Pharmacy Technician

Job description Job responsibilities The following are the core responsibilities of the Pharmacy Technician. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels

Work with the multi-disciplinary team in accordance with practice policies to improve the safety and quality of prescribing within the practice

To update and maintain accurate patient medication records on the practice clinical computer system, including advice given and action taken

To manage repeat prescription requests, resolving queries where possible and producing prescriptions for clinical review and signature

To provide drug alternatives where original products may be out of stock. When appropriate and within staff competencies

On receipt of discharge summaries or clinic letters make or check changes made to medicines after authorisation by a GP, in accordance with practice protocols.

Run reports and carry out audits of prescribing and implement agreed changes

Contribute to the monitoring of high risk medicines including DMARDs in accordance with practice protocols and local shared care protocols

Tidying repeat medication lists including synchronising durations and removing medications not ordered within a defined period

Support the practice with reviewing repeat prescribing systems to ensure safe and high quality prescribing

Liaise with community and hospital pharmacies on the supply of drugs where necessary & give advice to the practice team and patients

Responsible person(s) on the response to MHRA drug safety alerts, supported by other members of the clinical team where necessary

To attend clinical meetings with clinicians to report any shortages in medication/drug safety alerts and present any relevant significant events.

Assist in the delivery of medicines optimisation and management incentive schemes and patient safety audits

Support the implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices, care homes and other primary care settings. This will be achieved through undertaking clinical audits (e.g., use of antibiotics), supporting quality improvement measures and contributing to the Quality and Outcomes Framework and enhanced services

Work with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation, including implementing efficient ordering and return processes, and reducing wastage

Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children

Participate in clinical audits and research projects and implements changes as required, including supporting with the development, and updating of practice protocols / guidelines and procedures locally

Support in the management of patient complaints when requested to do so and participate in the identification of any necessary learning brought about through incidents and near-miss events

Respond to queries from patients, care home staff and pharmacies regarding medicines, within your competency.

Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider health care community

Keep up to date with Nottinghamshire APC medicines formulary and local and national prescribing guidelines to advise GPs and the wider practice team

Comply with legal and professional requirements, good practice and ensure safe systems of work and prescribing

Contribute to QOF, enhanced services and prescribing engagement schemes as advised by the practice pharmacist or Partners

Undertake projects, services and initaitives to improve the safety, quality and cost effectiveness of prescribing

Work with the ICB medicines management team to improve the quality and safety of prescribing

Use data and tools to analyse and review prescribing patterns within the practice as required by the PCN Pharmacists or Partners.

Supporting care home Multi-disciplinary meetings for our allocated care homes with the GP and care home staff

Issue prescriptions for HRT in line with specific parameters provided by GP Partners, following an appropriate review

To attend and occasionally chair meetings with the Prescription team, including with other Technicians and Prescription Clerks

To attend PCN learning afternoons when working hours allow

When new patients join the Practice, medication is to be added back to repeat prescription. This requires investigation of notes from previous Practice(s) and checking monitoring requirements

This job description is a reflection of the current position and the post holder is expected to view it as a guide rather than an exact description of all duties and responsibilities. This post may be subject to variation from time to time.