Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a newly qualified pharmacist or pharmacist wishing to transition to a role within the acute sector, which offers a guaranteed pathway of progression. The posts are open to applications from existing foundation trainees.
The posts are also open to applicants who wish to work cross-sector. Flexible working options can be explored based on individual circumstances.
Main duties of the job
See separate job descriptions and personal specification for each post - attached to the advert, for a full outline of the roles.
There are two progressional pharmacist posts available currently with us:
- Clinical services pharmacist (rotational) progressional post (band 6 to 7)
- Technical services pharmacist (fixed) progressional post (band 6 to 7)
Preferences for each role will be explored during the interview process.
The post holder for each role will start as a band 6 pharmacist, during which time they will complete a progressional competency based training pathway. Upon successful completion, the post holder will automatically progress to a band pharmacist position.
Post holders can expect to complete their training within approximately 12 months, subject to attaining the required competencies and sign-off by the Principle pharmacist.
Note that the time taken to complete the progressional pathway will be longer for those working part time.
About us
We went live in June 2023 with a Trust-wide electronic patient records and electronic prescribing and medicines administration system.
We have a large cohort of Non-Medical Prescribers and are passionate in supporting our team of pharmacists to gain this qualification, along with the post-graduate clinical certificate/diploma.
We have strong links with our local universities with three teacher practitioners.
We were an early-adopter site for the RPS's Transfer of Care initiative which led to the creation of the world's first fully integrated hospital to community pharmacy e-referral system:Refer-to-Pharmacy.
Our Medicines Support Team is a domiciliary team that receives referrals from the hospital, community teams and GPs for patients requiring support with their medicines post-discharge or to help prevent admissions/re-admissions to hospital.
We have a Homecare team and specialist pharmacists within the Dermatology, Rheumatology, Cardiology and Gastroenterology directorates providing out-patient clinics.
You may also be interested to know that East Lancashire Hospitals provides onsite parking and is well connected to the motorway network, making it an easy commuting distance from Manchester and Liverpool, with many of our team hailing from these locations. The Lake District is a short drive away for leisure activities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
See separate job descriptions and personal specification for each post - attached to the advert, for a full outline of the roles.
The progressional pathway is the first post of its kind in the region, which will ensure solid foundations are built for your onward career progression as a clinical pharmacist in a large and forward thinking acute NHS Trust.
The posts will enable you to gain a breadth of experience which will enable onward career progression within the department. You will be supported by a large team of experienced and passionate pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff.
We are a large, friendly department. You will have weekly protected teaching time, along with participation in clinical team huddles, working groups and the opportunity to participate in audit and quality improvement projects.
The department is committed to supporting all our pharmacists through post-graduate training including the independent prescribing qualification.
Note that the post holder of the clinical services pharmacist post will also be trained to participate in the on-call pharmacist rota (1 in 21 frequency with competitive remuneration).
Both posts will involve participation in the weekend working roster (typically 1 in 7) with options of enhanced payment or time back the following working week.
Both posts will involve participation in the late night rota (typically 1 in 21 frequency 5-7:30 pm) with options of payment of time back. The late night shifts will be carried out alongside a more senior pharmacist.
We are committed to supporting flexible working and developing new and exciting ways of working, to support a thriving workforce.
If you would like more information about these exciting roles, or would like to come for a look round, please contact:
Emma Watson or Hannah Robinson - Principle Pharmacists for Clinical Services
[email protected]/ [email protected] 01254 734545
Alessandro Latella - Principle Pharmacist for Technical Services
[email protected] 01254 734030
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MPharm Degree or equivalent
- Member GPhC (current or upon qualification at end of training year)
Desirable
- Post graduate clinical diploma (or equivalent clinical experience)
- Independant Prescribing (or working towards)
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance Certificate/ Diploma or equivalent
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Understanding of local and national NHS and Pharmaceutical Policy
- Understanding of medicines legislation and guidance i.e. Medicines Act, Misuse of Drugs Act, Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines, Medicine Guidance Notes, MHRA Alerts
- Understanding of clinical and risk management guidance as applied to Medicines Management
- Broad range of understanding of clinical practice and knowledge of medical conditions
- General knowledge of NHS developments including primary and secondary care
- Understanding of clinical governance principles
- Knowledge of external agencies concerned with patient safety NHSLA, NPSA, NPC
Desirable
- Previous demonstrable experience in an aseptic preparation environment
- Previous demonstrable experience of pharmacy services in primary or secondary care.
- Experience working within an aseptic environment.
- Experience of the greater hospital environment.
- Specialist aseptic services knowledge relating to: Legislation NHS, local and National guidance iQAAPs Audit Experience of writing and developing SOPs
- Experience of staff training and development
Experience
Essential
- Clinical Pharmacy experience/practice (may include foundation training year)
- Ability to deal with complex clinical issues
- Multidisciplinary working with medical and nursing staff
Desirable
- Previous knowledge of chemotherapy and aseptic service provision
- Previous Knowledge & experience of QA and QC services and of "Specialist Pharmacy Services" (SPS)
- Knowledge of the commissioning process for high-cost medicines and of 'Specialised' services.
- Persuasive and ability to negotiate
- Conflict resolution
- Ability and willingness to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Can work both independently and as a team
- Prioritises and meets deadlines.
- Systematic approach.
- Calm under pressure.
- Excellent numeric and verbal skills.
Judgement
Essential
- Demonstrates clear thinking and able to analyse complex problems of an ethical, pharmaceutical, or clinical nature
- Makes sound decisions with limited information
- Intuition - anticipate difficulties and take appropriate action
- Knows when to consult (knows own limitations)
- Reflects on own practice and learns from experience
- Able to identify, prioritise and evaluate work
Communication Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication
- Courteous with all service users both internal and external including members of the public and other healthcare professionals
- Able to communicate complex information of a clinical nature
- Ability to influence senior pharmacy and hospital staff
Other requirements
Essential
- Flexibility in working hours
- Advanced keyboard skills
Desirable
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.
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 .
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 .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Rotational post across sites
Blackburn
BB2 3HH