Job summaryThe post-holder will work within their clinical competencies to provide specialist pharmaceutical support across Shrewsbury Primary Care Network (PCN). The post holder will work collaboratively with GPs, practice teams and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, optimise medicines use and support safe, effective prescribing.
The post-holder will be part of a well established PCN Pharmacy Team comprising Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and a dedicated Care Coordinator. The team works closely with a broad multidisciplinary PCN workforce including Paramedics, First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), Mental Health Practitioners, Healthy Lives Advisors and Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Nurses.
Main duties of the jobThe role will include structured medication reviews, medicines reconciliaition, chronic disease management, repeat prescription management and supporting patients with complex polypharmacy. The post holder will contribute to quality improvement initiatives, audit programmes and medicines optimisation projects across the PCN.
Shrewsbury PCN is an NHS organisation; however, it does not operate under Agenda for Change terms and conditions. This role is suitable for pharmacists whose qualifications, experience and competencies are broadly equivalent to NHS Agenda for Change Band 6 or Band 7 roles. Progression within the role is competency based and supports the development of clinical expertise, professional autonomy and work towards an Independent Prescribing qualification where applicable.
About usShrewsbury PCN is a group of 11 GP practices working together to support over 105,000 patients living in and around Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Our main aims are:
- To address our wider population health needs and health inequalities.
- To ensure patients have access to a larger range of professional groups to aid health issues.
- To support clinical decision making.
- To make the best use of data and technology available to us.
- To work together more effectively.
Job responsibilitiesClinical Practice- Undertake structured medication reviews for patients with single or multiple long-term conditions where medicines optimisation is required, particularly those with complex polypharmacy, frailty or residing in care homes.
- Support deprescribing initiatives, particularly in relation to falls risk and inappropriate polypharmacy.
- Liaise with care home staff to improve medicines administration practices and ensure medication safety.
- Reconcile medicines following discharge from hospitals or intermediate care and work with patients and community pharmacists to ensure patients receive the medicines they need post-discharge and to reduce risk of readmission.
- To be involved in multidisciplinary clinical meetings within the PCN and its member Practices where appropriate.
- Manage repeat prescription requests, resolving queries where possible within scope of practice to ensure patients have appropriate monitoring tests in place when required.
- Implement changes to medicines in line with MHRA alerts, product withdrawal or shortage and other local or national guidance.
- Use Eclipse software to identify patients at risk of harm from their medications and take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.
- Provide independent information to patients with regard to medicines and prescribing changes, initiating further support from other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Independent Prescribing development- Work towards completion of an Independent Prescribing qualification within an agreed timeframe.
- Develop competence in autonomous clinical assessment and prescribing decision-making under appropriate supervision.
- Build expertise in the management of long-term conditions and medicines optimisation within primary care.
Holds an Independent Prescribing qualification- Utilise Independent Prescribing skills within scope of competence.
- Manage complex clinical presentation and medication-related problems independently.
- Provide specialist pharmaceutical advice to clinicians across the PCN.
- Support the development of prescribing practice and medicines optimisation strategies across member practices.
Quality Improvement and Audit- Participate in audits, quality improvement projects and service evaluations designed to improve patient care and prescribing quality.
- Identify patients at risk of medication-related harm and implement interventions to improve safety and outcomes.
- Support the implementation of national guidance, MHRA alerts, medicines shortages and formulary changes.
- Analyse prescribing data and support practices to improve quality, safety and cost-effective prescribing.
- Contribute to the achievement of PCN, practice and wider NHS objectives, including Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) priorities where appropriate.
Service Development- Contribute to the development, implementation and review of medicines management policies and procedures.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and contribute specialist pharmaceutical expertise to support patient care.
- Identify opportunities to improve services and support innovation within medicines optimisation and prescribing.
- Lead or support pharmaceutical projects across the PCN as directed by the Senior Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Leadership Team.
Leadership and Team DevelopmentClinical Pharmacist (equivalent to Band 6)- Participate in training, supervision and professional development activities.
- Support pharmacy technicians and trainees as appropriate.
- Contribute positively to team objectives and collaborative working.
Clinical Pharmacist (equivalent to Band 7)- Provide support, coaching and mentorship to other pharmacy technicians and trainees.
- Act as a role model for best practice in medicines optimisation and patient-centred care.
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential- Experience working as a registered pharmacist.
- Experience undertaking medication reviews and medicines optimisation activities.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Experience supporting safe and effective prescribing practices.
Desirable- Demonstrable experience managing complex patients with multiple long-term conditions and polypharmacy (essential for equivalent to Band 7).
- Experience of working within General Practice/Primary Care Networks.
- Experience in leading quality improvements or audits.
- Experience supporting pharmacy technicians or trainees.
- Experience using clinical systems such as EMIS or Eclipse.
OtherEssential- Access to own vehicle to travel between PCN sites, GP practices and Care Homes.
- Willingness to undertake training and development relevant to the role.
- Compliance with mandatory training requirements.
- Meet DBS reference standards and criminal records checks.
Personal QualitiesEssential- Ability to gain acceptance and recommendations and be able to influence/motivate/persuade the audience to comply with the recommendations.
- An understanding, acceptance, and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
- Flexible, self-motivated and proactive.
- Work on own initiative without close supervision.
Skills and CompetenciesEssential- Sound clinical knowledge and understanding of evidence-based prescribing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
- Ability to analyse clinical information and make appropriate recommendations.
- Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Professional and patient-centred approach.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
QualificationsEssential- Master's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm) or equivalent.
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- If not already held, commitment to completion of the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway.
- Independent Prescribing qualification or commitment to work towards completion.
Desirable- Postgraduate Clinical Diploma.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
