At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage dispensary operations and provide expert clinical pharmacy input in mental health services.
- Company: Join the supportive Mental Health Pharmacy Team at Hywel Dda UHB.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for bilingual development and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health pharmacy and enhance patient care.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in Pharmacy and registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
The predicted salary is between 58379 - 65723 £ per year.
Are you a passionate, forward-thinking pharmacist ready to make a real impact in mental health care? Join our dynamic and supportive Mental Health Pharmacy Team at Hywel Dda UHB. You will be working at the heart of multidisciplinary teams to continue and improve the medicine management service for our patients and work closely with the Mental Health & Learning Disabilities (MH&LD) Clinical Care Group (CCG) to support high-quality, consistent care across the system.
A standout feature of our service is our dedicated specialist Mental Health dispensary, which provides a high-quality pharmacy service to our mental health wards, including:
- Adult Acute Wards
- Older Adult Wards
- Low Secure Unit (LSU)
- Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
You will act as a senior professional presence within the specialist Mental Health dispensary, overseeing day-to-day activity and ensuring the service runs safely, efficiently, and smoothly. This integrated model gives you the opportunity to work closely with dispensary, ward, and clinical teams to ensure safe, effective, and innovative medicines use. This would be an excellent opportunity for a registered pharmacist to further their experience in a range of areas and to help with their career development. Join us and help shape and deliver the future of mental health pharmacy in Hywel Dda. This position is Health Board wide but based in Carmarthen.
Main duties of the job
As an Advanced Pharmacist, you will:
- Take responsibility for managing and supporting dispensary operations, working closely with pharmacy technicians and support staff
- Provide expert clinical pharmacy input across inpatient mental health services
- Lead and manage the safe and effective supply of clozapine across the MH&LD CCG, ensuring compliance with monitoring requirements and supporting continuity of care
- Lead on medicines optimisation, safety, and governance initiatives
- Work collaboratively within MDTs to influence prescribing and improve patient care
- Support and develop pharmacy staff and trainees
- Contribute to service development, audits, and quality improvement programmes
- Help shape and enhance the role of the specialist MH dispensary service
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 29/06/2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
- Master's degree in Pharmacy
- Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Postgraduate MSc or Diploma in area of practice or equivalent experience or qualifications
- Accredited supervisor for foundation or post foundation Pharmacists
- Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
- Registered as QC if role includes aseptics
- Aseptic Preparation and Dispensing of Medicines (Leeds University) or equivalent if role includes aseptics
Experience
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare
- Specialist knowledge of medicines management systems and process in an integrated NHS
- Specialist knowledge of own field of practice gained through diploma level training and experience
- Demonstrate specialist knowledge in more than one field
- Practice Research Experience
- Training and education of pharmacy staff and other HCPs
- Experience of managing change
- Experience of service improvement
Language requirements
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Other
- Flexible approach to needs of the service to undertake on call work, weekend and evening opening
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
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.
£58,379 to £65,723 a year per annum, pro rata
Advanced Pharmacist - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in Carmarthen employer: Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywel Dda University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for pharmacists dedicated to mental health care. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to enhance their skills within a dynamic multidisciplinary team, while also enjoying the unique advantage of working in the picturesque location of Carmarthen, which fosters a strong sense of community and well-being.
Contact Details:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Pharmacist - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in Carmarthen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmacy field, especially those working in mental health. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health pharmacy. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in patient care or improved pharmacy services. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Hywel Dda UHB.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Pharmacist - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in Carmarthen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for mental health pharmacy shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to improve patient care and support the Mental Health & Learning Disabilities team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your work in mental health and how you've contributed to service improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your qualifications, experience, and what excites you about working with us at Hywel Dda UHB.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hywel Dda University Health Board
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health and learning disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the latest guidelines and best practices in pharmacy for these areas. Being able to discuss specific medications, their uses, and any recent changes in legislation will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your experience in leading or supporting teams, especially in a pharmacy setting, to demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the Mental Health Pharmacy Team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about situations where you've had to manage medication safety or optimise patient care. Practising your responses to these types of questions can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
The field of pharmacy is always evolving, so it's crucial to show your commitment to professional development. Talk about any additional training, courses, or certifications you've pursued, especially those related to mental health. This will demonstrate your dedication to staying current and improving your practice.
