We are an established, innovative and supportive pharmacy team who is looking to expand. We are searching for the right person to join our team and help to deliver services to our patients that improve their medicines use and ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life. We are strong believers in developing staff to realise their full potential and provide support for staff to grow their competencies. We wish to utilise Pharmacy Technicians as the clinical practitioners that they are and maximise the potential that Pharmacy Technicians can professionally and clinically achieve. Although this is a 12 month contracted position, we would be looking to review this contract during the year and it may become a permanent post.
The role requires a self-motivated and enthusiastic Pharmacy Technician to join our established, innovative team and expanding our current team of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and a Medicines Care Coordinator. Our team is based in Hythe and Folkestone, Kent and supports seven GP practices within our area. Pharmacy Technician registration with the General Pharmacy Council is required. Funding of the role requires the completion or working towards achieving the CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway.
Main duties of the job
To work collaboratively as part of the Clinical Pharmacy team and wider multi-disciplinary team, towards improving the health and well-being of patients through their medication use and assist in achieving the strategic objectives of the PCN. To improve the effective use of medication by patients through the application of patient centred care and evidence-based medicine. To provide advice and support for both patients and colleagues.
They will be required to work under the direction of the Lead Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Pharmacy Technician and work independently to manage their own workload. Use excellent communication skills to liaise with patients, primary care staff, community pharmacists and other partners. Promote cost effective, safe, evidence-based prescribing in accordance with local formulary, medication optimisation strategy and national guidance.
You will be expected to travel to any of the PCN practices. This is a patient-facing role and you may also be required to visit patients in their own homes/care homes.
About us
Folkestone, Hythe and Rural Primary Care Network (FH&R) is an innovative, friendly and forward-thinking group of practices. We are located in the historical South Kent Coast of the Garden of England (Kent). General Practice is changing at pace and we see this as a positive and opportunistic challenge.
FH&R PCN includes 7 practices with a combined list size of approximately 50,500 patients. The PCN is based from offices in Hythe, which allows all the professionals in the wider PCN team to collaboratively work together effectively. We are proud and enthusiastic to be an inventive front runner in the new era of The Primary Care Network. The PCN is known and recognised for its digital innovation and investment in PCN team development.
Job responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the clinical pharmacy technician team and each Pharmacy Technician will be required to undertake any of the responsibilities listed. Post holders with less experience will be supported to develop competencies to be able to undertake any of the responsibilities below. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
1. To support the practice with their High risk drug monitoring in particular renal function monitoring with patients taking anticoagulants.
2. Check Eclipse safety data regularly.
3. As part of a Technician lead service, carry out home visits for Concordance reviews, make recommendations to clinicians and follow up.
4. Visit Care homes to gather information and review monitoring required for patients' medication, prior to PCN Pharmacists undertaking Structured Medication Reviews.
5. Dealing with medication queries from practice staff.
6. Attendance at Multidisciplinary team meetings to advise on medication concordance issues.
7. To undertake medication-related audits.
8. As part of the PCN pharmacy team, receive and process MHRA alerts and ensure they are documented and advice provided to practices.
9. Assist the Care Home team with the Care Home vaccination programme, administering vaccinations (if qualified to do so).
10. Liaise with SKCCCG Medicines Management Team in respect of the practices prescribing and budget.
11. Completion of the CPPE training pathway Primary care pharmacy education pathway, unless completed previously or completed equivalent course.
12. Hold clinics to discuss adjusting medication to manage long term conditions, such as cholesterol control for cardiovascular health improvement.
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the pharmacy technician may be requested to:
1. Provide education on medicines for the clinical team and prescribing clerks.
2. Signpost to the latest guidance ensuring the practice conforms to NICE, CQC etc.
3. Provide guidance around specialist only, unlicensed and not recommended drugs in primary care.
4. Encourage cost-effective prescribing within the practice and reduce high cost drug spend. Provide advice and assistance to practices for them to accomplish work related to the Medicine Management Scheme to improve effectiveness and quality in prescribing.
5. Implement guidance on dressing and barrier product prescribing and supply.
6. To reconcile medicines following patients discharge from hospital or clinic appointments.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* CPPE Primary care pharmacy education pathway completion or equivalent course. Other Medicines Management Qualification.
Experience
* Minimum of one year working in a medicines orientated environment.
* Experience of pharmacy services in primary care.
* Broad knowledge of how general practice functions.
Skills
* Excellent communication skills (written and oral). Clear, polite telephone manner. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook. Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters. Effective time management (Planning & Organising). Ability to work as a team member and autonomously. Good interpersonal skills. Problem solving & analytical skills. Ability to follow policy and procedure. Ability to assess the patient or carer's understanding of taking medicines.
Personal Qualities
* Polite and confident. Flexible and cooperative. Motivated. Forward thinker. High levels of integrity and loyalty. Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations. Ability to work under pressure.
Other requirements
* Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Flexibility to work outside of core office hours (rarely). Valid UK driving licence.
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.
Office 10, Osbourne House, Portland Road
£28,400 to £32,100 a year dependent on relevant experience and qualifications.
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Reference number
A3222-24-0006
Job locations
Folkestone, Hythe and Rural PCN Offices
Office 10, Osbourne House, Portland Road
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