Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Nurse Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual, ideally with experience of working within primary care, to work alongside and support our GPs and existing Nurse Practitioners.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across a varied and rewarding role, seeing patients with minor illness and acute presentations, supporting chronic disease management, and undertaking home visits as required.

This position is initially offered as maternity cover, with the potential for the role to become permanent. This provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to become an integral and valued member of our established primary care team, with the possibility of a longer-term position within the practice.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will play an integral role within our primary care team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care across a varied caseload. The role will include the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients presenting with minor illness and acute conditions, alongside supporting the management of patients with long-term conditions. The successful candidate will also undertake home visits where required.

Candidates should hold an Independent Prescribing qualification and be confident in assessing, diagnosing and managing patients autonomously within their scope of practice. We are looking for an individual who is committed to delivering high-quality care, works well as part of a multidisciplinary team, and is keen to contribute to the continued development of our Nurse Practitioner service.

About us

Coxhoe Medical Practice is part of a well-established and forward-thinking practice. Our team includes 8 GP Partners, 1 Non-Clinical Partner, 7 Salaried GPs and 5 Nurse Practitioners, alongside an experienced and supportive Nursing/HCA Team, Administrative Team and a range of ARRS roles and other healthcare professionals.

We pride ourselves on providing a supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment, where our multidisciplinary team works together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. We value the contribution of every member of our team and are committed to supporting staff in their roles and professional development.

We have a current patient list size of approximately 7,300 patients and operate using SystmOne clinical system.

We also work closely with our sister practice in Chester-le-Street, which has a patient population of approximately 13,500

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a commitment to delivering high standards of patient care. You will be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrate a flexible and positive approach, and have the ability to work calmly and confidently within a busy primary care environment.

Confidentiality is integral to this role, and the successful candidate will be expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism and patient dignity at all times.

Job summary

Cestria Health Centre is seeking a motivated and patient focused Pharmacist to join our friendly and supportive primary care team under an ARRS funded role. This is an excellent opportunity for a pharmacist looking to play a key role in medicines optimisation and long-term condition management within general practice.

This role is offered as a fixed term contract with a minimum term of 12 months, the role will be reviewed and extended on an annual basis subject to continued ARRS funding.

The post holder will work closely with GPs and the wider multidisciplinary team to support safe, effective, and evidence-based prescribing. Innovative ideas are welcomed, and excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and motivation are essential skills for a successful candidate.

Main duties of the job

The role will primarily involve:

• Conducting structured medication reviews, including for patients with polypharmacy
• Undertaking clinical communication reviews to support safe prescribing and continuity of care
• Managing hypertension and lipid reviews in line with local and national guidelines
• Supporting medicines optimisation and improving patient outcomes
• Providing advice and support to patients and clinical staff regarding medicines use

In addition, the post holder will be responsible for encouraging the development of better understanding of the principles of medicines optimisation throughout the practice teams and promoting good practice in line with therapeutic developments. This will involve assisting the Practices in achieving national requirements, NICE implementation and utilisation of medicines optimisation initiatives.

About us

We are a long-established practice based in the small market town of Chester le Street. We have a growing patient population, currently at approx. 12,700 and we have a sister practice in Coxhoe with approx. 7,100 patients. There are 8 GP Partners, 1 non clinical Partner/Practice Manager, 6 Salaried GP's, 5 Nurse Practitioners, a large admin/reception team and a variety of ARRS funded staff. All staff are committed to delivering high-quality, patient centered care. We pride ourselves on our collaborative team culture and continuous learning. The practice works closely with the wider Primary Care Network and offers a supportive environment for all staff to develop and utilise their skills.

Details

Date posted

21 October 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A5383-26-0007

Job locations

Cestria Health Centre

Whitehill Way

Chester-le-Street

DH2 3DJ

United Kingdom

Coxhoe Medical Practice

1 Lansdowne Road

Coxhoe

DURHAM

DH6 4DH

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake structured medication reviews (SMRs), including for patients with complex needs and polypharmacy
• Conduct clinical communication reviews to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate prescribing
• Review and manage patients with hypertension and lipid disorders in line with local and national guidelines
• Independently prescribe where appropriate within scope of practice and competency
• Identify and manage medicines-related problems, including adverse drug reactions and non-adherence
• Provide medicines advice to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals Support safe prescribing and deprescribing initiatives

Medicines Optimisation

• Promote cost-effective, evidence-based prescribing
• Support repeat prescribing processes and medication queries
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice and PCN team to improve prescribing quality and safety
• Contribute to the implementation of prescribing policies and guidelines

Multidisciplinary Team Working

• Work closely with GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals to support patient care
• Participate in MDT meetings where appropriate
• Support continuity of care across the practice

Quality, Governance and Safety

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records
• Contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement, and service development
• Ensure compliance with practice policies, NICE guidance, and professional standards
• Support the management of prescribing risks and medicines safety alerts

Professional Development

• Maintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Engage in continuous professional development and appraisal
• Work within professional competencies and scope of practice

Confidentiality

The post holder must maintain confidentiality at all times in line with GDPR, Caldicott principles, and practice policies.

Job description Job responsibilities PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIESClinical ResponsibilitiesUndertake structured medication reviews (SMRs), including for patients with complex needs and polypharmacyConduct clinical communication reviews to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate prescribingReview and manage patients with hypertension and lipid disorders in line with local and national guidelinesIndependently prescribe where appropriate within scope of practice and competencyIdentify and manage medicines-related problems, including adverse drug reactions and non-adherenceProvide medicines advice to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals Support safe prescribing and deprescribing initiativesMedicines OptimisationPromote cost-effective, evidence-based prescribingSupport repeat prescribing processes and medication queriesWork collaboratively with the wider practice and PCN team to improve prescribing quality and safetyContribute to the implementation of prescribing policies and guidelinesMultidisciplinary Team WorkingWork closely with GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals to support patient careParticipate in MDT meetings where appropriateSupport continuity of care across the practiceQuality, Governance and SafetyMaintain accurate and timely clinical recordsContribute to clinical audit, quality improvement, and service developmentEnsure compliance with practice policies, NICE guidance, and professional standardsSupport the management of prescribing risks and medicines safety alertsProfessional DevelopmentMaintain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)Engage in continuous professional development and appraisalWork within professional competencies and scope of practiceConfidentialityThe post holder must maintain confidentiality at all times in line with GDPR, Caldicott principles, and practice policies.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council GPhC
• Independent Prescriber qualification or working towards within an agreed timeframe
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
• Experience of working as a qualified, registered pharmacist in primary care, community or hospital pharmacy
• Demonstrate ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders of the respective merits of different options, innovations, new opportunities and challenges

Desirable

• Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway PCPEP or equivalent
• Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics

Experience

Essential

• Experience of conducting medication reviews
• Experience of managing long-term conditions
• An appreciation of the NHS agenda and government targets
• Awareness of systems to support management of patients in a primary care setting, delivering pharmaceutical input and support in the context of pathways of care and the business of the Practice(s)
• Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation
• An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues

Desirable

• Experience working in general practice or primary care
• Experience undertaking structured medication reviews SMRs
• Experience managing hypertension and lipid disorders

Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council GPhC Independent Prescriber qualification or working towards within an agreed timeframe Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) Experience of working as a qualified, registered pharmacist in primary care, community or hospital pharmacy Demonstrate ability to influence and persuade partners and stakeholders of the respective merits of different options, innovations, new opportunities and challenges Desirable Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway PCPEP or equivalent Postgraduate qualifications of a relevant nature. e.g. FdSc in Medicines Management/Pharmacy Services; BTEC Therapeutics Experience Essential Experience of conducting medication reviews Experience of managing long-term conditions An appreciation of the NHS agenda and government targets Awareness of systems to support management of patients in a primary care setting, delivering pharmaceutical input and support in the context of pathways of care and the business of the Practice(s) Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics and current legislation An excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues Desirable Experience working in general practice or primary care Experience undertaking structured medication reviews SMRs Experience managing hypertension and lipid disorders

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Cestria Health Centre

Address

Cestria Health Centre

Whitehill Way

Chester-le-Street

DH2 3DJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cestriahealthcentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Cestria Health Centre

Address

Cestria Health Centre

Whitehill Way

Chester-le-Street

DH2 3DJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cestriahealthcentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)