Clinical pharmacy

What Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Do in Primary Care

Clinical Pharmacy Teams are highly qualified health professionals who play a key role in helping patients get the best out of their medicines. Working as part of the general practice team, they bring expert knowledge of medications, supporting both patients and clinicians with safe, effective prescribing.

In the North Devon Coastal PCN, our clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work closely with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare staff to provide personalised support for patients – particularly those with long-term conditions, multiple medications, or complex health needs.

Expert Help With Medicines

Taking several medications – especially as we get older – can be confusing and sometimes risky. Clinical pharmacists help by reviewing prescriptions, ensuring medications are safe, necessary, and effective.

They can support patients with:

  • Medication reviews to check for side effects, interactions, or unnecessary medicines

  • Advice on how and when to take medications properly

  • Monitoring long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and heart disease

  • Titrating medicines – adjusting dosages safely under clinical supervision

  • Supporting deprescribing where medications may no longer be needed or suitable

This means fewer hospital admissions, fewer medication-related problems, and more confidence for patients managing their health at home.

Supporting Long-Term Conditions

For patients living with ongoing conditions, clinical pharmacists are a vital part of the primary care team. They take time to:

  • Understand a patient’s full medical and medication history

  • Review current treatment plans and make evidence-based recommendations

  • Work alongside GPs to improve treatment outcomes

  • Support lifestyle advice and preventative care

Their clinical input helps improve disease control, reduce side effects, and ensure every prescription is tailored to individual needs.

Making Primary Care Safer and More Efficient

Our pharmacists also play a behind-the-scenes role in keeping the practice running smoothly. They:

  • Support safe and effective repeat prescribing systems

  • Handle prescription queries from patients and community pharmacies

  • Identify and address potential risks or prescribing errors

  • Contribute to audits, clinical guidelines, and quality improvement work

This allows GPs to focus on diagnosis and more complex care, while pharmacists ensure every aspect of medicine use is being managed efficiently and safely.

A Local, Personalised Approach

In a rural and coastal area like North Devon, with an older population and increased prevalence of long-term conditions, having clinical pharmacists embedded in our PCN means we can:

  • Offer more dedicated time for medication support

  • Reduce pressure on GP appointments

  • Prevent complications through proactive, preventative reviews

  • Bring a joined-up approach to managing care between general practice, hospitals, and community pharmacies

Putting Patients at the Heart of Medicine Use

Our clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians help patients feel more confident, informed, and in control of their health. Whether it's simplifying a confusing list of medicines, resolving a persistent side effect, or supporting someone with newly diagnosed hypertension, their role is all about improving care and quality of life.

By ensuring the right medicine is used, at the right dose, at the right time – our pharmacists are helping build a safer, smarter healthcare system here in North Devon Coastal.