Job summary To support the Primary Care Network Clinical Pharmacist and practice teams to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and efficient systems for repeat prescribing, medicines optimisation, reducing medicines waste and maximising patient-centred outcomes. Main duties of the job To assist and support the PCN Clinical Pharmacists to provide Structured Medication Reviews and medicine awareness. To support the achievement of the practices prescribing Quality and Outcomes Framework, the PCNs Impact and Investment Fund targets and the locally agreed Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To 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 in changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality and cost effectiveness To participate in medication audits To assist the Clinical Pharmacist team to input data for the local Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To assist in the appropriate monitoring and management of prescribing the budgets and incentive schemes and to liaise with the Medicines Management team at Staffordshire ICB (previous CCG) To prepare evidence based resources and information to support the implementation of rational cost-effective prescribing To take a proactive approach to the safe handling of prescriptions, including assessment of risk and making recommendations for improvement About us GP First PCN Limited is an umbrella organisation for three Staffordshire PCNs; Stafford Town, Stone & Eccleshall and Seisdon. The PCN supports a number of Practices which are working together in collaborative ways to develop and deliver network based services to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. This exciting opportunity is within the Stafford Town Primary Care Network (PCN) which has 4 member practices in the centre of Stafford, Stafford Health & Wellbeing, Holmcroft Surgery, Castlefields Surgery and Wolverhampton Road Surgery. We are continously developing and building our PCN clinical team and hope that you could join us in this. Date posted 21 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number B0176-25-0001 Job locations Stafford Health & Wellbeing Whitgreave Court Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3EB Job description Job responsibilities To assist and support the PCN Clinical Pharmacists to provide Structured Medication Reviews and medicine awareness. To support the achievement of the practices prescribing Quality and Outcomes Framework, the PCNs Impact and Investment Fund targets and the locally agreed Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To 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 in changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality and cost effectiveness To participate in medication audits To assist the Clinical Pharmacist team to input data for the local Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To assist in the appropriate monitoring and management of prescribing the budgets and incentive schemes and to liaise with the Medicines Management team at Staffordshire ICB (previous CCG) To prepare evidence based resources and information to support the implementation of rational cost-effective prescribing To take a proactive approach to the safe handling of prescriptions, including assessment of risk and making recommendations for improvement To respond to medication queries from patients and staff in a professional manner referring to the most appropriate clinician in accordance with practice protocols To advise on the sourcing and safe management of medicines as appropriate To help plan, develop and support the introduction of new working processes within the practice to optimise the quality of prescribing Responsibility for Administration: Other duties and responsibilities to be undertaken may include any or all of the items in the following list: Taking messages and passing on information as appropriate Computer data entry/data allocation and collation, processing and recording information in accordance with practice procedures Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare professionals and providers Helping to maintain a positive, patient focussed culture Helping to maintain a positive, supportive culture across the whole of the practice team Any other duties commensurate with this position Duties will vary from time to time under the direction of the Partners / Business Partner and clinical pharmacist dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels. Staff Management: To provide supervision, training and professional leadership to the practice administrative staff as required. Patient Services: To provide medication review services to patients via remote/ face to face clinics, domiciliary visits and in residential and nursing homes, and to deliver pharmaceutical care plans that maximise cost-effective prescribing and improve the quality of patient care. To present at patient group meetings or other appropriate events to give advice on the appropriate use of medicines. To produce patient information leaflets and posters and run medicine awareness projects throughout the year. Assist practices with the monitoring and management of their prescribing budgets as appropriate. To prepare evidence based resources and information to support the clinicians and all other relevant health professionals in the implementation of rational cost-effective prescribing. To assist in planning, development and support the introduction of new working processes within the practices and PCN to optimise the quality of prescribing. Communication: The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly. Confidentiality: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data Health & Safety: The post-holder will implement and assist the practice on a full range of promotion and management their own and others health and safety and infection control as defined in the practice Health & Safety policy, the practice Health & Safety manual, and the practice Infection Control policy and published procedures. This will include (but will not be limited to): Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Awareness of national standards of infection control and cleanliness and regulatory / contractual / professional requirements, and good practice guidelines Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use and monitoring of the correct use of Standard operating Procedures for cleaning and infection control Responsible for correct hand hygiene of self Making effective use of training to update knowledge own skills and knowledge, and support the lead clinician to initiate and manage the training of others across the full range of infection control and patient processes Safe management of sharps procedures including training, use, storage and disposal Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining own work areas in a tidy, clean and sterile, and safe way, free from hazards. Initiation of remedial / corrective action where needed or escalation to responsible management Actively identifying, reporting, and correction of health and safety hazards and infection hazards immediately when recognised Keeping own work areas and general / patient areas generally clean, sterile, identifying issues and hazards / risks in relation to other work areas within the business, and assuming responsibility in the maintenance of general standards of cleanliness across the business in consultation (where appropriate) with other sector managers Undertaking periodic infection control training (minimum annually) Correct cleaning of equipment used for near patient testing such as blood glucose monitoring and INR Star using manufacturers instructions as appropriate Equality and Diversity: The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognises 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 Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights. Personal/Professional Development: The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway if not already completed Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Contribution to the Implementation of Services: The post-holder will: Apply practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work Participate in audit where appropriate. Job description Job responsibilities To assist and support the PCN Clinical Pharmacists to provide Structured Medication Reviews and medicine awareness. To support the achievement of the practices prescribing Quality and Outcomes Framework, the PCNs Impact and Investment Fund targets and the locally agreed Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To 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 in changes to prescribing to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality and cost effectiveness To participate in medication audits To assist the Clinical Pharmacist team to input data for the local Medicine Optimisation Scheme. To assist in the appropriate monitoring and management of prescribing the budgets and incentive schemes and to liaise with the Medicines Management team at Staffordshire ICB (previous CCG) To prepare evidence based resources and information to support the implementation of rational cost-effective prescribing To take a proactive approach to the safe handling of prescriptions, including assessment of risk and making recommendations for improvement To respond to medication queries from patients and staff in a professional manner referring to the most appropriate clinician in accordance with practice protocols To advise on the sourcing and safe management of medicines as appropriate To help plan, develop and support the introduction of new working processes within the practice to optimise the quality of prescribing Responsibility for Administration: Other duties and responsibilities to be undertaken may include any or all of the items in the following list: Taking messages and passing on information as appropriate Computer data entry/data allocation and collation, processing and recording information in accordance with practice procedures Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare professionals and providers Helping to maintain a positive, patient focussed culture Helping to maintain a positive, supportive culture across the whole of the practice team Any other duties commensurate with this position Duties will vary from time to time under the direction of the Partners / Business Partner and clinical pharmacist dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels. Staff Management: To provide supervision, training and professional leadership to the practice administrative staff as required. Patient Services: To provide medication review services to patients via remote/ face to face clinics, domiciliary visits and in residential and nursing homes, and to deliver pharmaceutical care plans that maximise cost-effective prescribing and improve the quality of patient care. To present at patient group meetings or other appropriate events to give advice on the appropriate use of medicines. To produce patient information leaflets and posters and run medicine awareness projects throughout the year. Assist practices with the monitoring and management of their prescribing budgets as appropriate. To prepare evidence based resources and information to support the clinicians and all other relevant health professionals in the implementation of rational cost-effective prescribing. To assist in planning, development and support the introduction of new working processes within the practices and PCN to optimise the quality of prescribing. Communication: The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly. Confidentiality: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data Health & Safety: The post-holder will implement and assist the practice on a full range of promotion and management their own and others health and safety and infection control as defined in the practice Health & Safety policy, the practice Health & Safety manual, and the practice Infection Control policy and published procedures. This will include (but will not be limited to): Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Awareness of national standards of infection control and cleanliness and regulatory / contractual / professional requirements, and good practice guidelines Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use and monitoring of the correct use of Standard operating Procedures for cleaning and infection control Responsible for correct hand hygiene of self Making effective use of training to update knowledge own skills and knowledge, and support the lead clinician to initiate and manage the training of others across the full range of infection control and patient processes Safe management of sharps procedures including training, use, storage and disposal Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining own work areas in a tidy, clean and sterile, and safe way, free from hazards. Initiation of remedial / corrective action where needed or escalation to responsible management Actively identifying, reporting, and correction of health and safety hazards and infection hazards immediately when recognised Keeping own work areas and general / patient areas generally clean, sterile, identifying issues and hazards / risks in relation to other work areas within the business, and assuming responsibility in the maintenance of general standards of cleanliness across the business in consultation (where appropriate) with other sector managers Undertaking periodic infection control training (minimum annually) Correct cleaning of equipment used for near patient testing such as blood glucose monitoring and INR Star using manufacturers instructions as appropriate Equality and Diversity: The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognises 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 Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights. Personal/Professional Development: The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway if not already completed Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Contribution to the Implementation of Services: The post-holder will: Apply practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work Participate in audit where appropriate. Person Specification Personal Attributes Essential Willingness to undertake additional training as appropriate, Including CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway if not already completed Neat and professional appearance Flexibility in working arrangements Adaptable to changes in working environment and practices Ability to remain composed and professionally effective in all circumstances Desirable Own transport for attending home visits when required Knowledge Essential Knowledge of the clinical use of drugs Understanding of medicine management issues Qualifications Essential Completion of a GPhC approved Pharmacy technician qualification as outlined at: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/approved-providers-education-and-training/approved-courses-pharmacy-technician Registration with General Pharmaceutical Council of GB Maintains clinical and professional competence and CPD Desirable Completion of CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway Experience Essential Good understanding of general practice and the wider NHS Desirable Experience of working in a GP Practice or hospital Experience to undertake domiciliary home visits as appropriate to undertake medical reviews Skills Essential Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail Good presentation & organisational skills Effective time management and the ability to prioritise Ability to work on own or as part of a team and liaise with other professionals Ability to plan and manage own workload to meet required deadlines Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Email Desirable Familiar with EMIS Web and Docman GP computer systems Person Specification Personal Attributes Essential Willingness to undertake additional training as appropriate, Including CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway if not already completed Neat and professional appearance Flexibility in working arrangements Adaptable to changes in working environment and practices Ability to remain composed and professionally effective in all circumstances Desirable Own transport for attending home visits when required Knowledge Essential Knowledge of the clinical use of drugs Understanding of medicine management issues Qualifications Essential Completion of a GPhC approved Pharmacy technician qualification as outlined at: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/approved-providers-education-and-training/approved-courses-pharmacy-technician Registration with General Pharmaceutical Council of GB Maintains clinical and professional competence and CPD Desirable Completion of CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway Experience Essential Good understanding of general practice and the wider NHS Desirable Experience of working in a GP Practice or hospital Experience to undertake domiciliary home visits as appropriate to undertake medical reviews Skills Essential Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail Good presentation & organisational skills Effective time management and the ability to prioritise Ability to work on own or as part of a team and liaise with other professionals Ability to plan and manage own workload to meet required deadlines Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Email Desirable Familiar with EMIS Web and Docman GP computer systems 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). Additional information 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 GP First Ltd Address Stafford Health & Wellbeing Whitgreave Court Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3EB Employer's website https://www.gpfirst.net/ (Opens in a new tab)