Remote Prescribing PharmacistNHS

Job summary

Make a difference to medicines safety across North West SurreyNorth West Surrey Integrated Care Services (NICS) is looking for an experienced Pharmacist Independent Prescriber to join our team in a predominantly remote, non-patient-facing role.

This is an excellent opportunity for a pharmacist with a strong interest in medicines management, clinical governance, prescribing safety and quality improvement to work across an innovative primary care organisation.

NICS is the GP Federation for North West Surrey, bringing together 37 GP practices supporting approximately 396,000 patients. We deliver sustainable, local and patient-focused healthcare at scale, helping general practice remain at the heart of our communities.

Our vision is to support practices and patients through innovative, responsive and high-quality GP-led primary care services, improving access and healthcare outcomes across North West Surrey

Main duties of the job

The Remote Pharmacist will work as part of NICS multidisciplinary team, supporting the safe, effective and high-quality use of medicines across our services. Working predominantly remotely, with some on-site working as required, you will support our team of independent prescribers and provide expert medicines management advice.

Key duties include reviewing prescribing data; supporting clinical audit and quality improvement; providing medicines-related guidance to clinical teams; reviewing and developing medicines management and prescribing policies; and supporting the development and sign-off of PGDs and PSDs.

You will support the implementation of NICE guidance, local formularies, MHRA/CAS safety alerts and other national and local medicines guidance. You will work collaboratively with ICB pharmacists and NICS clinical leaders to improve prescribing quality, medicines safety and compliance with CQC standards for safe and effective care

Job description

North West Surrey Integrated Care Services (NICS) is looking for an experienced Pharmacist Independent Prescriber to join our multidisciplinary team.

This is a predominantly remote, non-patient-facing role, with some on-site working as required. The post holder will provide specialist pharmacy expertise across NICS services, helping to ensure the safe, effective and appropriate use of medicines and supporting improvements in prescribing quality and patient safety.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with clinical colleagues, independent prescribers, ICB pharmacists and the wider NICS team to resolve medicines-related issues and support the delivery of high-quality care to patients across North West Surrey.

Key responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Support the Lead Nurse and team of independent prescribers to improve the safety and quality of prescribed medicines.
• Take a proactive role in clinical audit and quality improvement, helping to implement recommendations and identify opportunities to improve prescribing and medicines safety.
• Review prescribing data and liaise with ICB pharmacists as appropriate.
• Provide medicines-related advice, updates and bulletins to the wider team.
• Participate in the development and review of policies relating to medicines management and prescribing, helping to ensure NICS prescribing is in accordance with relevant local guidelines and formularies.
• Support the drafting, review and sign-off of NICS Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and Patient Specific Directions (PSDs).
• Support the paramedic home visiting service in relation to emergency medicines and PGDs.
• Support the implementation of local and national clinical guidance, medicines safety alerts and formulary recommendations.
• Implement appropriate changes to medicines and prescribing arising from MHRA/CAS alerts, product withdrawals and other local or national guidance.
• Assess compliance with NICE guidance and advise colleagues on the implementation of new guidance.
• Maintain their own clinical and professional competence and take responsibility for continuous professional development.
• Work closely with the Director of Clinical Governance, Patient Safety and Professional Practice to support compliance with Care Quality Commission standards for safe and effective care.

Clinical governance, quality and safety

The post holder will contribute to NICS' commitment to high-quality, safe and effective care. They will apply relevant NICS policies, standards and guidance within their work and participate in audit and service improvement activity where appropriate.

The role requires a strong understanding of clinical governance and medicines management, together with the ability to analyse complex issues, identify potential solutions and support improvements to patient services.

The post holder will maintain appropriate standards of confidentiality and information governance. Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, healthcare professionals or NICS must be handled securely and confidentially and in accordance with NICS policies, procedures and relevant data protection requirements.

Communication and collaborative working

Effective communication and collaborative working are central to this role. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary and multi-agency primary care team and will build effective working relationships with colleagues across NICS and partner organisations.

They will communicate effectively with team members and other healthcare professionals and recognise where alternative methods of communication may be required. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate strong influencing skills, professional credibility and the ability to work constructively with colleagues at all levels.

About you

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• A Master's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm) or equivalent.
• Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Independent Prescriber status.
• A satisfactory record of continuous professional development.
• At least two years' experience working as a pharmacist within community or primary care.
• Sound knowledge of clinical governance and medicines management.
• Working knowledge of computers and the EMIS clinical system.
• Good organisational and team leadership skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels, both within and outside the organisation.
• Strong influencing skills and professional credibility.
• The ability to analyse complex issues and identify potential solutions.
• A clear commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-focused services and improving patient care.
• A commitment to multidisciplinary and multi-agency working and a willingness to explore alternative ways of working.
• Flexibility to work outside core office hours when required.

Desirable experience and qualifications

It would be advantageous if you have a postgraduate specialist qualification, medicines management qualification, additional relevant clinical qualifications, or experience of working with Primary Care Networks to develop services.

Experience of working with external agencies in a leadership capacity, an understanding of wider NHS issues and drivers, and strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills would also be beneficial.

Professional development, equality and inclusion

The post holder will be expected to maintain their professional competence and participate in training and development provided by NICS. This includes participation in annual performance review and taking responsibility for their own learning, development and performance.

NICS is committed to equality, diversity and respecting the rights, privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues. The successful candidate will be expected to work in a welcoming and non-judgemental manner and demonstrate respect for individual circumstances, priorities and rights.

This role would suit an experienced pharmacist who enjoys working collaboratively, has a strong interest in medicines safety, prescribing quality and clinical governance, and wants to contribute to improving primary care services across North West Surrey.

About us

Overview of your organisation

North West Surrey Integrated Care services (NICS) is a GP federation in North West Surrey consisting of 37 practices who work together to improve access to primary care patients in the local area.

Our Mission

is to support our practices and patients by being a leading provider of innovative, responsive and high-quality GP led primary care services in North West Surrey, delivering equitable access to primary care services and improving the healthcare of our population.

Our Vision

is to support our practices and their patients by providing high quality, responsive and compassionate health care services. We do this by working collaboratively with our practices and other health providers across Surrey.

Our Values

• Commitment to quality of care
• Working together for our patients
• Everyone counts
• Improving Lives

We offer a number of benefits as an organisation to enhance staff experience and well-being:

• NHS pension scheme
• Employee discount via the NHS Blue Light card
• Health & wellbeing programme