Middleton & Hunslet PCN Clinical Pharmacist

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks:

Clinical

To improve the outcomes for patients from their medicines and reduce the risk of harm. Part of this will involve improving medicines safety and medicines management processes across the PCN such as contributing to actioning MHRA alerts and reconciling of medicines upon transfer of care.

To carry out structured medication reviews (SMRs) to optimise medication for complex patients, in particular the frail, polypharmacy and care home residents. This may involve home visits for the housebound which can be done jointly with the PCN care co-ordinators in the frailty team. We have a structure in place for working smoothly with the many care homes across Beeston.

Contribute to delivering the medicines aspects of the investment and impact fund (IIF) which forms part of the PCN directed enhanced service (DES).

Join established MDTs locally to deliver proactive, personalised and coordinated health and social care. Partnership working across all care sectors and effective communication will be required.

Technical & Administrative

Support the PCN multi-disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation processes are being followed.

Implement efficient ordering and return processes and reducing medication wastage.

Provide training and support on the legal, safe and secure handling of medicines, including the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).

Promotion of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) and online ordering

Develop relationships with other pharmacy professionals and members of the multi-disciplinary team to support integration across health and social care including primary care, community pharmacy, secondary care and mental health.

Support practice reception teams in streaming general prescription requests, to allow GPs and clinical pharmacists to review the more clinically complex requests.

Support the implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices, care homes and other primary care settings.

Support the PCN to deliver on the Quality Improvement Plans, QOF and locally commissioned enhanced services

Support the PCN in reviewing and developing practice policies for CQC requirements

Health and Safety - The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in our Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to PCN guidelines.

Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks.

Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.

Using appropriate infection control procedures, including maintaining a tidy and safe way work area free from hazards. Effective hand hygiene.

Provide advice on the correct and safe management of the specimen's process, including collection, labelling, handling, use of correct containers, storage and transport arrangements.

Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in both routine and extraordinary circumstances.

Safe use of sharps, storage and disposal.

Reporting potential risks identified.

Equality and Diversity - The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation.

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Training, Personal/ Professional Development Training requirements will be monitored in accordance with PCN requirements. Relevant personal development will be encouraged and supported by the PCN. You will be expected to take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development.

Undertake mandatory and statutory training as required and attend courses/ study days as deemed appropriate/ necessary.

Continually review clinical practice, responding to National policies and initiatives where appropriate.

Provide leadership and education for members of the multi-disciplinary team, providing guidance and support when necessary.

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.

Communication:

Excellent communication skills (written and oral), when dealing with patients and other team members. The ability to make clear decisions with confidence and communicate these effectively.

Demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients and carers are fully informed and consent to treatment.

Recognise people's needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.

Use developed communication, negotiation and conflict management skills recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background etc.

Managing Risk:

Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients. This includes the escalation of clinical concerns or appropriate referrals where the management of a clinical situation requires it, or it falls outside of clinical competence.

Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards, and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Apply infection control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines and in accordance with the practice policy.

This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review considering changing service needs. Change will be made in consultation with the role holder and will be reviewed at annual appraisal.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working as a qualified, registered clinical pharmacist in primary care, community, or hospital settings
• Experience delivering medicines optimisation, medication reviews, and clinical decision making within scope
• Experience supporting long term condition management and working with GPs and MDT colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible approach to meet service needs across multiple practices
• Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement
• Able to work in a busy environment, managing urgent and important tasks effectively
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills

Desirable

• Experience in primary care/ General Practice

Skills, Ability and Knowledge

Essential

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical pharmacy, evidence-based medicine, and medicines optimisation
• Strong understanding of Primary Care Networks, General Practice, and multidisciplinary team working
• In depth knowledge of long-term condition management, clinical pathways, and national guidance (NICE, MHRA, NHS England)
• Understanding of prescribing and deprescribing principles, rational prescribing, and strategies to improve prescribing quality
• Ability to undertake structured medication reviews, manage complex polypharmacy, and support personalised care
• Knowledge of pharmacy law, ethics, and current legislation
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and present prescribing data, audit findings, and clinical outcomes
• Skilled in identifying and managing medication related risks, including monitoring requirements and safety alerts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to adapt to patients, carers, GPs, and wider MDT
• Ability to influence and negotiate with clinicians, stakeholders, and external partners
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, manage caseloads, and meet deadlines
• High attention to detail and accuracy in clinical documentation
• Understanding of data protection, confidentiality, and information governance
• Competent in using clinical systems and able to learn new digital tools quickly

Desirable

• Use of SystmOne (Clinical database)
• Knowledge of local public health priorities and population health management

Personal qualities, attributes and abilities

Essential

• Motivated, committed, and enthusiastic, with the ability to engage and influence others
• Self-aware, reflective, and able to recognise own limitations
• Flexible and adaptable, remaining calm under pressure
• Professional, reliable, and committed to high quality patient care

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Masters degree in pharmacy (MPharm) or equivalent
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
• Completion of, or working towards, Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification
• Demonstrated ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders
• Commitment to ongoing clinical development and advanced practice

Desirable

• Independent Prescriber qualification already held
• Additional postgraduate qualifications (e.g., Clinical Diploma, Advanced Clinical Practice modules)

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).