Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Pharmacy Technician - Primary Care

The closing date is 05 October 2025

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our expanding medicines management team within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. You will play a vital role in improving safe and cost-effective prescribing, supporting Structured Medication Reviews, and enhancing patient outcomes across GP practices, community services, and hospital settings.

Your work will include medicines reconciliation, repeat prescribing, long-term condition reviews, and providing lifestyle advice. You will liaise with GPs, community pharmacists, and hospital teams to ensure smooth transfers of care, respond to medicines queries, and support audits, service development, and training.

You should have experience in primary care, hospital, or community pharmacy, with strong organisational, communication, and IT skills and will gain diverse experience while pursuing the PCPEP, with full support and study time dedicated to your development.

We are looking for someone who is detail-focused, able to work independently or in a team, and committed to medicines safety and continuous professional development. ACPT accreditation, supervisory experience, and knowledge of mental health medicines are desirable.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain cross-sector experience in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. We will support your ongoing development, including CPD, and you will be part of a team committed to making a real difference to patient care across our communities.

Main duties of the job

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare (HIOWH) NHS Foundation Trust is expanding its pharmacy technician team in Southampton. This role will be crucial in driving meaningful change and improving services within our hospital sites and partner Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

The Pharmacy Technician role supports medicines optimisation across the Trust, with flexibility to work in cross-sector environments including hospital, community, and PCN settings. The post holder will play a key role in improving safe and cost-effective prescribing, enhancing patient outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and supporting public health initiatives.

We welcome applications from Pharmacy Technicians at all career stages and in any branch of the profession. Candidates will need to enrol in the CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) if they haven't already undertaken.

About us

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly established organisation, bringing together expertise from across mental health, learning disabilities, community, and physical health services. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care to the diverse communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

With over 13,000 dedicated staff working across more than 300 sites, we place patients and staff at the centre of everything we do. Our goal is to create an integrated healthcare system that improves accessibility and ensures more consistent care for patients. By working together, we aim to improve patient outcomes, drive innovation, and meet the unique needs of the populations we serve.

Our Trust unites services from Southern Health, Solent NHS Trust, Isle of Wight NHS Trusts community and mental health teams, as well as Hampshire CAMHS, originally part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This transformation enables us to deliver more seamless care across the region, ensuring that patients receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to shape the future of healthcare across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are deeply committed to our CARE values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence, and offer outstanding opportunities for career development, training, and collaborative working.

Details

Date posted

22 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Based on full time hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

348-COR-9198

Job locations

Western Community Hospital

Walnut Grove

Southampton

Hampshire

SO16 4XE


Job description

Job responsibilities

*Supporting medication reviews and medicines reconciliation for new care home patients and synchronising medications during patient transfers, working with local community pharmacies.

*Assisting the Clinical Pharmacist in Structured Medication Reviews (SMR) by organising necessary monitoring tests.

*Addressing public health and social care needs of patients, including lifestyle advice and information to tackle health inequalities.

*Managing shared care protocols and collaborating with Clinical Pharmacists for complex patients.

*Promoting antimicrobial stewardship to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

*Implementing national prescribing policies in GP practices and care homes.

*Supporting the PCN in achieving the QIPP agenda, QOF, and enhanced services.

*Building relationships with pharmacy professionals and multidisciplinary teams to enhance integration across health and social care.

*Training administrative staff on issuing repeat and acute prescriptions and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

*Assisting with medicines reconciliation and updating patients' medical records.

*Helping achieve the Practice's QOF targets for prescribing and contributing to the improvement of repeat prescribing systems.

*Providing advice on changes in prescribing to improve safety and effectiveness.

*Participating in medication audits and assisting in managing prescribing budgets with the Medicines Management team.

*Raising awareness about medication throughout the clinical team and responding to medication queries from patients and staff.

*Presenting at patient group meetings and other relevant events.

*Undertake cross-sector work as required, including hospital ward/dispensary duties.

Clinical and Professional Responsibilities:

*Assist in the medication reconciliation process by confirming the medications currently taken by the patient, which may involve gathering information verbally from the patient, their relatives, their general practitioner (GP), hospital discharge summaries, or clinic letters, as well as consulting medical notes. Record and update the medication reconciliation in the patient's electronic record.

*Independently resolve discrepancies and make necessary interventions regarding the patient's medications in collaboration with the prescriber when possible. If needed, refer to the pharmacist or an appropriate healthcare professional and document any interventions in the clinical record.

*Complete all relevant electronic forms if any errors are found.

*Inform the pharmacist and lead GP of any identified errors.

*Ensure all necessary documentation is correctly completed in the units visited.

*Arrange for the prompt dispensing of non-stock supplies for inpatients, following the hospital formulary and guidance on restricted medications, in accordance with established procedures.

*Ensure that medications are transferred with the patient between healthcare settings to avoid duplication of supply.

*Assess the suitability, quality, and identity of patients' own drugs (PODs) for extended use and dispose of any discontinued or unsuitable PODs according to local procedures and guidance.

*Evaluate the suitability of patients' own drugs for discharge medications, and organise a timely supply of new or additional items according to local procedures and guidelines.

*Comply with legislative changes related to the Falsified Medicines Directive.

*Provide medicines management support to other community and primary care service areas as agreed by the line manager, and cover for other team members' leave and sickness across all sites provided by the medicines management team.

*Develop the role of the Medicines Management Technician.

Communication Responsibilities:

*Undertake sessions within a dispensary to maintain ACT competency, targeting two hours per week. It is the post holder's responsibility to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements in areas such as being an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT).

*Assess patient compliance with medication and their ability to self-medicate, which may require visiting patients in their homes. Organise compliance aids for patients (e.g., blister packs, Dossett boxes) to support their independence

*Respond professionally to medication queries from patients, staff, and other healthcare providers, such as community pharmacies, referring to the appropriate multidisciplinary team member in accordance with practice protocols.

*Liaise with GP practices, community pharmacists, and hospital teams regarding medication-related issues to ensure a smooth transition for the patient from secondary to primary care.

*Provide information and counselling on the use of medicines to selected patients, their carers, and other healthcare professionals, taking into account their level of understanding and emotional well-being.

*Assess patients for smoking and alcohol consumption, providing brief advice and making referrals to relevant pharmacists, alcohol care teams, smoking cessation advisors, or GPs when necessary using appropriate IT systems or documented protocols.

*Collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.

*Attend and actively participate in team meetings.

*Liaise with prescribers and appliance contractors to ensure appropriate prescription requests.

Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached. It is important to us that we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone - if as a potential candidate you are concerned a person specification may prevent or restrict your application for employment as a result of unintentional barriers on the grounds of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability please initially contact the Trust's Recruitment team - detailed in the advert. The Trust will seek to resolve this issue wherever possible.

We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.

Job description

Job responsibilities

*Supporting medication reviews and medicines reconciliation for new care home patients and synchronising medications during patient transfers, working with local community pharmacies.

*Assisting the Clinical Pharmacist in Structured Medication Reviews (SMR) by organising necessary monitoring tests.

*Addressing public health and social care needs of patients, including lifestyle advice and information to tackle health inequalities.

*Managing shared care protocols and collaborating with Clinical Pharmacists for complex patients.

*Promoting antimicrobial stewardship to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

*Implementing national prescribing policies in GP practices and care homes.

*Supporting the PCN in achieving the QIPP agenda, QOF, and enhanced services.

*Building relationships with pharmacy professionals and multidisciplinary teams to enhance integration across health and social care.

*Training administrative staff on issuing repeat and acute prescriptions and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

*Assisting with medicines reconciliation and updating patients' medical records.

*Helping achieve the Practice's QOF targets for prescribing and contributing to the improvement of repeat prescribing systems.

*Providing advice on changes in prescribing to improve safety and effectiveness.

*Participating in medication audits and assisting in managing prescribing budgets with the Medicines Management team.

*Raising awareness about medication throughout the clinical team and responding to medication queries from patients and staff.

*Presenting at patient group meetings and other relevant events.

*Undertake cross-sector work as required, including hospital ward/dispensary duties.

Clinical and Professional Responsibilities:

*Assist in the medication reconciliation process by confirming the medications currently taken by the patient, which may involve gathering information verbally from the patient, their relatives, their general practitioner (GP), hospital discharge summaries, or clinic letters, as well as consulting medical notes. Record and update the medication reconciliation in the patient's electronic record.

*Independently resolve discrepancies and make necessary interventions regarding the patient's medications in collaboration with the prescriber when possible. If needed, refer to the pharmacist or an appropriate healthcare professional and document any interventions in the clinical record.

*Complete all relevant electronic forms if any errors are found.

*Inform the pharmacist and lead GP of any identified errors.

*Ensure all necessary documentation is correctly completed in the units visited.

*Arrange for the prompt dispensing of non-stock supplies for inpatients, following the hospital formulary and guidance on restricted medications, in accordance with established procedures.

*Ensure that medications are transferred with the patient between healthcare settings to avoid duplication of supply.

*Assess the suitability, quality, and identity of patients' own drugs (PODs) for extended use and dispose of any discontinued or unsuitable PODs according to local procedures and guidance.

*Evaluate the suitability of patients' own drugs for discharge medications, and organise a timely supply of new or additional items according to local procedures and guidelines.

*Comply with legislative changes related to the Falsified Medicines Directive.

*Provide medicines management support to other community and primary care service areas as agreed by the line manager, and cover for other team members' leave and sickness across all sites provided by the medicines management team.

*Develop the role of the Medicines Management Technician.

Communication Responsibilities:

*Undertake sessions within a dispensary to maintain ACT competency, targeting two hours per week. It is the post holder's responsibility to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements in areas such as being an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT).

*Assess patient compliance with medication and their ability to self-medicate, which may require visiting patients in their homes. Organise compliance aids for patients (e.g., blister packs, Dossett boxes) to support their independence

*Respond professionally to medication queries from patients, staff, and other healthcare providers, such as community pharmacies, referring to the appropriate multidisciplinary team member in accordance with practice protocols.

*Liaise with GP practices, community pharmacists, and hospital teams regarding medication-related issues to ensure a smooth transition for the patient from secondary to primary care.

*Provide information and counselling on the use of medicines to selected patients, their carers, and other healthcare professionals, taking into account their level of understanding and emotional well-being.

*Assess patients for smoking and alcohol consumption, providing brief advice and making referrals to relevant pharmacists, alcohol care teams, smoking cessation advisors, or GPs when necessary using appropriate IT systems or documented protocols.

*Collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.

*Attend and actively participate in team meetings.

*Liaise with prescribers and appliance contractors to ensure appropriate prescription requests.

Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached. It is important to us that we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone - if as a potential candidate you are concerned a person specification may prevent or restrict your application for employment as a result of unintentional barriers on the grounds of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability please initially contact the Trust's Recruitment team - detailed in the advert. The Trust will seek to resolve this issue wherever possible.

We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 in Pharmaceutical Services (or equivalent)
  • * Pharmacy Technician Registered with General Pharmaceutical council.
  • * ACPT qualification
  • * Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in GP practice or NHS provider (hospital or community pharmacy).

Desirable

  • A sound knowledge of the working of General Practice and NHS Primary Care.
  • Experience with clinical computer systems such as EMIS, SystmOne, WellSky/JAC).
  • Experience in coordinating and prioritising daily workload.
  • Experience of supervising and training pharmacy staff.
  • Problem solving/decision making

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Highly motivated and enthusiastic
  • Familiarity with drug names and terminology
  • Effective in both verbal and written communication
  • Knowledge of safe and secure handling of medicines
  • Understanding of requirements for unlicensed medicines
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
  • Capable of identifying and addressing personal learning needs
  • Able to work calmly and accurately under pressure.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 in Pharmaceutical Services (or equivalent)
  • * Pharmacy Technician Registered with General Pharmaceutical council.
  • * ACPT qualification
  • * Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in GP practice or NHS provider (hospital or community pharmacy).

Desirable

  • A sound knowledge of the working of General Practice and NHS Primary Care.
  • Experience with clinical computer systems such as EMIS, SystmOne, WellSky/JAC).
  • Experience in coordinating and prioritising daily workload.
  • Experience of supervising and training pharmacy staff.
  • Problem solving/decision making

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Highly motivated and enthusiastic
  • Familiarity with drug names and terminology
  • Effective in both verbal and written communication
  • Knowledge of safe and secure handling of medicines
  • Understanding of requirements for unlicensed medicines
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
  • Capable of identifying and addressing personal learning needs
  • Able to work calmly and accurately under pressure.

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. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Western Community Hospital

Walnut Grove

Southampton

Hampshire

SO16 4XE


Employer's website

https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Western Community Hospital

Walnut Grove

Southampton

Hampshire

SO16 4XE


Employer's website

https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Arjun Grewal

arjun.grewal@solent.nhs.uk

02380540713

Details

Date posted

22 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Based on full time hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

348-COR-9198

Job locations

Western Community Hospital

Walnut Grove

Southampton

Hampshire

SO16 4XE


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)