As a Pharmacy technician my role within Primary care is still fairly new.
Pharmacy Technicians must undertake extra qualifications to practise as a technician. This usually lasts 2 years and is done through a work placement. They also need to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and complete additional yearly learning to continue to practise. It is a developing role and an excellent career.
You may see a pharmacy technician when you collect your regular medication at your local community pharmacy, they may offer a blood pressure check or give you some advice about an over-the-counter medicine you may want to try.
In a hospital you may see a technician at the point of discharge if you have a stay with them or need a prescription after seeing a specialist, but our role within primary care is developing continually.
I am part of a wider team within the practice and deal with a variety medication related queries.
I aid the admin team with issuing repeat medications from your repeat when you order or make more complex decisions with your GP. I also have a role in patient safety, checking drug alerts and making plans and actions when there is an issue with a medication.
I have a role in planning and actioning audits to ensure patients are getting the best out of their care, reducing carbon emissions and saving money for the NHS.
With my community experience I am used to dealing with out-of-stock medication and am in a good place to be able to offer alternative advice to your GP or contact the suppliers directly for supply dates and updates.
In the future you may see us in a more face to face capacity in a clinic as we become able to offer blood pressure checks and inhaler technique checks at your GP surgery. This with other exciting plans are happening across the country.
