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- Tasks: Join a dynamic healthcare team to optimise patient medication and improve outcomes.
- Company: North Preston Medical Practice, a top-rated GP practice in Lancashire.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and work in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team with excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and an Accredited Checking Technician qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
As our Medicines Coordinator/Pharmacy Technician, you will work within the multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, based within our GP practice, and support the delivery of safe, effective and efficient systems for medicines optimisation, repeat prescribing, reducing medicine waste and maximising patient outcomes.
Main duties of the job
- Contributing to the provision of safe and effective services.
- Undertaking medicines reconciliation in line with practice protocols and standard operating procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of prescriptions and repeat prescriptions.
- Responding to patients' prescription queries; referring problems or queries to the pharmacist.
- Participating in patient reviews and updating of patient records.
- Checking the accuracy of medicines for prescriptions.
- Participating in medication audits.
- Providing advice and information to GPs, staff and patients to support the improvement of prescribing safety, quality, cost-effectiveness and the appropriate use of medicines to get the best outcomes for patients.
- Assisting in the monitoring and management of prescribing budgets and the preparation of evidence-based resources and information that support cost-effective prescribing.
- Taking responsibility for contributing to all aspects of the day-to-day management of the working environment including communication, data accuracy and management, keeping practice areas tidy and helping to achieve a supportive, positive culture across the practice team.
- To support and promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health & Safety and Infection Control policies.
- To respect and protect patient confidentiality and information.
- Keeping up to date with professional responsibilities and CPD requirements.
About us
North Preston Medical Practice is a large family friendly, high achieving practice, with a dedicated team of caring staff. You will be a member of a very dedicated team which includes 5 GP Partners, 3 Salaried GPs, 3 Practice Nurses, 1 Nursing Associate, 2 HCAs, 1 Clinical Pharmacist, a dedicated Pharmacy Technician Team and a robust management / clerical team. In May 2023 we were rated as number 2 in a Lancashire Evening Post review of GP Practices in and around Preston, North Preston Medical Practice are proud of the care we give our Patients. We are active members of the Greater Preston Primary Care Network and a long and well established training practice and a silver partner with Manchester University.
Job responsibilities
- The post holder will take a central role in reviewing, improving and implementing the practice repeat prescribing policies to ensure all staff are aware of the correct procedures to run a safe, cost effective, efficient, and patient friendly, repeat prescription system.
- The post holder will be responsible for helping the practice and the medicines management team to deliver the agreed changes required to meet the prescribing targets set for the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) prescribing schemes.
- The post holder will be the main contact point for non-clinical medication related queries from pharmacies, nursing homes, and other health care professionals, to improve the accuracy of patient medication records.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To identify and work closely with all healthcare professionals involved in medicines management in the practice.
- To reduce waste, minimise risk and improve the repeat prescribing process.
- To improve prescription security by introducing best practice guidelines.
- To be responsible for ensuring recall systems are in place, and working, for the correct monitoring of amber drugs and those included in the enhanced services of the GMS/PMS contract.
- To undertake practice based ICB project work under the direction of the Medicines Co-ordinators Scheme Lead to ensure cost savings on the prescribing budget.
- To undertake proactive housekeeping management of the repeat prescribing process in accordance with practice and ICB protocols.
- To deal with non-routine, non-clinical medication queries that require follow up and problem solving techniques.
- To help the Medicines Management Team with any searches, data collection and letter production required for prescribing changes.
- Identify patients who would be suitable for repeat dispensing / Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs).
- To ensure information from SMRs is acted upon as appropriate.
- Develop and implement medicines management initiatives through the work of the practice e.g. repeat dispensing.
Communication
- Act as the first point of contact both within the practices and for outside agencies, including secondary care, community pharmacists, nursing home staff and other healthcare professionals who have queries relating to prescriptions.
- To work collaboratively with the Medicines Co-ordinators Scheme Lead, the ICB Medicines Management Team and other practices to spread good practice and share experience.
- Liaise with patients to receive prescription requests, address their queries and provide medicines management advice.
- Ensure all information regarding medicine management is distributed to all health care professionals within the practice.
- To maintain comprehensive and accurate records of work undertaken for the Medicines Management projects and activities.
- To be able to use MS Office programmes necessary for the role.
- To be able to use the searching and administrative capabilities of the GP clinical system.
- To collect and submit monthly audit data to monitor improvements in line with Medicines Management objectives and CCG targets.
- To manage time effectively to ensure all targets are met.
- To carry out any other associated tasks required to develop this role in the future as requested by the Medicines Co-ordinators Scheme Lead.
Training and Education
- To supervise and train practice staff undertaking generation of repeat prescriptions and to explain and inform them of any prescribing changes being carried out.
- To attend training events for Medicines Co-ordinators organised by the Medicines Co-ordinators Scheme Lead.
- To attend regular networking meetings with the Medicines Co-ordinators Scheme Lead.
Research, Development and Audit
- To organise the data collection and searches required for all audits being carried out for medicines management priorities (any prescribing incentive schemes and ICB projects) and ensure they are submitted on time.
- Collate and interpret results from audits undertaken via the practice medicines co-ordinators scheme and prepare regular reports on progress to the practice.
- Attends the monthly Medicines Co-ordinator training sessions, facilitated by the Medicines Co-ordinator Scheme Lead. There are 10 sessions annually. There will be no meetings in August and December due to summer holidays and the Christmas period. Medicines Co-ordinators must attend a minimum 7 out of the 10 sessions for the financial year.
Person Specification
- 4 GCSEs at grades A* to C in English, Maths, Science and one other subject.
- Hold an Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) qualification.
- Registered with the GPhC.
Experience
- Previous experience in general practice is desired.
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.
Medicines Coordinator / Pharmacy Technician in Preston employer: North Preston Medical Practice
Contact Detail:
North Preston Medical Practice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Medicines Coordinator / Pharmacy Technician in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, especially those who work in GP practices or pharmacy settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of medicines management and patient safety. We want you to shine when discussing how you can contribute to safe and effective prescribing practices during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work in medicines optimisation or any relevant audits you've participated in. This will help us see how you can make a real impact at North Preston Medical Practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our dedicated team.
We think you need these skills to ace Medicines Coordinator / Pharmacy Technician in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Medicines Coordinator/Pharmacy Technician role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be working within a multidisciplinary team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before, as this will resonate well with us at North Preston Medical Practice.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Preston Medical Practice
✨Know Your Medicines
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of medicines and their management. Familiarise yourself with common medications, their uses, and potential side effects. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise in medicines optimisation.
✨Understand the Role
Read through the job description thoroughly and understand the key responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the duties of a Medicines Coordinator/Pharmacy Technician, especially around repeat prescribing and patient safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to manage prescription queries or improve processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working within a multidisciplinary team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with healthcare professionals in the past to improve patient outcomes or streamline processes. This will show that you're a great fit for their supportive culture.