Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in supporting general practice teams by ensuring safe and efficient medication management. They work alongside pharmacists, GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimise patient care and improve prescribing practices. Their role is evolving, with increasing opportunities to take on patient-facing activities and contribute to service development.

• Supporting medication reconciliation and safety reviews, ensuring accurate records and minimizing errors
• Managing repeat prescriptions, reducing medication waste, and supporting cost-effective prescribing
• Providing patient education on medication use, including correct administration and adherence strategies
• Assisting with audits, compliance, and governance to ensure best practice in prescribing and medication management
• Supporting long-term condition management by monitoring medication effectiveness and liaising with prescribers
• Implementing digital health solutions such as electronic prescribing and medication review systems

Working as a pharmacy technician in general practice provides a rewarding opportunity to enhance patient outcomes, develop professional skills, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team in primary care. It offers the chance to gain experience in chronic disease management, personalised care, and quality improvement initiatives.

Pharmacy technicians play a key role in medicines optimisation, helping to ensure that patients receive the right medication at the right dose and time. By conducting medication reviews, identifying potential interactions, and promoting adherence, they contribute to better health outcomes and patient safety.

By managing repeat prescriptions, conducting medicine reconciliations, and providing support to prescribers, pharmacy technicians improve workflow efficiency in general practice. This helps reduce GP workload, allowing more time for patient consultations and complex cases.

Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists, GPs, nurses, and social care teams to develop integrated approaches to medication management. Their role supports multidisciplinary working and contributes to a holistic approach to patient care, particularly for those with multiple medications or long-term conditions.

By reviewing prescriptions and supporting adherence strategies, pharmacy technicians help patients with long-term conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, manage their medications effectively. They also support the monitoring of high-risk medications, ensuring patients receive appropriate tests and follow-up care.

To work as a pharmacy technician in general practice, individuals must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Additional qualifications in primary care may enhance career prospects.

Pharmacy technicians are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development,
including:

• Clinical skills training in areas such as cardiovascular risk assessment and inhaler technique coaching
• Leadership and management courses to support career progression
• Digital healthcare and informatics training to improve efficiency and patient safety

There are multiple career pathways for pharmacy technicians in general practice,
including:

• Lead Pharmacy Technician roles in Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• Medicines Optimisation and Safety roles within integrated care systems (ICS)
• Educational and training roles to support workforce development and supervising pharmacy trainees

NHS Healthcare Careers – Pharmacy Technician