At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the pharmacy team in oncology, ensuring safe and effective chemotherapy practices.
- Company: Join Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, a forward-thinking organisation focused on professional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for further education, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting developments in the pharmacy department with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer care while advancing your career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Master's in Pharmacy and experience in clinical pharmacy required; independent prescriber preferred.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 64750 £ per year.
The post-holder will be a specialist in Cancer and Clinical Trials with a specialist knowledge of the electronic SACT e-prescribing system, Chemocare. The post-holder will have the opportunity to enhance their professional development through various avenues, including participating in patient-facing clinics alongside consultants, specialist nurses, and pharmacists, attending specialist conferences, and having dedicated time for independent prescribing practice. Additionally, they will have the choice to further develop and complete their master's qualification to broaden their expertise. This is a Band 8 post; however, candidates currently working at Band 7 level who can demonstrate the capability and potential to develop into the role are encouraged to apply. Appointment may be made at Band 7, subject to a supported development programme leading to progression to Band 8 upon successful achievement of agreed competencies.
Main duties of the job:
- Act as the lead pharmacist for SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) governance, ensuring compliance with national standards (e.g. NHS, NICE, and relevant professional guidance).
- Develop, validate and maintain chemotherapy regimens within the ChemoCare system, ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved protocols.
- Ensure safe prescribing, dispensing and administration of SACT, identifying and mitigating medication risks.
- Manage and oversee investigational medicinal products (IMPs) within clinical trials, ensuring compliance with GCP (Good Clinical Practice) and trial protocols.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for chemotherapy and clinical trials pharmacy services.
- Conduct audit and quality improvement initiatives relating to SACT and clinical trials to enhance patient safety and service delivery.
- Train, supervise and support pharmacy staff, pre-registration pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in oncology and clinical trials practice.
- Contribute to service development and innovation, including digital optimisation of prescribing systems and workflow improvements.
- Ensure appropriate storage, handling, accountability and documentation of cytotoxic and trial medications.
- Participate in on-call, weekend, or extended-hours services as required to support oncology services.
- Contribute to formulary development and horizon scanning for new oncology therapies and clinical trial opportunities.
Person Specification:
- Skills:
- Master's Degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent)
- Professional registration as a Pharmacist in the UK, through practitioner Membership of The General Pharmaceutical Council
- Sufficient hospital pharmacy experience (as a registered pharmacist) to have acquired the competencies needed for the job.
- Specialist services relevant to the post (e.g. oncology/haematology/clinical trials)
- Independent Prescriber
- Communication and Relationship Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, both verbal and written - must be able to communicate highly complex drug or medicine related information to prescribers, clinicians, patients, relatives, relevant Trust committees and other stakeholders.
- Empathy with patients, relatives and users of our service
- Confident and assertive; able to defend opinions in a constructive manner when challenged
- Proven ability to influence and negotiate with relevant senior colleagues
- Experience:
- Experience in providing specialist pharmacist review of people with cancer
- Experience of delivering clinical pharmacy service and advice relating to the safe use of medicines.
- Experience of excellent leadership and management skills
- Experience of line management including effective performance management, recruitment and allocation of tasks/staff
- Experience of using SACT e-prescribing system
- Experience in project management (including department-wide roles) and evidence of completed outcomes
- Experience of protocol building validation with an e-prescribing system.
- Awareness of National initiatives with regards to development of chemotherapy services particularly SACT (systemic anti-cancer therapy) reporting
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.
Lead Pharmacist Clinical Trials and Chemocare employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
