Job summary

We are very excited to be seeking a Specialist Cancer & Aseptic Services Pharmacist to join our team.

If you are an enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic pharmacist who would keen to take the next step in their career development and specialise in cancer or aseptic services, we would love to hear from you.

The role will involve supporting the Cancer Services team to deliver a specialist Pharmacy Service to patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatments in both the inpatient and outpatient setting across both solid tumours and haematological malignancies including our diverse portfolio of cancer clinical trials. As an integral part of the pharmacy team, you will get the opportunity to receive training in aseptic services, clinical trials and paediatric cancer treatment for a holistic experience.

You will support the Accountable pharmacist and be a key part of the pharmacy team as department moves to new Aseptic facilities in in the future. Your role will involve the checking and releasing of aseptically prepared products and managing the wider Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS) to ensure that products are prepared in accordance with the principles of good manufacturing practice (GMP).

Depending on the stage of your career, a diploma, PTQA or independent prescribing qualification will be funded. Practice research is also encouraged in this role.

Main duties of the job

o This post holder will be responsible for the provision and development of high-quality patient focused clinical pharmacy services for patients within Cancer Services.

o To promote the safe, rational, cost-effective use of medicines within the Haematology / Oncology.

o Screen systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) prescriptions for both inpatients and outpatients on the ARIA electronic prescribing system.

o Be a key team member of the cancer services pharmacy team, acting as team leader for the ward-based pharmacy team in the absence of advanced specialist or lead pharmacist.

o Working closely with the Specialist Pharmacist for Aseptic Services in the absence of Accountable Pharmacy, Deputy Accountable Pharmacy or Aseptic Services Manager, deputising for the Accountable Pharmacist, taking responsibility for the preparation of medicines under Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 as well as fulfilling any delegated responsibilities.

o Participate in the Cancer and Aseptic Services on-call and out of hours service on a rotational basis.

o Undertake teaching and clinical supervision of pharmacy staff and other healthcare employees.

o Undertake audits and engage with Quality Improvement and practice research projects.

o Work with and support senior pharmacists, clinical and governance teams to develop guidelines and protocols and PGDs within both cancer services and aseptic services.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time / flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsible to the B8a Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Cancer Services / Lead Pharmacist for cancer services to provide highly specialist clinical pharmacy services to haematology / oncology in-patients, day case and outpatients. Responsible to the B8a Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Aseptic Services pharmacist and Aseptic Services Manager for the delivery of the pharmacy aseptic service to patients within all care areas that require the provision. Responsible to the Advanced Specialist(s) or Lead pharmacist for cancer services for the delivery of clinical pharmacy services to patients within haematology and oncology care areas. Work as a member of the cancer services pharmacy team pharmacy team providing specialist clinical pharmacy services to haematology / oncology in-patients, day case and outpatients. Support the Lead Pharmacist Womens and Childrens / Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Paediatrics & Womens service in the delivery of safe treatment for paediatric haematology and oncology patients. Be on the Trust register for the final product approval (release) of intrathecal preparations from the Pharmacy Department in line with Department of Health guidelines and Trust Policy. To support introduction of new SACT protocols onto the approved protocol list in a timely fashion ensuring all appropriate safety and governance processes are followed. Support the senior pharmacists and Aseptic Services Manager within both cancer services and aseptic services pharmacy team in developing, monitoring and reporting on drug expenditure and medicines budget. Work as a member of both the cancer services aseptic services pharmacy team. To act as an Authorised Pharmacist and take professional responsibility for the provision of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals prepared under Exemption 10 of the Medicines Act 1968. Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager and Specialist Pharmacist Aseptics, standard operating procedures for use in Aseptic Services. Authorise, in conjunction with the Aseptic Services Manager and Specialist Pharmacist Aseptics, manufacturing worksheets and labels for new products prior to their manufacture ensuring the following have been properly considered : Clinical suitability of the preparation Formulation Stability of the final product Storage Administration Presentation Monitoring Potential Problems Ensure appropriate change control processes are followed and authorise changes to any existing product / process or the implementation of any new product or process. Assist the Aseptic Services Manager and Specialist Pharmacist Aseptics with the management of out of specifications and product / process deviations relating to Aseptic Services. Supports the Accountable Pharmacist / Deputy Accountable / Aseptic Services Manager and Lead / Advanced Specialist pharmacists Cancer Services to manage, lead and co-ordinate pharmacy team including junior pharmacists and technicians in the provision of a safe, effective and efficient pharmacy aseptic service in accordance with local and national standards and strategy and to ensure all members of the pharmacy team are trained and competent for their roles. To complete aseptic verification of worksheets where appropriate Assist and support with the running and maintenance of the Pharmaceutical Quality Management System (QMS), internal and external audits. Supervise the preparation of medicinal products made under section 10 of the medicines act 1968 and ensure compliance with Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services to provide products that are fit for their intended use : Ensure the initial check and preparation of medicinal products is undertaken according to local procedures. Undertake the final check for these products taking responsibility for the final product approval (release) of medicinal products to the patient. Act as an advisor to all staff if support or intervention is required. Ensure that safe and effective systems of work are followed within the unit in compliance with the COSHH (1988) Regulations. Assist in the validation and maintenance of computer programmes and systems used in named-patient preparation processes EMIS Assist in ensuring the department is fully compliant with the requirements associated with the regulation of clinical trials in the provision of aseptic products for clinical trials. To act as a role model and mentor for junior pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, technicians and Pharmacy Support Assistants. To work towards practicing as an independent prescriber. To engage with Quality Improvement and practice research. To support senior pharmacists in writing and reviewing policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to medicines and pharmacy practice within both cancer and Aseptic Services. Liaise with the aseptic services senior team in the development of products and services and future strategy. Ensure that expertise within your area is seen as a resource within and outside the Trust and form working partnerships with other health and social care service providers. Recommendation of appropriate therapy for individual patients where evidence is not available, controversial evidence exists or other professionals may challenge advice. Promote compliance by prescribers and other healthcare staff with local / national policies and the South and West Devon Formulary. Manage day to day medicines queries related to the aseptic services provision. Liaise with all levels of healthcare staff, patients and carers in all areas of work Analysis, interpretation and monitoring of clinical data including drug levels, U&Es, blood counts and microbiological sensitivities to guide diagnosis and drug therapy related to the service provision. Provide education and training to all healthcare professionals including medical students. Pharmacists are expected to work largely unsupervised and to act on their own professional judgement supported by policies and guidelines.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• Relevant post-registration demonstrable experience as a pharmacist in UK and broad proven knowledge base of clinical areas
• Proven good general pharmaceutical, technical & clinical knowledge
• Previous demonstrable experience in an aseptic preparation workplace, which may have included the preparation of chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and able to communicate effectively with clinical staff, patients and relatives.
• Able to prioritise work and work well within a busy environment
• Audit skills
• Able to supervise and guide the work of less experienced members of staff
• A proven understanding of pharmacy interfaces and current NHS drivers affecting these

Desirable

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

Desirable