritise effectively whilst also supporting others

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional registration with GPhC
• BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as a qualified, registered pharmacy technician in primary care, community or hospital pharmacy
• Demonstrate ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders of the respective merits of different options, innovations, new opportunities and challenges

Desirable

• Excellent time keeping and prioritisation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Leadership qualities

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional registration with GPhC
• BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as a qualified, registered pharmacy technician in primary care, community or hospital pharmacy
• Demonstrate ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders of the respective merits of different options, innovations, new opportunities and challenges

Desirable

• Excellent time keeping and prioritisation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Leadership qualities

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Wokingham North PCN

Address

Parkside Family Practice

224 Wokingham Road

Reading

RG6 1JS

Employer's website

https://wnpcn.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)