Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Position Overview

Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative is in search of a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to become a vital member of our dedicated Clinical Pharmacy Team.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a proactive and experienced group of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, enhancing the delivery of pharmaceutical services throughout the collaborative. The position is essential for elevating the standard of care and operational effectiveness, necessitating a strong commitment and enthusiasm for providing exceptional service within a primary care setting as part of a cohesive team.

The successful candidate may choose to work full-time, part-time, or during term time only, depending on their preferences.

The selected individual will receive support to advance their career towards becoming a non-medical prescriber if they do not already possess this qualification.

Key Responsibilities

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will operate within their clinical expertise as part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering specialized knowledge in clinical medication management, conducting structured medication assessments, overseeing chronic disease management, and ensuring safe prescribing practices. Responsibilities include:

1. **Clinical Medication Assessments**

Conduct thorough clinical medication assessments with patients and provide recommendations to practice nurses and/or GPs regarding prescribing and monitoring.

2. **Medication Reviews in Care Facilities**

Perform clinical medication assessments for patients in care facilities, offering recommendations to GPs on prescribing and monitoring. Collaborate with care home staff to enhance the safety of medication ordering and administration.

3. **Home-Based Clinical Medication Assessments**

Execute clinical medication assessments for patients in their homes, providing recommendations to GPs on prescribing and monitoring.

4. **Risk Identification**

Identify patient cohorts at elevated risk of medication-related harm through systematic practice computer searches, considering both patient and medication factors.

5. **Unplanned Hospital Admissions**

Analyze the use of medications commonly linked to unplanned hospital admissions and readmissions through audits and individual patient evaluations. Implement strategies to minimize the prescribing of these medications to high-risk patient groups.

6. **Patient Medication Support**

Offer clinics for patients with inquiries, concerns, and issues regarding their medications.

7. **Medication Management Post-Hospital Discharge**

Reconcile medications following patient discharge from hospitals, intermediate care, and into care facilities, addressing any unexplained changes and collaborating with patients and community pharmacists to ensure continuity of medication supply for high-risk patients.

8. **Medication Information for Staff and Patients**

Respond to medication-related inquiries from GPs, network staff, and patients, providing recommendations and follow-up to monitor the impact of any changes.

9. **Referral Coordination**

Ensure patients are directed to the appropriate healthcare professional for timely care based on their needs.

10. **Management of Repeat Prescriptions**

Oversee the repeat prescription reauthorization process by reviewing patient requests and ensuring necessary monitoring tests are conducted.

11. **Service Development**

Contribute pharmaceutical insights for the creation and implementation of new services involving medications.

12. **Quality Improvement in Medication Practices**

Conduct clinical audits of prescribing practices as directed by GPs, providing feedback and implementing necessary changes in collaboration with the practice team.

13. **Guideline Implementation**

Support the monitoring of practice prescribing against local health economy guidelines and make recommendations to GPs regarding medications requiring special prescribing considerations.

14. **Education and Training**

Assist in identifying and addressing educational and training needs for the primary healthcare team regarding therapeutics and medication optimization.

15. **Compliance with Standards**

Collaborate with general practice teams to ensure compliance with relevant standards where medications are involved.

16. **Collaborative Relationships**

Maintain strong connections with all services across the collaborative and neighboring networks, liaising with various stakeholders for the benefit of patients.

Professional Development

Engage in continuous personal and professional development, actively participating in the review and enhancement of the role and responsibilities.

Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, and health and safety protocols.

Health and Safety Compliance

Always comply with health and safety policies, following safe working procedures and reporting incidents as required.

The role may involve travel between work sites and attendance at meetings hosted by other agencies.

The post-holder may encounter clinical situations requiring adherence to health protocols.

Work collaboratively to seek feedback, continuously improve services, and contribute to strategic planning.

Undertake any tasks consistent with the role's level and scope, ensuring timely and effective delivery of work.

Responsibilities may evolve over time without altering the fundamental nature of the position.