About this role
Job summary
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are re-advertising this exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our innovative, award-winning pharmacy team.
Based across South Kerrier, we provide care for over 33,000 patients across five practices: Helston Medical Centre, Mullion & Constantine Group, Cober Valley Health, St Keverne Health Centre, and St Marys Health Centre, Isles of Scilly. Our pharmacy team is highly valued, well integrated and respected across the PCN and member practices.
Our established team includes a Senior Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Senior Audit & Systems Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist and three Pharmacy Technicians. We have a strong training ethos, supporting pharmacy learners and the wider multidisciplinary team. Our recognised audit programme has received local and national acclaim for improving patient safety.
We are a friendly, supportive team that values development, offering regular team meetings (with cake!), monthly peer review, mentoring and clinical supervision.
General practice pharmacy is varied and rewarding, with no two days the same. We offer excellent training, ongoing senior and technician support, and opportunities to develop specialist interests through structured project work in a supportive learning environment.
We would welcome applications from newly qualified Pharmacy Technicians. Remote working would be considered for the right candidate
Please note: previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The purpose of the role is to lead improvements and maximise safe, cost effective and best practice in prescribing by
Undertake structured medication reviews and medicines reconciliation following hospital discharge and outpatient appointments.
Support the safe, effective and cost-efficient use of medicines across the PCN.
Process prescription requests within agreed protocols and identify prescribing issues for escalation where appropriate.
Assist with medication monitoring, recalls, and chronic disease management in line with practice protocols.
Respond to medicines-related queries from patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
Support medicines optimisation initiatives, clinical audits, quality improvement projects and patient safety work
Contribute to reducing medicines waste and improving prescribing quality.
Work collaboratively with GPs, clinical pharmacists, nurses, care homes, community pharmacies and secondary care to ensure seamless patient care.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records using the practice clinical system.
Participate in service development, team meetings, training and continuing professional development.
Work within professional standards, local policies and procedures, maintaining patient confidentiality and promoting high-quality care
We would openly welcome informal discussions or a visit. If this is of interest please get in touch
About us
South Kerrier Primary Care Network is a collaborative group of GP practices working together to deliver high quality, person centred care to our local communities across South Kerrier, Cornwall. By sharing expertise, resources and innovation, the PCN aims to improve health outcomes, reduce health inequalities and enhance access to services for our patient population.
South Kerrier PCN works closely with partner organisations across the NHS, community services, voluntary and social care sectors to ensure coordinated, joined up care. We are committed to continuous quality improvement, workforce development and supporting staff wellbeing, creating a positive and inclusive working environment where individuals are valued and supported to develop their skills.
Our PCN is focused on delivering national and local priorities, including improving access, supporting population health management and developing new models of care that meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Staff turnover has been very low and positions have become available due to personal professional development of previous post holder.
Our PCN Team consists of: pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, social prescribers, health & wellbeing coach, mental health nurses, MSK practitioners, digital & transformation manager who work alongside practice staff and become part of the wider teams. In South Kerrier we pride ourselves on good team working, health and wellbeing
Job description Job responsibilities
The PCN Pharmacy Technician plays an essential role in supporting safe, effective, and efficient use of medicines across GP practices within the Primary Care Network. Working under the supervision of Clinical Pharmacists and GPs, the postholder supports medicines optimisation, repeat prescribing processes, medicines reconciliation, and patient-facing medicines support to improve health outcomes and reduce medicines-related risks
Medicines Optimisation
Conduct medicines optimisation tasks including running searches, supporting medication reviews, and completing medicines reconciliation following hospital discharge.
Support identification of patients suitable for Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs).
Promote safe, evidencebased and costeffective use of medicines across PCN practices.
Repeat Prescribing & Repeat Dispensing
Process repeat prescription requests using agreed clinical protocols.
Act as a champion for Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD), supporting staff training and working with local community pharmacies.
Help improve repeat prescribing workflows to reduce waste and clinical risk.
Patient-Facing & Patient-Supporting Roles
Provide information and advice to ensure patients get the best from their medicines (e.g., checking inhaler technique).
Respond to patient queries via phone or face to face and escalate complex issues to a pharmacist or GP.
Medicines Safety & Governance
Action MHRA alerts and patient safety notifications; escalate complex alerts where necessary. Ensure safe medicines reconciliation during transitions of care (e.g., care homes, hospital discharges).
Clinical & Administrative Support
Review clinical letters and discharge summaries to make appropriate medication changes within competence.
Participate in audits focusing on high risk medicines and contribute to quality improvement projects.
Support shared care protocols in collaboration with pharmacists for patients on highrisk medications.
Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Working
Work closely with Clinical Pharmacists, GPs, nurses, community pharmacies, ICB medicines management teams, and care homes.
Promote medicines optimisation culture throughout PCN practices.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council GPhC. Level 3 BTEC NVQ in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent recognised qualification. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development CPD. Completion of post-registration training relevant to the role.
Desirable
Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway completion. Medicines Optimisation qualification.
Clinical Skills Essential
Ability to communicate information effectively with people at all levels by telephone, email and face to face Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure Ability to record accurate clinical notes Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
Desirable
Good clinical system IT knowledge Broad knowledge of clinical governance Problem solving and analytical skills
Personal Qualities Essential
Effective time management (planning and organising) Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure Ability to follow legal, ethical and professional policies/ procedures and codes of conduct Knowledge of IT systems including the ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals Ability to work as a team member and autonomously Good interpersonal skills Good organisational skills Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations Commitment to ongoing professional development Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required Knowledge of and ability to work to key policies and procedures Effectively utilise resources Clear, polite telephone manner
Experience Essential
Experience working as a qualified Pharmacy Technician. Experience of medicines management and dispensing processes. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Experience maintaining accurate pharmaceutical records.
Desirable
Experience of working in a primary care setting Understanding and knowledge of healthcare provision in GP practices, QOF and enhanced services An appreciation of the new NHS landscape including the relationship between individual organisations, PCNs and the commissioners Knowledge of System1 clinical system
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 Helston Medical Centre & Porthleven Surgery
Address Trelawney Road
Helston
Cornwall
TR13 8AU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.helstonmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)