At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist pharmaceutical support and improve patient outcomes in a collaborative healthcare team.
- Company: Join Shrewsbury Primary Care Network, dedicated to enhancing community health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for independent prescribing.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your clinical expertise.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered pharmacist with experience in medication reviews.
The 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 job
- The role will include structured medication reviews, medicines reconciliation, 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 us
Shrewsbury 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 responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Development
- Participate in training, supervision and professional development activities.
- Support pharmacy technicians and trainees as appropriate.
- Contribute positively to team objectives and collaborative working.
Person Specification
Experience
- Essential: 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.
Other
- Essential: 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 Qualities
- Essential: 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 Competencies
- Essential: 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.
Qualifications
- Essential: 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 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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Employer name: Shrewsbury Primary Care Network
Address: Morgan Place, Anchorage Avenue, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6FG, United Kingdom
PCN Clinical Pharmacist in Shrewsbury employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PCN Clinical Pharmacist in Shrewsbury
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like PCN Clinical Pharmacist at National health service.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from National health service!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like PCN Clinical Pharmacist.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like National health service.
We think you need these skills to ace PCN Clinical Pharmacist in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the PCN Clinical Pharmacist at National health service, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the PCN Clinical Pharmacist at National health service. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like National health service will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
