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- Tasks: Join our team to optimise medicines and manage long-term conditions in a supportive environment.
- Company: Cestria Health Centre, a friendly primary care practice in Chester le Street.
- Benefits: Fixed term contract with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Registered pharmacist with experience in primary care and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on high-quality, patient-centred care.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cestria Health Centre is seeking a motivated and patient focused Pharmacist to join our friendly and supportive primary care team under an ARRS funded role. This is an excellent opportunity for a pharmacist looking to play a key role in medicines optimisation and long-term condition management within general practice. This role is offered as a fixed term contract with a minimum term of 12 months, the role will be reviewed and extended on an annual basis subject to continued ARRS funding.
The post holder will work closely with GPs and the wider multidisciplinary team to support safe, effective, and evidence-based prescribing. Innovative ideas are welcomed, and excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and motivation are essential skills for a successful candidate.
Main duties of the job
- Conducting structured medication reviews, including for patients with polypharmacy
- Undertaking clinical communication reviews to support safe prescribing and continuity of care
- Managing hypertension and lipid reviews in line with local and national guidelines
- Supporting medicines optimisation and improving patient outcomes
- Providing advice and support to patients and clinical staff regarding medicines use
In addition, the post holder will be responsible for encouraging the development of better understanding of the principles of medicines optimisation throughout the practice teams and promoting good practice in line with therapeutic developments. This will involve assisting the Practices in achieving national requirements, NICE implementation and utilisation of medicines optimisation initiatives.
About us
We are a long-established practice based in the small market town of Chester le Street. We have a growing patient population, currently at approx. 12,700 and we have a sister practice in Coxhoe with approx. 7,100 patients. There are 8 GP Partners, 1 non-clinical Partner/Practice Manager, 6 Salaried GPs, 5 Nurse Practitioners, a large admin/reception team and a variety of ARRS funded staff. All staff are committed to delivering high-quality, patient centred care. We pride ourselves on our collaborative team culture and continuous learning. The practice works closely with the wider Primary Care Network and offers a supportive environment for all staff to develop and utilise their skills.
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Responsibilities
- Undertake structured medication reviews (SMRs), including for patients with complex needs and polypharmacy
- Conduct clinical communication reviews to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate prescribing
- Review and manage patients with hypertension and lipid disorders in line with local and national guidelines
- Independently prescribe where appropriate within scope of practice and competency
- Identify and manage medicines-related problems, including adverse drug reactions and non-adherence
- Provide medicines advice to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals
- Support safe prescribing and deprescribing initiatives
- Promote cost-effective, evidence-based prescribing
- Support repeat prescribing processes and medication queries
- Work collaboratively with the wider practice and PCN team to improve prescribing quality and safety
- Contribute to the implementation of prescribing policies and guidelines
Multidisciplinary Team Working
- Work closely with GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals to support patient care
- Participate in MDT meetings where appropriate
- Support continuity of care across the practice
Quality, Governance and Safety
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records
- Contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement, and service development
- Ensure compliance with practice policies, NICE guidance, and professional standards
- Support the management of prescribing risks and medicines safety alerts
Professional Development
- Maintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Engage in continuous professional development and appraisal
- Work within professional competencies and scope of practice
Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain confidentiality at all times in line with GDPR, Caldicott principles, and practice policies.
Person Specification
- Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council GPhC
- Independent Prescriber qualification or working towards within an agreed timeframe
- Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
- Experience of working as a qualified, registered pharmacist in primary care, community or hospital pharmacy
- Demonstrate ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders of the respective merits of different options, innovations, new opportunities and challenges
- Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway PCPEP or equivalent
- Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature, e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics
Experience
- Experience of conducting medication reviews
- Experience of managing long-term conditions
- An appreciation of the NHS agenda and government targets
- Awareness of systems to support management of patients in a primary care setting, delivering pharmaceutical input and support in the context of pathways of care and the business of the Practice(s)
- Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation
- An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues
- Experience working in general practice or primary care
- Experience undertaking structured medication reviews SMRs
- Experience managing hypertension and lipid disorders
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.
Pharmacist (ARRS Role) in Chester-le-Street employer: Cestria Health Centre
Contact Detail:
Cestria Health Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacist (ARRS Role) in Chester-le-Street
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmacy field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to medicines optimisation and patient care. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for patient care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've improved patient outcomes or supported safe prescribing. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacist (ARRS Role) in Chester-le-Street
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in medicines optimisation and long-term condition management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for patient care shine through in your application. We love candidates who are motivated and eager to contribute to our friendly team, so share why you’re excited about this opportunity at Cestria Health Centre!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cestria Health Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of medicines optimisation and long-term condition management. Familiarise yourself with local and national guidelines, especially around hypertension and lipid management. This will show that you're not just a qualified pharmacist, but someone who is genuinely interested in improving patient outcomes.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with patients and healthcare professionals in the past. Think of specific examples where your communication made a difference in patient care or team collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, like conducting structured medication reviews or managing complex cases. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps clearly. This will help interviewers see how you approach challenges in a clinical setting.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Cestria Health Centre values a collaborative team culture, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight instances where you’ve worked closely with GPs, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and safety.