Job summary This is an exciting role within our Primary Care Network two large GP Practices working collaboratively in North Bristol. Pharmacy technicians play an important role, complementing clinical pharmacists, ICB pharmacists, community pharmacists and other members of the PCN multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will work with our non clinical prescription clerks, our pharmacists and with our wider team. The role will help patients to get the best from their medicines by switching medications to agreed and approved protocols, improving repeat prescribing processes in General Practice, including promotion of repeat dispensing and online ordering, minimising clinical risk and aiming to reduce wasted medicines. The role will also include training and development of practice based prescribing clerks and administrators to support improved co-ordination and effective medicines management within general practice, especially with relation to repeat prescribing systems and processes. The post is likely to include some team leadership of our prescription clerks as part of our individual practice structures. Salary of up to £40,159 (Depending on Experience) Main duties of the job Undertake patient supporting roles to ensure effective medicines use Day to day handling of prescription queries Medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care To update and maintain accurate patient medication records on the practice clinical computer system including advice given and action taken. Delivery of training and development to practice based prescribing clerks and administrators to support improve co-ordinator and effective pharmacy administration within General Practice Promotion of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) and online ordering Develop relationships with other pharmacy professionals Support practice reception teams in streaming general prescription requests. Support the implementation of prescribing policies and guidance Support the PCN to deliver on our Quality agenda Support the PCN in reviewing and developing practice policies for CQC requirements About us We are two large, very friendly GP Practices based in NORTH BRISTOL We are Partner owned and led and have open cultures. We are able to offer a competitive package for the right candidate and this is an exciting position, with scope for service and team development We service around 35,000 patients and work with a number of community pharmacies, some care homes and have a wide range of patients of all ages and backgrounds. Date posted 22 October 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number A0626-24-0012 Job locations Gloucester Road Medical Centre Church Road Horfield Bristol BS7 8SA Horfield Health Centre Lockleaze Road Bristol BS7 9RR Job description Job responsibilities Main duties of the job Clinical Undertake patient supporting roles to ensure effective medicines use, through shared decision-making conversations with patients. Day to day handling of prescription queries within area of own competence Medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care To update and maintain accurate patient medication records on the practice clinical computer system, including advice given and action taken Delivery of training and development to practice based prescribing clerks and administrators to support improved co-ordination and effective pharmacy administration within General Practice. As determined by the PCN, support medication reviews and medicines reconciliation for new care home patients and synchronising medicines for patient transfers between care settings, linking with local community pharmacies Manage shared care protocols and liaise with Clinical Pharmacists for more complex patients. Handle function specific information, which may be sensitive, complex or confidential and appropriately recording, transferring and/or coordinating such information in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR; Caldicott Guidelines and the Confidentiality Code of Conduct Technical and administrative Support the PCN multi-disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation processes are being followed.Review and action safety alerts, dissemmiate where needed Implement efficient ordering and return processes and reducing medication wastage. Provide training and support on the legal, safe and secure handling of medicines, including the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). Promotion of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) and online ordering Develop relationships with other pharmacy professionals and members of the multi-disciplinary team to support integration across health and social care including primary care, commissioners, community pharmacy, secondary care and mental health. Support practice reception teams in streaming general prescription requests, so as to allow GPs and clinical pharmacists to review the more clinically complex requests. Support the implementation of prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices, care homes and other primary care settings. Support the PCN to deliver on QIPP agenda, QOF and locally commissioned enhanced services Support the PCN in reviewing and developing practice policies for CQC requirements General The postholder will: Develop a culture that promotes equality and values diversity. The postholder must be aware of and committed to the Equality and Diversity policies of the appointing GP Practice and comply with all the requirements of these policies and actively promote Equality and Diversity issues relevant to the post. Ensure the principles of openness, transparency and candor are observed and upheld in all working practices. The post holder will have, or acquire through training provided by the organisation, the appropriate level of safeguarding and knowledge, skills and practice required for the post and be aware of and comply with the organisations safeguarding protection policies and procedures. Ensure that any infection prevention and control issues are reported to the line manager/Infection Prevention and Control Lead. 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 PCN part of this employment, with such training to include: o Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development o Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: o Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk o Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision o 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 o Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs o Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Person Specification PCN Pharmacy Technician Qualifications and Experience Essential BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences Professional registration with GPhC Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Desirable Evidence of working as a registered pharmacy technician in general practice Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics Knowledge and Understanding Essential Knowledge of the principles of medicines optimisation Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation Desirable Relevant advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing Skills and Competencies Essential Computer literate with an ability to use the required GP clinical systems (desirable) and Microsoft office packages (essential) Essential Able to analyse and interpret prescribing data Essential Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily Essential Able to effectively manage allocated resources Essential Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines Essential Able to think analytically; anticipating obstacles and thinking ahead; using analytical techniques to draw logical solutions to problems Essential Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with the ability to adjust communication style and content to suit the audience Essential Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals. Whilst recognising peoples needs for alternative methods of communication Essential An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues Desirable Understand the aims of current healthcare policy within the PCN Attributes Essential Works effectively indepe Works independently and as a member of a team Essential Able to direct and support others Essential Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work Essential Self-motivated and proactive Essential Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work Essential Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required Essential Independently mobile to be able to work across several sites and travel to meet with stakeholders Essential Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change Essential 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 Essential Excellent time keeping and prioritisation skills Job description Job responsibilities Main duties of the job Clinical Undertake patient supporting roles to ensure effective medicines use, through shared decision-making conversations with patients. Day to day handling of prescription queries within area of own competence Medicines reconciliation post discharge and on other transfers of care To update and maintain accurate patient medication records on the practice clinical computer system, including advice given and action taken Delivery of training and development to practice based prescribing clerks and administrators to support improved co-ordination and effective pharmacy administration within General Practice. As determined by the PCN, support medication reviews and medicines reconciliation for new care home patients and synchronising medicines for patient transfers between care settings, linking with local community pharmacies Manage shared care protocols and liaise with Clinical Pharmacists for more complex patients. Handle function specific information, which may be sensitive, complex or confidential and appropriately recording, transferring and/or coordinating such information in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR; Caldicott Guidelines and the Confidentiality Code of Conduct Technical and administrative Support the PCN multi-disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation processes are being followed.Review and action safety alerts, dissemmiate where needed Implement efficient ordering and return processes and reducing medication wastage. Provide training and support on the legal, safe and secure handling of medicines, including the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). Promotion of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) and online ordering Develop relationships with other pharmacy professionals and members of the multi-disciplinary team to support integration across health and social care including primary care, commissioners, community pharmacy, secondary care and mental health. Support practice reception teams in streaming general prescription requests, so as to allow GPs and clinical pharmacists to review the more clinically complex requests. Support the implementation of prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices, care homes and other primary care settings. Support the PCN to deliver on QIPP agenda, QOF and locally commissioned enhanced services Support the PCN in reviewing and developing practice policies for CQC requirements General The postholder will: Develop a culture that promotes equality and values diversity. The postholder must be aware of and committed to the Equality and Diversity policies of the appointing GP Practice and comply with all the requirements of these policies and actively promote Equality and Diversity issues relevant to the post. Ensure the principles of openness, transparency and candor are observed and upheld in all working practices. The post holder will have, or acquire through training provided by the organisation, the appropriate level of safeguarding and knowledge, skills and practice required for the post and be aware of and comply with the organisations safeguarding protection policies and procedures. Ensure that any infection prevention and control issues are reported to the line manager/Infection Prevention and Control Lead. 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 PCN part of this employment, with such training to include: o Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development o Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: o Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk o Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision o 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 o Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs o Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Person Specification PCN Pharmacy Technician Qualifications and Experience Essential BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences Professional registration with GPhC Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Desirable Evidence of working as a registered pharmacy technician in general practice Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics Knowledge and Understanding Essential Knowledge of the principles of medicines optimisation Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation Desirable Relevant advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing Skills and Competencies Essential Computer literate with an ability to use the required GP clinical systems (desirable) and Microsoft office packages (essential) Essential Able to analyse and interpret prescribing data Essential Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily Essential Able to effectively manage allocated resources Essential Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines Essential Able to think analytically; anticipating obstacles and thinking ahead; using analytical techniques to draw logical solutions to problems Essential Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with the ability to adjust communication style and content to suit the audience Essential Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals. Whilst recognising peoples needs for alternative methods of communication Essential An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues Desirable Understand the aims of current healthcare policy within the PCN Attributes Essential Works effectively indepe Works independently and as a member of a team Essential Able to direct and support others Essential Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work Essential Self-motivated and proactive Essential Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work Essential Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required Essential Independently mobile to be able to work across several sites and travel to meet with stakeholders Essential Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change Essential 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 Essential Excellent time keeping and prioritisation skills Person Specification Experience Essential Essential Knowledge of the principles of medicines optimisation Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation Desirable Desirable Relevant advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing Qualifications Essential Qualifications and Experience Essential BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences Professional registration with GPhC Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Desirable Desirable Evidence of working as a registered pharmacy technician in general practice Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics Person Specification Experience Essential Essential Knowledge of the principles of medicines optimisation Good clinical pharmacy knowledge including terminology Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation Desirable Desirable Relevant advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of Primary Care Networks, General Practice and evidence-based medicine An appreciation of the nature of primary care prescribing, concepts of rational prescribing and strategies for the improvement of prescribing Qualifications Essential Qualifications and Experience Essential BTEC/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences Professional registration with GPhC Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Desirable Desirable Evidence of working as a registered pharmacy technician in general practice Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics 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 Gloucester Road Medical Centre Address Gloucester Road Medical Centre Church Road Horfield Bristol BS7 8SA Employer's website https://www.grmc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)