Job summary Senior Pharmacist - Operational Services and Dispensary, Band 8a (15 hours a week) Due to Maternity Leave, this unique opportunity has arisen to lead the pharmacist service in the clinical validation section of the dispensary, be part of the senior operational team for the department, and hold a clinical ward commitment. This role provides great variety within its scope, also covering clinical pharmacy on a designated ward within an acute hospital. There is an excellent mix of clinical and operational, as well as governance aspects to this role. The Trust and pharmacy department will support you in the role and your continued personal development through a wide range of opportunities and experiences. Additional contract details: Part of weekend and late night rota Main duties of the job Full Details are in the attached Job Description and Personal Specification. The post holder will: - Be responsible for delivering a specialist pharmacy service, acting as professional lead within the dispensary. - Provide operational support to the department as part of Senior operational team - Provide experienced pharmacist input at both dispensary services and ward level. - Provide clinical pharmacy ward cover as part of ward based clinical team. - Lead the team of dispensary based pharmacists and rotational pharmacists within the dispensary - Work closely with the senior technicians to provide an efficient and safe service About us Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHT) is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. Located between Birmingham (45 miles) and Bristol (32 miles), the beautiful Cotswolds and Forrest of Dean, the county is easily accessible by road including the M5 motorway, with convenient links to the M4 and the M50. Together with main line rail networks, this puts Gloucestershire within easy reach of many metropolitan areas and airports. GHT supports staff with access to the well-being hub, exercise and activity classes and membership of our popular hospital choir. The pharmacy department has over 200 staff across the two sites in Cheltenham and Gloucester, both sites provide full dispensary services, medicines information, procurement services and a full clinical service to wards. There is a regular free shuttle bus allowing easy transport between hospitals both of which are located in the city/town centres with access to shops and cafes. The Pharmacy department is committed to supporting the Trust to deliver its vision of best care for everyone, we strive to provide the whole team with the necessary skills and ongoing support to make a real difference to patient care, include a program to develop prescribing roles within the department. We are at the forefront of many exciting projects including the recently introduced electronic prescribing system used in the Trust. Date posted 17 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year pa pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time, Job share Reference number 318-25-T0152 Job locations Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (Pharmacy Department) Gloucester GL1 3NN Job description Job responsibilities 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 differencetogether, we can build a workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences. Full details in attached JD Key Result Areas Operational - Assist Associate Director with Operational requirements and plans within the department and beyond - Be involved with departmental operational strategy - Oversight of management of the Pharmacist On-call rota ensuring regular liaison with On call leads and reviewing on call activity and KPIs - Responsible for drawing up and managing weekend pharmacist rota ensuring cover for all weekends - Keeping relevant records of the above - To act as management link for Health and Safety meetings, carrying out any duties or providing any input as required. Attend the meetings in this capacity. - Oversee recording and monitoring of Datix incidents from the dispensary - Act as Datix investigator where appropriate - Provide reports on Datix trends and subsequent actions - Provide Datix meetings to pharmacy staff on an annual basis - Monitor and report on Near Miss Data in conjunction with Senior Technician Dispensary Services Work within the Dispensary, including acting as the lead Pharmacist daily and on occasions the sole Pharmacist. Work closely with the Associate Pharmacy Director Operational services to ensure a safe and efficient service is provided from the dispensary. Lead Pharmacist duties Responsibility for Clinical Screening area, maintaining the workflow of prescriptions, in conjunction with the Senior Technicians. Ensuring prescriptions are clinically assessed and validated Ensuring any dispensary competencies for Pharmacists are completed and maintained. Carry out entrance and exit interviews of Pharmacists who rotate through the dispensary Ensure rotational Pharmacists are informed of any dispensary changes when starting a block Overseeing weekly rota for Pharmacist cover in the dispensary. Liaising with the other Senior Pharmacists to ensure appropriate Pharmacist cover within the dispensary Liaising closely with the Senior Technician to ensure a safe efficient dispensary service. Responsible for review and writing the Standard Operating procedures relevant to the Pharmacists role in the dispensary and others that are required, ensuring that they are the same cross site where possible. Liaising closely with the Dispensary Pharmacists at both sites ensuring a close alignment of processes and SOPs where possible. Acting as a support for the CGH dispensary-based Pharmacist when needed. Responsible for maintaining the Responsible Pharmacist log required by the GPhC for maintaining the departments registration. Acting as a super user for the Pharmacy stock control system Ensuring staff working in the dispensary have completed any regular competency tests that are required (e.g. Methotrexate counselling, Valproate counselling) Act as the system manager for Promatica WebTracker software in liaison with Pharmacy Systems Team Provide reports from WebTracker that are used for reporting KPIs Prepare reports for review at Pharmacy Board Act as the responsible Pharmacist for undertaking the risk assessment for new unlicensed medicines received into the Pharmacy, maintaining the unlicensed medicines list on the SharePoint To monitor the recording of action taken for MHRA Drug recalls, working closely with the purchasing manager if required for class 1 recalls. To act as a link to the Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit (PMU) in CGH for any relevant issues Liaison and Maintenance of Intrathecal file in the dispensary in conjunction with senior technician Ensure technical staff are trained on handing out intrathecal medication in conjunction with senior technician Liaise when necessary for pain clinic pump refills in conjunction with senior technician Communicate any other issues related to items that link to CGH PMU Supervising and training new Pharmacists working in the dispensary including induction training. To oversee training junior pharmacists on clinical screening in dispensary To act as a contact to the EJU department for any pharmacy related issues, checking with the Lead Pharmacist for Cancer Services if needed To maintain processes for individualised haematology supply arrangements, e.g. compassionate stock arrangements Pharmacist clinical validation duties: Checking in-patient orders, out-patient, and discharge prescriptions for: Legality & legibility, intention of prescriber, and suitability of 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, what to supply, when the prescriber cannot be contacted. Checking the dispensing performed by other staff. Checking formula calculations for extemporaneously prepared medication Effectively educating out-patients on how best to take their medicines, and responding to any queries they may have when referred to. Respond appropriately to queries from medical staff and all other hospital staff. Discharge Lounge Overall clinical pharmacy responsibility for all pharmacy and medicines governance aspects of the Discharge Lounge (DL). Controlled Drugs stock checks quarterly and investigating any discrepancies in CD balances Controlled drugs storage audit annually Investigating DL pharmacy related Datix and complaints Responding to any escalations for patients in DL Inputting into and/or writing where needed any pharmacy-DL policies/SOPs Monitoring performance of pharmacy service to DL Carrying out any pharmacy (or other) audits within DL Point of contact for DL service changes Answering any and all clinical queries on medication Clinical pharmacy service to patients in the DL Validation of TTOs and Contacting Drs for clinical queries on TTOs Input into all the pharmacy aspects of the discharge process for DL patients Patient counselling Monitoring of DL Dashboard Adapting to changes in pharmacy working routine for DL Provision of Clinical Pharmacy Service to clinical area of responsibility. During the visit the pharmacist will: 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 Usually work unsupervised, although the post-holder can seek advice from a range of colleagues as and when required. Communicate with junior medical staff (and occasionally Consultants) to clarify aspects of the prescription including drug, dosage, frequency, duration of treatment, and length of supply when necessary. Use professional judgement to make a final decision about content and appropriateness of discharge prescriptions when a suitable prescriber cannot be contacted. Job description Job responsibilities 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 differencetogether, we can build a workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences. Full details in attached JD Key Result Areas Operational - Assist Associate Director with Operational requirements and plans within the department and beyond - Be involved with departmental operational strategy - Oversight of management of the Pharmacist On-call rota ensuring regular liaison with On call leads and reviewing on call activity and KPIs - Responsible for drawing up and managing weekend pharmacist rota ensuring cover for all weekends - Keeping relevant records of the above - To act as management link for Health and Safety meetings, carrying out any duties or providing any input as required. Attend the meetings in this capacity. - Oversee recording and monitoring of Datix incidents from the dispensary - Act as Datix investigator where appropriate - Provide reports on Datix trends and subsequent actions - Provide Datix meetings to pharmacy staff on an annual basis - Monitor and report on Near Miss Data in conjunction with Senior Technician Dispensary Services Work within the Dispensary, including acting as the lead Pharmacist daily and on occasions the sole Pharmacist. Work closely with the Associate Pharmacy Director Operational services to ensure a safe and efficient service is provided from the dispensary. Lead Pharmacist duties Responsibility for Clinical Screening area, maintaining the workflow of prescriptions, in conjunction with the Senior Technicians. Ensuring prescriptions are clinically assessed and validated Ensuring any dispensary competencies for Pharmacists are completed and maintained. Carry out entrance and exit interviews of Pharmacists who rotate through the dispensary Ensure rotational Pharmacists are informed of any dispensary changes when starting a block Overseeing weekly rota for Pharmacist cover in the dispensary. Liaising with the other Senior Pharmacists to ensure appropriate Pharmacist cover within the dispensary Liaising closely with the Senior Technician to ensure a safe efficient dispensary service. Responsible for review and writing the Standard Operating procedures relevant to the Pharmacists role in the dispensary and others that are required, ensuring that they are the same cross site where possible. Liaising closely with the Dispensary Pharmacists at both sites ensuring a close alignment of processes and SOPs where possible. Acting as a support for the CGH dispensary-based Pharmacist when needed. Responsible for maintaining the Responsible Pharmacist log required by the GPhC for maintaining the departments registration. Acting as a super user for the Pharmacy stock control system Ensuring staff working in the dispensary have completed any regular competency tests that are required (e.g. Methotrexate counselling, Valproate counselling) Act as the system manager for Promatica WebTracker software in liaison with Pharmacy Systems Team Provide reports from WebTracker that are used for reporting KPIs Prepare reports for review at Pharmacy Board Act as the responsible Pharmacist for undertaking the risk assessment for new unlicensed medicines received into the Pharmacy, maintaining the unlicensed medicines list on the SharePoint To monitor the recording of action taken for MHRA Drug recalls, working closely with the purchasing manager if required for class 1 recalls. To act as a link to the Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit (PMU) in CGH for any relevant issues Liaison and Maintenance of Intrathecal file in the dispensary in conjunction with senior technician Ensure technical staff are trained on handing out intrathecal medication in conjunction with senior technician Liaise when necessary for pain clinic pump refills in conjunction with senior technician Communicate any other issues related to items that link to CGH PMU Supervising and training new Pharmacists working in the dispensary including induction training. To oversee training junior pharmacists on clinical screening in dispensary To act as a contact to the EJU department for any pharmacy related issues, checking with the Lead Pharmacist for Cancer Services if needed To maintain processes for individualised haematology supply arrangements, e.g. compassionate stock arrangements Pharmacist clinical validation duties: Checking in-patient orders, out-patient, and discharge prescriptions for: Legality & legibility, intention of prescriber, and suitability of 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, what to supply, when the prescriber cannot be contacted. Checking the dispensing performed by other staff. Checking formula calculations for extemporaneously prepared medication Effectively educating out-patients on how best to take their medicines, and responding to any queries they may have when referred to. Respond appropriately to queries from medical staff and all other hospital staff. Discharge Lounge Overall clinical pharmacy responsibility for all pharmacy and medicines governance aspects of the Discharge Lounge (DL). Controlled Drugs stock checks quarterly and investigating any discrepancies in CD balances Controlled drugs storage audit annually Investigating DL pharmacy related Datix and complaints Responding to any escalations for patients in DL Inputting into and/or writing where needed any pharmacy-DL policies/SOPs Monitoring performance of pharmacy service to DL Carrying out any pharmacy (or other) audits within DL Point of contact for DL service changes Answering any and all clinical queries on medication Clinical pharmacy service to patients in the DL Validation of TTOs and Contacting Drs for clinical queries on TTOs Input into all the pharmacy aspects of the discharge process for DL patients Patient counselling Monitoring of DL Dashboard Adapting to changes in pharmacy working routine for DL Provision of Clinical Pharmacy Service to clinical area of responsibility. During the visit the pharmacist will: 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 Usually work unsupervised, although the post-holder can seek advice from a range of colleagues as and when required. Communicate with junior medical staff (and occasionally Consultants) to clarify aspects of the prescription including drug, dosage, frequency, duration of treatment, and length of supply when necessary. Use professional judgement to make a final decision about content and appropriateness of discharge prescriptions when a suitable prescriber cannot be contacted. Person Specification Qualifications Essential GPHC Registration UK Recognised Pharmacy Degree Post Graduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma Desirable NMP Experience Essential Significant clinical experience Experience Delivering and developing a specific pharmacy service Skills Essential Self Motivated and able to use initiative Excellent communication skills Proficient in IT Management Training Proactive attitude Reliable, polite and approachable Person Specification Qualifications Essential GPHC Registration UK Recognised Pharmacy Degree Post Graduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma Desirable NMP Experience Essential Significant clinical experience Experience Delivering and developing a specific pharmacy service Skills Essential Self Motivated and able to use initiative Excellent communication skills Proficient in IT Management Training Proactive attitude Reliable, polite and approachable 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 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (Pharmacy Department) Gloucester GL1 3NN Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)