About this role
Job summary
Working 30 hours per week between the Practice's core opening hours of 8am - 6.30pm, you will responsible for processing repeat prescription requests accurately and efficiently at the same time as ensuring the service provided for our patients is safe and timely. The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within the practice team. The postholder will liaise with patients, GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to support safe prescribing and smooth workflow within the practice. You will also be responsible for identifying patients whose medication reviews are due or overdue and taking the necessary action. In many cases, this will involve checking whether any investigations are required as part of the medication review process.
Main duties of the job
Process repeat prescription requests received by email, post, slips and the online access system, in accordance with practice protocol and prescribing policies.
Check medication names, dosages, quantities, and frequencies with accuracy and produce EPS prescriptions for the GP to authorise and process within a 48-hour timeframe.
Process medication changes from Docman letters.
Discuss with and encourage patients to order only what they require.
Liaise with GPs regarding medication queries, amendments, and prescription authorisation.
Work closely with community pharmacies to resolve prescription issues.
Ensure to process requests for patients who are due for blood tests, long term condition reviews, medication reviews etc.
Effectively liaise with external services, i.e. district nurses, to ensure medication has been arranged for end of life patients.
Input data into the patients healthcare records (Emis) as necessary checking all data is accurate.
Deal with all prescription related enquiries in a timely manner, prioritising urgent requests and escalate concerns appropriately.
Support the practice clinical pharmacist as required.
Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead.
First point of contact for specialist nurses e.g. bladder and bowel, Macmillan, frailty, with requests.
Monitor emergency phone and deal with requests appropriately e.g. anticipatory medications
About us
Castlefields Health Centre based in Runcorn, Cheshire, is a friendly, supportive, high achieving, dynamic, well established and innovative 8 Partner PMS practice, committed to serving our population in an area of high deprivation and along with five other Practices in the locality, we form part of Runcorn PCN.
We provide a highly committed and caring service to our 15,400+ patients and are looking to add to our already wonderful team by recruiting an enthusiastic and forward-thinking prescription clerk.
Occupying a lovely modern purpose-built building means we therefore have space for a range of visiting community services including District Nurses, Midwifery, Chiropody, Physiotherapy, Phlebotomy Service, SMI Nurse Clinics, Substance Misuse worker, Bladder and Bowel Clinic, Speech and Language Therapy, Paediatric Physiotherapy, Health Visitors, Health Engagement Worker, Health Improvement Team and Medicines Management.
We are a training Practice with three of our GP Partners being GP trainers and we regularly host medical students We are proud to be a high achieving Practice, consistently excelling with QOF and participate in many enhanced services including minor surgery and contraceptive implant insertions.
We have a strong team of people working at Castlefields with many who have been with us over 10 - 15 years; we value the loyalty and commitment from all of our team in caring for our patients together.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities of the role are:
Process repeat prescription requests received by email, post, slips and the online access system, in accordance with practice protocol and prescribing policies.
Check medication names, dosages, quantities, and frequencies with accuracy.
Produce EPS prescriptions for the GP to authorise in an acceptable timeframe.
Ensure all prescription requests are processed within a 48-hour timeframe.
Generate requests for medication on behalf of the patient for non-repeat items.
Process requests received via Docman letters.
Actively encourage patients to reconcile medications to facilitate monthly collections.
Communicate with patients and colleagues in a polite, professional, and supportive manner.
Discuss with patients their requirements, encouraging patients to order only what they require.
Liaise with GPs regarding medication queries, amendments, and prescription authorisation.
Handle prescriptionrelated enquiries via telephone, online systems, and in person.
Work closely with community pharmacies to resolve prescription issues.
Act upon compliance issues, liaising with the appropriate clinician.
Ensure to process requests for patients who are due for blood tests, long term condition reviews, medication reviews etc.
Support medication reviews and safety processes as directed by clinicians.
Effectively liaise with external services, i.e., district nurses, to ensure medication has been arranged for end of life or housebound patients.
Input data into the patients healthcare records as necessary checking all data is accurate.
Ensure confidentiality at all times.
Deal with all prescription related enquiries in a timely manner, prioritising urgent requests and escalate concerns appropriately.
Record and report adverse effects accurately and appropriately, informing the appropriately clinician immediately.
Data input onto Emis Web, the Practice's electronic patient record.
Support the practice clinical pharmacist as required.
Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead.
Support the clinical pharmacists in reviewing and updating the organisations prescribing policy.
Manage stock issues and liaise with community pharmacies for appropriate alternatives.
First point of contact for specialist nurses e.g. bladder and bowel, Macmillan, frailty, with requests.
Monitor emergency phone and deal with requests appropriately e.g. anticipatory medications.
Contribute to the smooth running of the prescription team and wider practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Candidates must be educated to GCSE grades 4 - 9 or A - C in English and maths. Experience or strong knowledge of medication names and common prescriptions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to remain calm and supportive. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities. A positive, willing, and proactive approach to work. Ability to work well within a team and independently. Good IT skills, including use of clinical systems (training can be provided). Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards.
Desirable
Previous experience working in a GP practice, pharmacy, or healthcare setting. Familiarity with EMIS or similar clinical systems. Understanding of repeat prescribing processes and medicines management.
Experience Essential
Experience working in a health centre or pharmacy environment is desirable, as is experience interacting with members of the public. Familiarity with the names of commonly used medicines would also be advantageous.
Employer details Employer name Castlefields Health Centre
Address The Village Square
Castlefields
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 2ST
Employer's website https://www.castlefieldshealthcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)