Lead Clinical Pharmacist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	Negotiable
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Melksham, SN12 7EA
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	13 Aug 2026
Closing date:	31 Aug 2026

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Summary

JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title Lead Pharmacist Employer Giffords Surgery Department Primary Care / Medicines Management Responsible To Practice Management Team / GP Partners Responsible For Pharmacy Team and medicines optimisation activity within the practice Salary Dependent on skills and experience Job Purpose The Lead Pharmacist will provide clinical and professional leadership for medicines optimisation and medicines management within Giffords Surgery. The post holder will work as an autonomous clinical practitioner, using their specialist knowledge of medicines to improve patient safety, clinical outcomes and the quality and effectiveness of prescribing. Working as an integral member of the multidisciplinary practice team, the Lead Pharmacist will provide expert advice and support to GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals, while developing and implementing systems and processes to support safe, effective and evidence-based medicines use. The post holder will provide leadership to pharmacy colleagues within the practice and contribute to the development of the practice's medicines management strategy. Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Practice and Medicines Optimisation Provide clinical leadership for medicines optimisation and prescribing within the practice. Undertake structured medication reviews and clinical medication reviews, particularly for patients with complex needs and long-term conditions. Assess patients' medication requirements and make appropriate clinical decisions within the scope of professional competence and prescribing authority. Support safe, effective, evidence-based and cost-effective prescribing. Identify, assess and manage medication-related risks and contribute to prescribing safety initiatives. Review hospital discharge summaries, outpatient correspondence and other clinical information to ensure appropriate and timely medication changes. Provide specialist advice to GPs, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding medicines, including interactions, contraindications, side effects, monitoring requirements and appropriate prescribing. Support the management and monitoring of high-risk medicines. Respond appropriately to prescribing alerts and safety information. Support the identification and management of patients requiring medication monitoring and follow-up. Promote adherence to national and local prescribing guidance and formularies. Contribute to the identification and management of patients requiring medicines optimisation interventions. Independent Prescribing Use independent prescribing skills appropriately within the scope of professional competence. Make clinically appropriate prescribing decisions based on patient assessment, clinical evidence, national guidance and local formulary requirements. Ensure prescribing decisions take account of patient preferences, risks, benefits and available treatment options. Recognise and act appropriately when a patient's clinical needs fall outside the post holder's scope of competence. Leadership and Management Provide professional and clinical leadership to pharmacy colleagues working within the practice. Support the development, supervision and performance of pharmacy team members as appropriate. Develop and maintain effective systems for medicines management and medicines safety. Lead on the implementation and review of practice processes relating to prescribing and medicines optimisation. Contribute to the development and implementation of relevant practice policies, protocols and standard operating procedures. Work with the Practice Management Team and GP Partners to identify opportunities for service improvement. Support the practice in meeting relevant contractual, regulatory and medicines management requirements. Ensure that professional practice is undertaken in accordance with GPhC standards and relevant NHS and primary care requirements. Quality Improvement, Audit and Clinical Governance Contribute to clinical audits relating to prescribing and medicines management. Lead or participate in quality improvement projects designed to improve medicines safety, prescribing quality and patient outcomes. Identify areas of clinical risk and implement appropriate actions to reduce risk. Monitor the effectiveness of medicines optimisation interventions and contribute to service evaluation. Contribute to significant event reviews, learning from incidents and other clinical governance processes where appropriate. Support the practice in responding to national medicines safety alerts and relevant local guidance. Maintain appropriate clinical documentation and records in accordance with practice policies and professional standards. Education and Training Provide education and training to GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, administrative staff and other members of the practice team regarding medicines and prescribing where appropriate. Support colleagues to develop their knowledge and understanding of medicines safety and optimisation. Provide advice and support to practice staff in relation to medication queries. Contribute to the development of a learning culture within the practice. Multidisciplinary and Partnership Working Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, care coordinators, pharmacists and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Liaise effectively with community pharmacies, secondary care, the Primary Care Network (PCN), community services and other healthcare professionals. Support effective communication and continuity of medicines management across organisational boundaries. Participate in relevant PCN and wider primary care initiatives relating to medicines optimisation. Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues across the wider healthcare system. Patient Care and Communication Provide patients with clear and appropriate information regarding their medicines and treatment options. Promote shared decision-making and support patients to understand and manage their medicines effectively. Identify and address barriers to medication adherence where appropriate. Communicate complex clinical information clearly and sensitively to patients and their carers. Recognise safeguarding concerns and act in accordance with practice and statutory procedures. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and comply with relevant information governance requirements. Professional Responsibilities Maintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Maintain professional competence and undertake continuing professional development in accordance with GPhC requirements. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of medicines, prescribing guidance, legislation and developments in primary care pharmacy. Work within professional codes of conduct, relevant legislation and practice policies. Maintain appropriate professional indemnity arrangements. Recognise professional limitations and seek advice or refer appropriately when required. Participate in practice meetings and other activities relevant to the role. General Responsibilities The post holder will: Work flexibly and collaboratively as part of the wider practice team. Contribute to the overall aims and objectives of Giffords Surgery. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with UK GDPR and information governance requirements. Comply with practice health and safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding and other relevant policies. Undertake mandatory and role-specific training as required. Participate in appraisal and professional development processes. Report incidents, risks and concerns appropriately. Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and nature of the post.

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