Pharmacist (ARRS Role)

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 centered 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 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.