Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for supporting the Practice in delivering safe, effective, and efficient prescribing processes. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing incoming medication requests and queries from patients, pharmacies, care homes, and other healthcare providers.
- Assisting Practice administrative teams with medication-related queries.
- Liaising directly with patients to resolve medication issues and support appropriate use of prescribed treatments.
- Contributing to the improvement of prescribing processes within general practice.
- Promoting the use of electronic repeat dispensing and online ordering systems.
- Conducting housekeeping within patient records, including dose optimisation and medicines synchronisation.
- Utilising and maintaining relevant information systems and databases, including those related to incident reporting, prescribing data, medicines optimisation, cost-saving initiatives, and patient outcomes.
- Handling sensitive, complex, or confidential information in accordance with the Data Protection Act, Caldicott Principles, and the Confidentiality Code of Conduct.
- Conducting prescribing audits using GP clinical systems and supporting the implementation of audit outcomes.
- Participating in Practice meetings, Patient Participation Groups, and other forums to promote the role of the Pharmacy Technician and raise awareness of prescribing and medicines optimisation.
- Organising and managing own workload effectively to meet deadlines and service priorities.
- Undertaking ongoing learning and development to maintain professional knowledge and competencies.
- Performing additional duties appropriate to the post holders skills and grade, in response to evolving service needs.
- Supporting QOF, IIF and LES/DES prescribing related indicators.
- Assisting with medication reviews under supervision of clinical pharmacists/GPs.
- Contributing to audits of high risk medications.
General Responsibilities
Confidentiality
Patients entrust the Practice with sensitive information regarding their health and personal circumstances. It is essential that all staff always respect this confidentiality and act with integrity.
In fulfilling the duties of this role, the post-holder may access confidential information relating to patients, carers, Practice staff, and other healthcare professionals, as well as business-related data. All such information must be treated as strictly confidential and only shared with authorised individuals in accordance with Practice policies, the Data Protection Act, Caldicott Principles, and the Confidentiality Code of Conduct.
Respect for Patient Confidentiality
The post-holder must always uphold patient confidentiality and only disclose information when required and authorised by the role.
Health and Safety
The post-holder is responsible for promoting and maintaining health, safety, and security in accordance with the Practices Health & Safety Policy. This includes:
- Identifying and managing risks in work activities.
- Participating in training to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
- Applying infection control procedures and maintaining a safe, hazard-free work environment.
- Reporting potential risks to the appropriate manager.
- Complying with the Data Protection Act (1984) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990).
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will support the equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers, and colleagues by:
- Acting in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Respecting the privacy, dignity, and beliefs of others.
- Demonstrating inclusive, non-judgmental behaviour that acknowledges individual circumstances and priorities.
Special Working Conditions
The post-holder may be required to travel independently between Practice site and attend meetings hosted by external agencies.
Personal and Professional Development
The post-holder will actively participate in training programmes and professional development activities, including:
- Taking responsibility for their own learning and performance.
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues undertaking similar roles.
Quality
The post-holder will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of service quality by:
- Identifying and reporting issues related to quality and risk.
- Reflecting on personal performance
- Collaborating with external agencies to meet patient needs.
- Managing time, workload, and resources effectively.
Communication
Effective communication is vital to the role. The post-holder will:
- Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, patients, carers, and external organisations.
- Recognise and respond to the need for alternative communication methods.
Safeguarding
All staff will receive training in Child and Adult Protection, including safeguarding policies and procedures. The post-holder must be able to identify and act upon concerns regarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals.
Contribution to Service Implementation
The post-holder will:
- Apply relevant service policies, standards, and guidelines.
- Collaborate with colleagues to understand the impact of these policies on their work.
- Participate in audits and mandatory training (e.g. Information Governance, IT, Resuscitation).
- Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
Please note:Completion or enrolment of a training programme with the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) is a requirement for this role. The practice would support enrolment on appointment.