Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist

NHS AfC:

Band 8a

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the recruitment of a pharmacist to join the Medicines Optimisation Team in NHS Midlands and Lancashire, working in Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, supporting practices in the Central Lancashire locality. This locality covers the areas of Preston, Chorley South Ribble and West Lancs and represents approximately general practices situated across both urban and semi-rural areas. 

The post is permanent post and you will work alongside the existing team of Medicines Optimisation Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians. The successful candidate will be based at Leyland House, Lancashire Business Park, Leyland, with travel to practices within the locality expected alongside agile working from home.

The team are currently subject to a TUPE process, to transfer their employment from NHS ML to  NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB.

ML is committed to our process of redeployment at risk members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Main duties of the job

You will be a qualified pharmacist with experience in any pharmacy setting -primary care, hospital or community setting. You will be highly self-motivated, have excellent interpersonal/communication skills and possess sound clinical knowledge. You will work predominantly in practices, implementing strategies to improve the cost-effective, evidence-based use of medicines across the locality. You will contribute to the development of the Medicines Optimisation strategy for the ICB, and will be responsible for leading on agreed clinical areas within the Medicines Optimisation Team.

Working for our organisation

The NHS is the biggest employer in Europe. It's a world-renowned institution and an exciting place to work, full of challenges and opportunities. NHS Midlands and Lancashire is one of the biggest and best-performing commissioning support units in the country, with among the highest levels of staff and customer satisfaction. We work together as a team of over 1, expert staff based across the Midlands and North-West to make a difference – for our customers, patients and communities. Offering a full range of professional services to place, hospital trusts, local authorities, integrated care systems (ICSs) and other public bodies\ across the country, our NHS values underpin everything we do. Within NHS ML we have a large team providing medicines management and optimisation (MMO) services. In return, we provide a supportive environment in which to learn and develop, with the opportunity to further your skills and career within an exciting and evolving environment. Joining our inclusive and innovative team comes with a range of benefits including flexible & agile working arrangements, pension scheme and generous annual leave allowance. With our training schemes and support networks, you will be empowered to play a leading role in the future of healthcare, whatever your specialism or interest. And as a member of NHS staff you will receive plenty of discounts too. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder's will work as part of the Medicines Optimisation Team, contributing to the development and implementation of the Medicines Optimisation Strategy and Action Plan. The post holder's will liaise closely with the Medicines Optimisation Lead Pharmacist, the Senior Technician and Medicines Optimisation Pharmacists to co-ordinate work plans. They will support prescribers and general practice staff in improving the health of their patients through the rational and safe use of medicines, and the development and implementation of safe medicines optimisation systems. They will utilise ePACT2 and GP computer systems to identify and monitor prescribing information and produce appropriate reports for use with practice staff .

Work as part of the Medicines Optimisation Team by providing support to general practices in relation to areas within the Medicines Optimisation Strategy and Action Plan and implementing changes in practice following prior agreement with GPs. Take responsibility for, and lead on, specific pieces of work as directed by the Medicines Optimisation Lead Pharmacist / Head of Medicines Optimisation. Use GP computer systems and the computer system as required, to identify and monitor prescribing issues at Place and individual practice level. Produce any reports as may be required to inform practices and Place of changes in prescribing. Undertake, and support GP practices in undertaking audits to monitor performance against current local and national targets. Assist other member of the Medicines Optimisation Team by producing information for clinicians, non-clinical staff and patients newsletters, medicine price comparison graphs, patient information leaflets.). Provide in-practice educational sessions to clinical and non-clinical staff in general practice, to support audit and review programmes and improve the safe and effective use of medicines. Support GP practices in developing and utilising appropriate repeat prescribing systems and monitoring performance against agreed standards. Use Microsoft Office or other computer packages as required, to develop and utilise data collection systems to support the work of the Medicines optimisation team. Contribute to minimising the risk associated with medicines use, by reviewing repeat prescribing systems and identifying areas of risk and working with practice staff to modify their systems to manage these risks. Contribute to the development of policies and procedures to promote and monitor the safe and secure handling of medicines . Support the investigation of performance issues relating to medicines optimisation. Contribute to the development and innovation of new clinical services aimed at improving the health of the local community. Develop or collaborate in research and audit programmes to review aspects of prescribing or pharmaceutical service provision. Provide regular reports to the Head of Medicines Optimisation on work undertaken and results achieved. Work in a professional manner, complying with confidentiality and data protection policies and guidance. Participate in the NHS ML Development Review Process and maintain a personal development plan . Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times Be aware of the fire policy and procedure and attend annual training Be aware of personal responsibilities under Health & Safety regulations Co-operate with risk assessments and ensure that risks are identified and reported as they arise Be aware of and adhere to policies and procedures which are applicable to role Be a flexible member of the team providing cover for other relevant staff during absences Undertake any other duties that may be required appropriate to the post holder's grade, experience and competence Ensure the confidentiality and security of all information that is dealt with in the course of performing your duties in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 8 and adhere to the principles of Caldicott;

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Postgraduate clinical pharmacy qualification Diploma, MSc.) or equivalent experience

Experience

Essential criteria

Significant , training and experience of medicines management and optimisation commensurate to the role within any pharmacy sector Hospital, Community Pharmacy, Primary care, equivalent to degree level, including; Relevant policies and legislation, Pharmaceutical care, Safe and secure medicines use and storage

Communicaiton

Essential criteria

Clear communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills: capable of constructing and delivering clear information/instructions to staff and service users Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, data and letters. Negotiating, networking and persuasive skill.

Autonomy

Essential criteria

Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescale

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Awareness of current medicines optimisation issues from a primary and secondary perspective. Good working knowledge of drug therapies. Knowledge of NICE guidance relating to medicines optimisation.

MLCSU is committed to our process of redeployment at risk members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

---