Posted on: 8 June 2021
We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity for an independent lay member to join the Partnership’s Area Prescribing Committee.
Background
The Area Prescribing Committee (APC) leads on the development and implementation of standardised policies for the supply of medicines and other items available on prescription across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. The committee includes representatives of the heads of medicines management from all Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across the region, secondary care chief pharmacists, formulary pharmacists and primary and secondary clinicians. It aims to make sure that local patients get the best possible benefits from their medicines, in a cost-effective manner.
The role
Your role as lay member on the APC will be to make sure that the interests of patients and the community are at the heart of any discussions and decisions. Along with other members of the committee, you’ll also be there to make sure that any decisions around medicines optimisation are carried out effectively and efficiently, with good governance and in accordance with the committee’s terms of reference.
Duration
It’s expected that the role will start from August 2021 (or sooner if feasible), renewable annually to a maximum of three years. The time commitment would be to attend APC meetings which are two hours every two months (usually during office hours), plus the reading of the papers in advance.
Support
As a valued lay member, you’ll be supported by the Partnership’s core team. All meeting documents and pre-meeting briefings will be provided. This is an unpaid role however any travel expenses and other appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Requirements
It is preferable, but not essential, for applicants to have some experience of healthcare services either as a healthcare professional or service user. No existing knowledge of drugs, medicines or pharmacy is required, and we can provide support with understanding any technical information. As most meetings of the APC are now conducted online, it would be helpful but not essential if applicants are able to access MS Teams.
Expressions of interest
If you’d like to apply for this role, please email your expression of interest to Tracey Gaston by 27 June 2021.
For an informal chat about the role, or if you have any questions you can ring Tracey on: 0786 601 6253
We look forward to hearing from you.