Job summary
Swaffham and Downham Market PCN is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Pharmacy Technician to join our friendly team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting safe, effective and high-quality patient care within Plowright Medical Centre

Working alongside their GPs, Clinical Pharmacist, Nursing Team and Administrative Staff, you will support and help deliver excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will:

• Support medicines optimisation and medication safety initiatives.
• Process medication requests and undertake medication reconciliation following hospital discharge.
• Assist with prescription queries from patients, community pharmacies and other healthcare professionals.
• Conduct medication reviews within your scope of practice.
• Support the management of repeat prescribing systems.
• Carry out audits relating to prescribing and medicines management.
• Support with QOF
• Maintain accurate clinical records using the practice clinical system.

About us
Swaffham and Downham PCN is an innovative network that values its staff. We invest in wellbeing, training and development at every level, and we are proud to offer routes into healthcare careers for people at the very start of their journey, alongside opportunities for experienced practitioners to grow and specialise.

Job responsibilities
Job Title: Pharmacy Technician
Location: Plowright Medical Centre
Hours: Part time, the post will be for 2 days per week: Monday essential and second day can be a choice of Tues, Wed or Friday to suit candidate.
Post is predominately practice based but may encompass some remote working as part of the role at the request of the practice manager or lead pharmacist.
Reports To: Practice pharmacist & Lead PCN Pharmacist

Job Purpose
The Pharmacy Technician will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to support the safe, effective and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical services within the practice.

The role requires a proactive individual who can work independently while maintaining excellent communication with clinicians, patients and external healthcare providers.

Key Responsibilities
Medicines Management

• Process and manage repeat prescription requests in accordance with practice protocols.
• Undertake medication reconciliation following hospital discharge and outpatient appointments.
• Support medicines optimisation to improve prescribing quality and patient safety.
• Identify prescribing issues and refer complex clinical matters to the GP or Clinical Pharmacist.
• Assist with medication monitoring programmes and ensure patients receive appropriate reviews.
• Liaise with community pharmacies, hospitals and care homes regarding medication queries.

Prescription Management

• Resolve prescription queries from patients and community pharmacies.
• Support the management of acute and repeat prescribing systems.
• Monitor high-risk medicines in accordance with practice protocols.
• Assist in reducing medicines waste and promoting cost-effective prescribing.

Patient Care

• Communicate effectively with patients regarding medication-related queries within the scope of the role.
• Provide advice on medication use where appropriate and refer complex issues to a clinician.
• Support patients in understanding changes to their medication following hospital discharge or clinical review.

Clinical Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using the clinical system.
• Code clinical information accurately.
• Support the implementation of prescribing alerts, recalls and medication safety initiatives.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in prescribing audits and quality improvement projects.
• Contribute to Significant Event Analysis (SEA) and learning activities where appropriate.
• Assist with achieving Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and Enhanced Service targets where relevant.

Communication

• Develop effective working relationships with the PCN and practice staff.
• Attend team meetings as required.
• Escalate concerns regarding medication safety promptly to the appropriate clinician.

Information Governance

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with GDPR, NHS Information Governance requirements and practice policies.
• Ensure accurate documentation within the clinical record.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Undertake mandatory and role-specific training.
• Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Work within the scope of competence and seek advice where appropriate.
• Comply with all practice policies, procedures and professional standards.

General Responsibilities
The post holder will:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Maintain a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Participate in appraisal and personal development.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and infection prevention policies.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role and grade, as reasonably requested by the Partner GPs or Practice Manager.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Recognised Pharmacy Technician qualification.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Good understanding of medicines management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work independently.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience working in General Practice or Primary Care
• Knowledge of SystmOne/TPP clinical software or other GP clinical systems.

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.