Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed pharmacist to join our team of Specialist Clinical Pharmacists, providing essential care and support to cancer patients. Whether you are at the beginning of your career, mid-career, or an experienced professional, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. For those with experience in Cancer Services, the position is offered at Band 8a. For those new to the specialty, we offer a progressive opportunity starting at Band 7, with a clear development pathway.
You will be supported by two highly experienced Clinical Lead Pharmacists in Haematology and Oncology, ensuring expert guidance as you develop your skills and provide patient care in these specialised areas. We welcome applications from individuals keen to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of cancer care.
About University Hospitals Dorset (UHD): UHD operates across Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch, serving a diverse population with a comprehensive range of cancer services. Our Cancer Centre includes outpatient chemotherapy units, haematology and oncology inpatient care, and radiotherapy services. Electronic prescribing is well-established using the Mosaiq system, managed by a dedicated Protocol Pharmacist to ensure accuracy and adherence to treatment protocols. UHD is also one of the few sites nationally to adopt SACT-verifying pharmacy technicians, demonstrating our commitment to clinical innovation.
Main duties of the job
As part of the wider Pharmacy Cancer Team, you will play a key role in delivering clinical services across outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, local hospices, and clinical trials. Our significant investment in Pharmacy Cancer Services ensures our team remains at the forefront of patient care and innovative practice.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
Our staff say; "We have a very friendly, welcoming and supportive workforce that helps each other even when we are up against it", "The job is rewarding. I know my work makes a difference to patient care" and "Feel a sense of community - like everyone is looking out for you".
The Health & Wellbeing of staff is high on the Trust's agenda and there is plenty of support. The NHS provides a good pension and annual leave and bank holiday allowance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide a high-quality clinical pharmacy and medicines management service to cancer patients.
2. At Band 8a, develop specialist knowledge in oncology and haematology.
3. Clinically screen SACT prescriptions, adhering to local standards. Following competency-based training aligned with the British Oncology Pharmacy Association SACT Passport (Level 2 or 3), you will have the opportunity to pursue further education to become a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (PIP) and practise as required.
4. Work closely with the Cancer Pharmacy Team Leaders to develop cancer pharmacy services and support the pharmacy elements of cancer clinical trials.
5. Play a crucial role in implementing local and national standards, ensuring access to funding through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) and individual funding requests (IFRs).
You will collaborate with the Oncology, Haematology, and Palliative Care teams, under the leadership of the Lead Cancer Pharmacists. We actively support independent prescribing and professional development, and we are seeking someone who shares our vision for the future of cancer services in beautiful Dorset.
Additional Information: This role includes weekend working (4 hours every Sunday, as part of a 1-in-5 rota), as well as early and late shifts within cancer services.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
6. Masters degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent)
7. Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council
8. Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experience
9. Registered Pharmacy Independent Prescriber with experience in Haematology / Oncology, or be prepared to undertake this qualification / experience
Desirable
10. Membership of a professional organisation ( Royal Pharmaceutical Society, UKCPA, BOPA)
Experience
Essential
11. 2 to 4 years NHS hospital experience post qualification
12. Previous experience of working in Haematology / Oncology
13. Supervising and developing staff
14. Delivering education and training
15. Directorate pharmacy experience meeting with clinicians and managers
16. Ability to communicate effectively in difficult/demanding circumstances
17. Time management skills, ability to meet deadlines
18. Ability to analyse information and make judgements
19. Good clinical knowledge of current therapeutics and pharmacy practice including Haematology / Oncology medication regimens
Desirable
20. Clinical audit projects or practice research
21. Experience of leading a team
22. Experience of service development