Pharmacy Technician in Stafford

The Pharmacy Technician will be an integral member of our established PCN Clinical Pharmacy team, working closely with the PCN Clinical Pharmacists to support the delivery of high-quality medicines management across all practices. The role will be primarily based at the PCN hub, with regular practice visits to collaborate with practice leads and wider teams.

Main duties of the job Responsibilities and duties may include (and may not be limited to):

• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to GPs, practice staff and patients on prescribing changes to enhance safety, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the achievement of the Local Prescribing Service Level Agreement (SLA), prescribing-related Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets, and any other locally agreed prescribing schemes.
• Prepare evidence-based resources and information to support rational, cost-effective prescribing across the PCN.
• Contribute to the review, development and implementation of repeat prescribing protocols and Standard Operating Procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Take a proactive approach to the safe handling of prescriptions, including identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Advise on the safe sourcing, storage and management of medicines as required.
• Participate in medication audits as requested by the practice, Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent ICB or PCN pharmacists.
• Liaise with the Staffordshire and StokeonTrent ICB Medicines Management Team regarding local prescribing policies, guidance and incentive schemes.
• Support the introduction and optimisation of new prescribing-related processes within the practice.
• Support the PCN Clinical Pharmacist in delivering medication reviews, developing patient information materials and promoting medicines awareness.
• Respond professionally to prescription queries from patients and staff, escalating to the appropriate clinician in line with practice protocols.
• Assist clinical staff with medicines reconciliation in accordance with practice procedures, ensuring accurate and timely updates to patient records.

About us Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have been created to facilitate delivery of more integrated care. They cover defined geographical areas to enable them to better respond to the needs of local populations and build relationships across wider primary care within natural neighbourhoods.

Confidentiality During the course of providing care, patients entrust us with sensitive information about their health and personal circumstances. This information is given in confidence, and all staff are expected to respect patient privacy and handle such information appropriately.

Quality The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice and will:

• Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk.
• Work to PCN/Practice protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.
• Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team’s performance.
• Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients’ needs.
• Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.

Health & Safety The post holder will contribute to promoting and maintaining a safe working environment in line with the organisation's Health & Safety Policy.

Equality and Diversity The post holder must adhere to all organisational policies and procedures that promote equality of employment. All colleagues, patients and visitors must be treated with fairness, dignity and respect, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic.

General To contribute flexibly to the wider PCN team functions, undertaking other relevant duties aligned with the role and personal ability.

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.

Special Working Conditions The post holder will be required to travel independently between practice sites and may be required to attend meetings hosted by external organisations.

Person Specification Skills Strong attention to detail Good knowledge of evidence-based healthcare & regulation Understanding of primary care prescribing, rational prescribing principles and medicines optimisation strategies Ability to plan, manage, monitor and review medicines optimisation activities, particularly for long-term conditions Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and ability to adapt to new clinical systems Ability to analyse and interpret complex clinical and technical information Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to recognise priorities and elevate appropriately Ability to work under pressure, manage competing deadlines and produce timely, accurate reports Ability to motivate, influence and gain acceptance for recommendations, even where barriers exist Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team Experience Good understanding of primary care and the wider NHS functions Experience of working in general practice (D) Qualifications Completion of a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician qualification (E) Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) (E) Completion of CPPE Pathway (D) 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.