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- Tasks: Lead the development of an evidence-based formulary and optimise medication use.
- Company: Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a pharmacy degree, be GPhC registered, and possess clinical experience.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to improving health services for over 900,000 people.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Formulary Pharmacist to lead the evolution and implementation of our local formulary, ensuring that it is evidence-based, cost-effective and aligned with national and regional guidelines. The post will also oversee the processes for IFRs and High Cost drugs. The Trust uses the Epic electronic patient record system, so the post holder will have the opportunity to adapt formulary processes to the Digital age.
You will also provide expert advice and support to clinicians, managers and patients on formulary issues, as well as conducting audits, evaluations and reviews of prescribing practices. You will work closely with the Clinical Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Procurement teams to ensure that our formulary is up-to-date, relevant and responsive to the needs of our patients and staff.
Main duties of the job
- To support the Clinical Pharmacy Manager with developing and maintaining the Trust formulary
- To support the Trust with identifying and capitalising on Cost Improvement Programmes.
- To liaise with ICB colleagues with the harmonisation of the Formulary
- To oversee the use of High Cost and PbR Excluded medications.
- The provision of a clinical pharmacy service to patients within the Trust.
- To act as a role model in the field of clinical pharmacy practice and provide a consistently high standard of clinical service in line with the pharmacy objectives.
- The recruitment, management, and development of staff under the postholder.
Working for our organisation
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
- To provide operational and professional leadership in relation to medicines optimisation, promoting evidence-based, cost-effective use of medicines in the Trust
- Actively collaborate with members of the FHFT Drugs & Therapeutics Committee (FHFT DTC) in the implementation and maintenance of the formulary.
- To ensure processes are in place to implement the formulary within the trust, maximising compliance, and its visibility.
- To collaborate with primary care to implement a harmonised formulary across Frimley Health ICB.
- To collaborate with, and provide input into the Frimley Health Medicines Board
- To be the lead pharmacist liaising with the ICB team to improve the use of medicines at the interface between primary and secondary care, actively contributing to minimising variation across the ICB.
- To disseminate the DTC decisions to the Pharmacy Department and wider Trust
- To support the maintenance of the Trust Drug Formulary, so it is accurate and up-to-date following decisions made at both the DTC and MOB meetings.
- To produce drug evaluations for the DTC and MOB as requested by the Clinical Pharmacy Manager. To make recommendations to the directorate concerning the introduction and use of new drugs.
- To ensure close relations cross-site with the pharmacy team across all sites.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Pharmacy degree (BSc/ Masters level)
- Registered with GPhC
- Postgraduate clinical diploma or equivalent
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Independent Prescriber
Desirable criteria
- MSc or higher degree
- UKCPA membership
- RPS membership
- Formal management qualification
Specific competencies for role
Essential criteria
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Good interpersonal, communication, organisation, influencing and negotiating skills
- Ability to adapt and cope with challenges
- Applied clinical knowledge
Desirable criteria
- Excellent IT skills
Professional/specialist experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of producing guidelines
- Experience of producing drug appraisals
- Significant post-qualification experience working in a clinical enviroment
Desirable criteria
- Teaching/tutoring experience
- Experience of managing staff
- Experience of working in clinics
- Clinical audit experience
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) has an outstanding reputation and a proud record of achievement. As a well performing, well led and ambitious Foundation Trust, we have exciting times ahead of us. We have an ongoing commitment to improving the health and care services for the 900,000 people we serve across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and south Buckinghamshire.
We are proud of the ambitions laid out in our strategy, Our Future FHFT, including our vision to be a leader in health & wellbeing, delivering excellence for our communities.
We continue to invest in our services and facilities, including a £10 million upgrade to the hospital maternity unit as well as £49m major new Emergency Assessment Centre on our Wexham Park site. The opening of a brand new £100m state of the art hospital which replaced the existing hospital facility at Heatherwood and are planning to invest further in diagnostics and inpatient capacity at Frimley Park.
We have also made significant investment in our quality improvement and digital programmes to support our vision and we will ensure that we achieve our aim of providing the highest quality healthcare to our patients. Our new EPR – Epic – went live in June and we are already beginning to reap the benefits of this ambitious investment.
Our three core values, and the behaviours that support them, guide everything we do and set out what we expect of our staff in the way they treat patients, visitors, service users and each other, Committed to Excellence, Working Together and Facing the Future.
Apply online now #J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Formulary and Medication Optimisation Pharmacist employer: Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Formulary and Medication Optimisation Pharmacist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Epic electronic patient record system, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding how to adapt formulary processes to a digital environment will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest national and regional guidelines related to formulary management. Demonstrating your knowledge of current best practices will show your commitment to evidence-based medicine.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing staff and leading clinical pharmacy initiatives. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Formulary and Medication Optimisation Pharmacist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise your clinical pharmacy experience, leadership roles, and any specific projects related to formulary management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role. Mention your understanding of evidence-based medicine and cost-effective practices.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your application, ensure you list all relevant qualifications, such as your pharmacy degree, GPhC registration, and any postgraduate diplomas. If you have experience in producing drug evaluations or guidelines, be sure to include that too.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with clinicians, patients, or teams in previous positions. This could include leading meetings or presenting findings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
✨Showcase Your Clinical Knowledge
As a Lead Formulary and Medication Optimisation Pharmacist, it's crucial to demonstrate your clinical expertise. Be prepared to discuss your experience with drug evaluations, guidelines production, and any audits you've conducted. This will show that you can contribute effectively to the Trust's formulary.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with the Drugs & Therapeutics Committee and primary care teams. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to implement changes or improve processes in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Cost-Effectiveness
Given the focus on cost-effective medication use, be ready to discuss how you've approached cost improvement programmes in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've implemented that resulted in savings or improved patient outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Systems
Since the Trust uses the Epic electronic patient record system, it would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with similar digital systems. Discuss any experience you have with digital tools in pharmacy practice, as this will show your adaptability to modern healthcare environments.