Pharmacy Technician – Medicines Optimisation
We are now investing in our Medicines Optimisation Team to underpin this expansion and are looking for an enthusiastic and self‑motivated Pharmacy Technician who is ready for the next step in their career.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the development, review and maintenance of the Trust medicines formulary and treatment guidelines to facilitate the safe, effective and cost‑effective use of medicines within the Trust.
* Work closely with disease group pharmacists to identify medicines information/optimisation requirements to support the medicines optimisation work of the department.
* Identify, scope and implement Value Improvement Programme (VIP) scheme opportunities relating to our medicine expenditure, support the divisions to implement potential VIP plans and provide monthly reporting.
* Develop expertise in reporting and analysis of prescribing trends across all pharmacy systems (EPMA and dispensing/procurement systems) to optimise medicines usage.
* Interpret complex data and explain prescribing, financial and quality data to internal and external stakeholders.
* Provide professional secretarial support in conjunction with the pharmacy business support team to the Trust Drugs & Therapeutics Committee (DTC) by advising on agenda content, accompanying papers, minutes and actions.
* Facilitate changes to prescribing practice where benefits have been identified by engaging with all stakeholders and developing an agreed implementation plan.
* Assist in horizon scanning and the managed entry of new medicines into the Trust with a specific interest in the implementation of cost‑effective therapies.
* Be responsible for the preparation of complex data for medicine budget setting meetings with commissioners and predict estimated expenditure for the next financial year.
* Collate data on expenditure on medicine usage across the Trust and liaise with finance to track high‑value medicines and ensure usage is within national, regional or local guidance.
* Track compliance with NICE guidance and technology appraisals, ensuring that prescribing meets the required criteria and actioning change where appropriate.
* Support finance with complex reports on expenditure, highlight areas of concern, advise on possible solutions and horizon scanning for future cost pressures.
* Use IT solutions to identify areas of concern regarding prescribing practices and identify potential cost savings, create cost‑benefit figures from potential substitutions.
* Support the procurement and homecare lead technician to identify possible VIP opportunities and be aware of forthcoming regional and national procurement tenders.
* Record VIP benefits or cost pressures as part of the VIP monitoring documentation.
* Provide support with new drug files and management of out‑of‑date or returned medicines.
* Assist in the investigation of errors and complaints in relation to medicines optimisation agenda.
* Actively participate in the medicines optimisation activities of the department, including management of unlicensed drugs, medicines recalls and product shortages.
* Actively participate in the MHRA drug recall process, in conjunction with the third‑party provider, regarding clinical service implications and resulting communications with the Trust.
* liaise with the pharmacy stores/stock function to ensure adequate stock drug supplies are available at ward level taking into account prescribing variances.
* Attend relevant internal and regional meetings to network, develop standards for clinical pharmacy practice/medicines optimisation initiatives and participate in benchmarking and regional audit.
* Develop, and implement new systems of working to improve service quality and efficiency.
* Co‑ordinate and support DTC processes in line with its Terms of Reference, working with consultants and disease group pharmacists.
* Coordinate and support the preparation of correspondence and complex papers, reports and audits as directed by managers.
* Support the communication of changes in relation to medicines optimisation activities to hospital management, nursing staff, pharmacy staff and patients via formal meetings, presentations, reports and discussions.
Qualifications & Experience
* Current and valid registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the Pharmacy Board of Australia or a comparable registration competent for the UK.
* Minimum of 3 years’ progressive experience in a pharmacy or hospital pharmacy role.
* Strong analytical and numerical skills, with experience in reporting and interpretation of prescribing and expenditure data.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present complex data succinctly.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, EPMA and other pharmacy IT systems; experience with SACT prescribing systems and scheduling software is desirable.
* Sound knowledge of NHS medicines policy, NICE guidance and the trust’s procurement processes.
* Experience of working with clinical pharmacy teams, drug and therapeutic committees, and multidisciplinary teams in a complex healthcare environment.
* Commitment to continuous professional development and up‑to‑date knowledge of medicines optimisation practices.
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people, people with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
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