Job summary Principal Pharmacist - Cancer Services Department : Pharmacy Band 8a - £53,755 - £60,504 per annum Hours: 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working Join the Thriving Pharmacy Team at MKUH Embark on a dynamic journey with us at MKUH as we undergo unprecedented growth, expanding our influence in the healthcare landscape. Picture yourself in the heart of innovation - Our Pharmacy team is buzzing with energy, having recently unveiled a state-of-the-art Pharmacy and Aseptic Unit within our Cancer Centre. We are looking for a talented Band 8a Principal Pharmacist for Cancer Services to join our well-established cancer Pharmacy team. Why Us: Be part of a collaborative dream team comprising experienced pharmacists, dedicated pharmacy technicians and an expansive pharmacy network. Your pivotal role will shape and enhance pharmaceutical services for cancer patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Are You the One We're Looking For? Do you have the passion, skills and dedication to elevate the standard of care for our cancer patients? If you're ready to not just meet but exceed the challenges of this role, contributing to the continuous evolution of our services, then we can't wait to welcome your aboard For more information or to arrange an informal visit, please visit Tejal Gorasis, tejal.gorasiamkuh.nhs.uk 01908 995741 or Alia Al-Madhi,alia.al-mahdimkuh.nhs.uk 01908 995724. Interview date: 26th March 2025 Main duties of the job What Awaits You: As a key player, you'll join a specialised team providing clinical and pharmaceutical support to our Haematology and Oncology units, contributing significantly to the overall mission of our Pharmacy Cancer Service. What You'll do: Partnering with Specialist Pharmacist for Cancer Services, you'll spearhead the management of all medication needs for our Oncology and Haematology patients. Your responsibilities include delivering ward-based clinical pharmacy services supporting the cancer centre pharmacy and seizing the opportunities to mentor junior staff. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to dive into quality improvement, lead audit initiatives and champion medicines optimization and safety. The Principal Pharmacist for Cancer provides specialist Pharmacist expertise into the care of patients being treated for Cancer. They provide an expert resource to both patients and staff ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines across the Cancer service. About us "We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute" "82% always know their responsibilities and priorities and feel trusted to perform their duties" (NHS Staff Survey 2023) You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including: Free on-site parking Free tea and coffee Great flexible workingopportunities Discounted gym membership Lease car scheme Generous annual leave and pension scheme On site nursery (chargeable) Extensive staff health and well-being programme Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news. Date posted 18 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 430-CC27165A Job locations Pharmacy (Dept) Milton Keynes MK6 5LD Job description Job responsibilities Clinical practice role: Topractice in compliance with the General Pharmaceutical Council code of professional conduct within scope of practice, being responsible and accountable for own decisions, actions and omissions. To demonstrate a critical understanding of broadened level of responsibility and autonomy and within the limits of own competence and professional scope of practice, including when working with complexity, risk, uncertainty and incomplete information. Leadership and management: To pro-actively initiate and develop effective relationships, fostering clarity of roles within teams, to encourage productive working. Torole model the values of MKUH and demonstrate a patient-centred approach to service delivery and development. Education: To critically assess and address own learning needs, negotiating a personal development plan that reflects the breadth of on-going professional development across the four pillars of advanced clinical practice. To engage in self-directed learning, critically reflecting to maximise clinical skills and knowledge, as well as own potential to lead and develop both care and services. Research: To critically engage in research activity, adhering to good research practice guidance, so that evidence-based strategies are developed and applied to enhance quality, safety, productivity and value for money. To evaluate and audit own and others clinical practice, selecting and applying valid, reliable methods, then acting on the findings. Oncology & Haematology Directorate Service: To lead in a specialist area of pharmacy practice within the directorate in accordance with priorities set by the Pharmacy Manager Cancer & Clinical Trials and the Clinical Director for Pharmacy. To clinically screen all chemotherapy prescriptions (including oral, injectable and clinical trial drugs) according to national standards, following a period of competency-based training and assessment. Professional role: To ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times To be professionally accountable for actions and advice given to others Please refer to the job description for further details We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us. MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices. We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology. By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months. Job description Job responsibilities Clinical practice role: Topractice in compliance with the General Pharmaceutical Council code of professional conduct within scope of practice, being responsible and accountable for own decisions, actions and omissions. To demonstrate a critical understanding of broadened level of responsibility and autonomy and within the limits of own competence and professional scope of practice, including when working with complexity, risk, uncertainty and incomplete information. Leadership and management: To pro-actively initiate and develop effective relationships, fostering clarity of roles within teams, to encourage productive working. Torole model the values of MKUH and demonstrate a patient-centred approach to service delivery and development. Education: To critically assess and address own learning needs, negotiating a personal development plan that reflects the breadth of on-going professional development across the four pillars of advanced clinical practice. To engage in self-directed learning, critically reflecting to maximise clinical skills and knowledge, as well as own potential to lead and develop both care and services. Research: To critically engage in research activity, adhering to good research practice guidance, so that evidence-based strategies are developed and applied to enhance quality, safety, productivity and value for money. To evaluate and audit own and others clinical practice, selecting and applying valid, reliable methods, then acting on the findings. Oncology & Haematology Directorate Service: To lead in a specialist area of pharmacy practice within the directorate in accordance with priorities set by the Pharmacy Manager Cancer & Clinical Trials and the Clinical Director for Pharmacy. To clinically screen all chemotherapy prescriptions (including oral, injectable and clinical trial drugs) according to national standards, following a period of competency-based training and assessment. Professional role: To ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times To be professionally accountable for actions and advice given to others Please refer to the job description for further details We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us. MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices. We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology. By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months. Person Specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential BPharm / BSc / MPharm (or equivalent) GPhC Registration Higher Degree / Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experience Working knowledge of clinical trials and associated legislation Evidence of CPD Desirable MSc or PhD in Clinical Pharmacy / Cancer Independent prescribing qualification as a pharmacist Formal postgraduate training in haematology or oncology. Formal teaching or mentoring training MRPharmS Experience Essential Broad experience of providing a clinical service to haematology & oncology patients at a senior level Experience of managing drug expenditure for a specialty and understanding of budgetary mechanism Experience of working with commissioners to manage drug use Previous evaluations or reviews of medicines used in the specialty's patient. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide patient care Experience of audit work Service development An awareness of current national standards, guidelines and service delivery issues relevant to the directorate's patient. Experience of supervising, developing and appraising staff as well as giving feedback Proven experience of working at a strategic level with senior clinicians and managers and experience of working in an integrated directorate team Skills Essential IT and presentation skills and report writing Meets targets and identifies a vision for the delivery of pharmacy services to patients Good inter-personal skills, with the ability to liaise and influence senior managers and consultants Meets expected levels of practice as identified by others and identifies new areas of practice Identifies and prioritises clinical work and new clinical pharmacy services Understands local and national priorities in care and has the ability to reconcile these with local realities Demonstrable ability to manage time, people and resources to deliver outcomes Integrates research evidence and audit results into practice; documented experience of own research & audit Identifies and manages risk Demonstrates awareness of and commitment to the Clinical Governance agenda Demonstrates expert clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and judgement; manages difficult and ambiguous problems Identifies own training needs, actively seeks training opportunities and maintains a portfolio of practice Works autonomously and can delegate authority appropriately Evaluates the quality of own work and can evaluate service quality An ability to prioritise a complex workload and work accurately under pressure Personal and people development Essential Experience as a trainer Experience of supervising, developing and appraising staff as well as giving feedback Communication Essential Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Specific requirements Essential Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations Knowledge and understanding of the safe handling and dispensing of cytotoxic medications, including COSHH Person Specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential BPharm / BSc / MPharm (or equivalent) GPhC Registration Higher Degree / Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experience Working knowledge of clinical trials and associated legislation Evidence of CPD Desirable MSc or PhD in Clinical Pharmacy / Cancer Independent prescribing qualification as a pharmacist Formal postgraduate training in haematology or oncology. Formal teaching or mentoring training MRPharmS Experience Essential Broad experience of providing a clinical service to haematology & oncology patients at a senior level Experience of managing drug expenditure for a specialty and understanding of budgetary mechanism Experience of working with commissioners to manage drug use Previous evaluations or reviews of medicines used in the specialty's patient. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide patient care Experience of audit work Service development An awareness of current national standards, guidelines and service delivery issues relevant to the directorate's patient. Experience of supervising, developing and appraising staff as well as giving feedback Proven experience of working at a strategic level with senior clinicians and managers and experience of working in an integrated directorate team Skills Essential IT and presentation skills and report writing Meets targets and identifies a vision for the delivery of pharmacy services to patients Good inter-personal skills, with the ability to liaise and influence senior managers and consultants Meets expected levels of practice as identified by others and identifies new areas of practice Identifies and prioritises clinical work and new clinical pharmacy services Understands local and national priorities in care and has the ability to reconcile these with local realities Demonstrable ability to manage time, people and resources to deliver outcomes Integrates research evidence and audit results into practice; documented experience of own research & audit Identifies and manages risk Demonstrates awareness of and commitment to the Clinical Governance agenda Demonstrates expert clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and judgement; manages difficult and ambiguous problems Identifies own training needs, actively seeks training opportunities and maintains a portfolio of practice Works autonomously and can delegate authority appropriately Evaluates the quality of own work and can evaluate service quality An ability to prioritise a complex workload and work accurately under pressure Personal and people development Essential Experience as a trainer Experience of supervising, developing and appraising staff as well as giving feedback Communication Essential Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Specific requirements Essential Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations Knowledge and understanding of the safe handling and dispensing of cytotoxic medications, including COSHH 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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 Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Pharmacy (Dept) Milton Keynes MK6 5LD Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)