Clinical and Dispensary Specialist Pharmacist - Band 7

We have an interesting role that combines a Clinical Pharmacist element covering inpatient wards or Units with a Dispensary specialist element providing expert clinical input into the dispensary team.
This provides an opportunity for an ambitious pharmacist to develop and demonstrate leadership and management skills within a dispensary setting, with clinical pharmacy skills at ward level, as well as service improvement and QI scope within both areas of practice. The team element with various healthcare professionals, within the dispensary and at ward level, means we require a strong communicator and an organised individual.
This role provides a good opportunity to hone these skills and develop in a unique manner., In a varied and rewarding role, the post-holder is responsible for delivering a specialist pharmacy service within the dispensary with a clinical commitment to covering an inpatient ward. This involves providing expert Pharmacist input to the Clinical team in the dispensary on pharmaceutical matters and providing ward clinical pharmacy cover as needed. Leading the team of rotational Pharmacists working from the dispensary, the post holder will work very closely with the Dispensary Senior Pharmacy Technicians and Lead Dispensary Pharmacist to provide an efficient and safe dispensary service
Undertaking audits and service improvement projects within dispensary services is a key part of the role, as well as teaching and supervision where appropriate. On occasion, the postholder will be expected to act as deputy to lead Dispensary Specialist Pharmacist.
The post-holder will provide a clinical pharmacy service to one or more specified clinical ward/Unit areas each day to promote the safe, rational, effective and economic use of medicines., The post-holder will work in the dispensary, including deputising for the lead dispensary Pharmacist daily and on occasions be the sole Pharmacist in the dispensary.
Duties
+ Training new Pharmacists working in the dispensary including induction training.
+ Carry out entrance and exit interviews of rotational Pharmacists in absence of lead pharmacist
+ Ensure rotational Pharmacists are informed of any changes when starting a block in the dispensary.
+ Producing weekly rota for Pharmacist cover in the dispensary.
+ Liaising with the Lead Pharmacist for Dispensary to ensure appropriate Pharmacist cover within dispensary
+ Liaising closely with the Senior Pharmacy Technicians to ensure a safe efficient dispensary service.
+ Responsibility for maintaining the workflow of prescriptions through the department, in conjunction with the Senior Technicians (Dispensary) and Chief Technicians including ensuring that prescriptions are assessed, dispensed, checked and dispatched, according to priority and in a timely fashion.
+ Ensuring any dispensary competencies for Pharmacists are completed and maintained.
+ Provide input into Standard Operating procedures relevant to the Pharmacists role in the dispensary
+ Updating and maintaining the dispensary Pharmacists information files in the dispensary
+ Ensuring staff working in the dispensary have completed any regular competency tests that are required
+ Ensuring the 'Responsible Pharmacist 'register is completed daily
+ Facilitate Co-ordination of Foundation Pharmacist dispensary training
+ QI project each quarter
+ Organise supply of specialist haematology medication with individualised supply arrangements e.g., ibrutinib for Waldenstroms
+ Supervision of undergraduate pharmacy students on clinical placement
Routine Pharmacist Duties include:
+ Checking in-patient prescription charts, out-patient, and discharge prescriptions for:
legality & legibility, the intention of the prescriber, and suitability of the medication for that patient
any errors in dose, frequency, form and route, and resolving them with the prescriber
Making decisions about whether to supply medication, and if so what to supply, when the prescriber cannot be contacted.
+ Checking formula calculations for extemporaneously prepared medication
+ Checking the dispensing performed by other Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and dispensary assistants.
+ Effectively educating out-patients on how best to take their medicines, and responding to any queries they may have.
+ Respond appropriately to queries from medical staff and all other hospital staff.

2. Provision of Clinical Pharmacy Service to clinical area of responsibility.
During the visit the pharmacist will be
+ Collecting, interpreting and documenting details of medication taken at home (the medication history).
+ Confirming details of the medication history with the patient, carer(s), GP Receptionist, the GP (occasionally), and by reviewing the patient's own drugs from home if available, working alongside the Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technicians.
+ Confirming and documenting important factors affecting the patient's ability to manage their medicines at home (e.g. sight, hearing, manual dexterity, and use of a compliance aid).
+ Resolving any discrepancies and problems identified as a prescriber, to complete medicines reconciliation.
+ Review prescriptions to ensure they are legal, safe, cost-effective, clinically necessary and appropriate, accurate, and complete.
+ Undertake Medicines Optimisation.
+ Arrange for drugs to be supplied to patients, ward(s) or department(s).
+ Provide information and advice to nursing staff on a daily basis, about drugs, doses, administration and potential side-effects.
+ Provide information and advice to junior medical staff on a daily basis, and to Consultants as and when needed, including suggestions for initiating and modifying treatment.
+ Educate patients as appropriate about changes to their medication, and how to take specific medicines (e.g. warfarin, inhaler devices).
+ Access and interpret clinical information for specific patients (e.g. e-PMA system (Sunrise Clinical Manager), Patient Administration system (TrakCare), Pharmacy computer system (EMIS) as well as case notes and Summary Care Record (SCR)), and use it to individualise and monitor treatment.
+ Document relevant clinical and pharmaceutical information during in-patient stay which may be used to prepare discharge prescription and/or communicated to patient, carer(s) or GP.
+ Review discharge prescriptions written by medical staff, using professional judgement to make a final decision about content and appropriateness of discharge prescriptions when a suitable prescriber cannot be contacted.
+ Participate in Consultant ward rounds as appropriate, providing pharmaceutical advice and information to medical staff, nursing staff, and patients as part of a multi-professional team.
+ Undertake risk management and ensure compliance with legislation and relevant national policies and guidelines, along with local policies and procedures including the Trust Formulary.
+ Work in an effective team with technicians involved in Trust Medicines Management scheme on designated wards.
+ Usually work unsupervised, although the post-holder can seek advice from a range of colleagues as and when required.
· Provide clinical pharmacy service to the medical day Unit (MDU) promoting safe, rational, effective and economic use of medicines
· Manage prescriptions for MDU and support specialist teams with safe and cost-effective prescribing and supply of biologics and other medications routinely administered on the MDU
· Participation in the weekend pharmacy service rota as we move towards 7-day working.
· Undertake teaching and clinical supervision of pharmacists, foundation pharmacists, Medicines Optimisation Technicians and undergraduate pharmacy students.
· Develop and foster good relations with clinical staff on the wards/MDU and the specialties
· Provide an efficient pharmacist service by connecting the service to the wards/Units with the dispensary service
3. Other duties within Pharmacy Department
The post-holder will work in the dispensary, as the sole Pharmacist on some occasions per week. Duties include:
· Clinical Validation of in-patient prescription charts, out-patient and discharge prescriptions for legality, safety and suitability of medication. Resolving issues with the prescriber as necessary
· Maintaining the workflow of the department and problem-solving when required
· Checking the dispensing performed by other pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants
· Participate in the department's development programme for pharmacy staff through the provision of teaching sessions.
· Support clinical placements for undergraduate pharmacy students and participate in the programme through support during their dispensary experience
Within the Pharmacy department at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHSFT, we are committed to supporting the South West Inclusive Pharmacy Practice manifesto (https://pwds.nhs.uk/associates/sw-ipp/ ), creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We recognise that a diverse team enhances our ability to provide patients with the best possible care and innovative solutions.
We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background. We are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, from recruitment to career development. We like members of our team to feel empowered to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities and we actively promote a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
If you require any adjustments or support during the application process or in the workplace, please let us know. We are here to ensure that all candidates and employees can contribute fully and thrive in their roles.
Join us in making a difference-together, we can build a workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences.
Additional Contact: Bilal Topia - Associate Pharmacy Director ([email protected])
The health and wellbeing of our staff and patients remains the priority of the Trust. Vaccination remains the best chance we have of conquering COVID and the Trust encourages everyone to take up this offer.
Please note, this vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. The Recruitment Team are unable to accept any applications after the position has closed on NHS Jobs.

Band 7
Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.
As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.
As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.
By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support., The pharmacy department has approximately 240 staff. The 2 sites provide dispensary services to inpatients & outpatients, medicines information, procurement services and full clinical service to wards; the onsite aseptic and manufacturing services are centralised at CGH.
Pharmacy is at the forefront of many exciting projects including an award-winning service provided by pharmacist prescribers in orthopaedic pre-admission clinic.
Within the department are specialist clinical teams; the Specialist Mental Health Pharmacy facilitates delivery of Specialist services for Mental Health & Learning Disabilities. The cancer services team provide a pharmacy service at both sites for oncology & haematology and satellite pharmacy.