Band 8a - Advanced EPMA Pharmacist, Pharmacy in Watford

We are seeking an Advanced Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) Pharmacist. It is an exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust following the successful implementation of Oracle Cerner in 2021 and Cleo EPS in 2026. The focus is on continuing to embed the use of the Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system, further optimising it to enhance patient outcomes and to support the go-live of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). The Advanced EPMA Pharmacist plays a pivotal role within the EPMA team, contributing to system management and development. The post holder will use their expertise to support the design and configuration of the system and to lead digital innovation. The WHTH Pharmacy and Electronic Patient Record (EPR) departments actively promote wellbeing and professional development, supporting each other in a collaborative environment. The Trust is committed to investing in new digital technologies to improve both patient care and staff experience. This role is offered on a full-time basis, with flexible working options available, including home or remote working. Consideration will also be given to part-time working.

Main duties of the job

• Supporting EPMA and EPS system configuration, system development and testing.
• Training and supporting all staff involved with the EPMA and EPS process (pharmacy, prescribers, nurses and other allied health professionals).
• Working alongside the Pharmacy Team Lead to deal effectively with workflow and technical issues reported by end users.
• To act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for EPMA and EPS for the Trust – encouraging and supporting safe use of the system.
• Aid investigation of medication related incidents and optimise the system to reduce medication related risk, alongside the multidisciplinary team and Trust governance body.
• Independently scope change requests and pioneer digital innovation.
• Analyse data to promote benefits realisation and drive outcomes.

We are looking for someone who can effectively manage competing demands while working with a wide range of stakeholders who may have different priorities. A genuine interest in digital innovation is essential, and experience with electronic prescribing systems would be an advantage. The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust to co-design practical and effective solutions is also key. The EPR and Pharmacy department will support the postholder’s continuous professional development through a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

Working for our organisation

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.

Person specification

• Registered with General Pharmaceutical Council.
• MSc/Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy Practice (or equivalent).
• Management and leadership training/qualification.
• Digital qualification or course, preferably in Microsoft Excel.

Knowledge

• Expert clinical knowledge and skills relevant to area of practice.
• In depth therapeutic and clinical knowledge and understanding of the principles of evidence‑based healthcare.
• Up to date knowledge of national pharmacy/NHS issues and medicines legislation.
• Advanced data analysis and critical appraisal skills.
• Understanding of NHS national and local priorities (e.g. NHS Digital).
• Proficient in using MS Office applications.
• Excellent knowledge of digital prescribing and administration systems, relating to all aspects of medicines management.

Experience

• Hospital pharmacy experience.
• Experience of leading a team - delegate authority appropriately, set objectives, manage performance, according to Trust policies.
• Experience in recruitment.
• Experience in coaching and motivating others to maximise performance.
• Demonstrable ability to use audit to improve service or clinical outcomes.
• Understanding of the principles of research.
• Able to analyse and interpret complex clinical information where there are a range of facts requiring analysis and where a range of options need to be compared and present them confidently to various stakeholders.
• Able to identify and manage risks (clinical, digital and financial) and follow governance processes.
• Experience of delivering education and training in a variety of formats.
• Able to communicate effectively both in written and verbal formats with staff and patients.
• Experience in managing and reconciling conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrates initiative particularly in relation to problem solving and negotiating.
• Able to carry out day to day responsibilities meticulously and deal effectively with unpredictable/acute demands.
• Experience in IT and electronic prescribing systems, preferably Oracle Cerner.
• Partnership working across primary and secondary care interface.
• Partnership working across organisations.
• Leading and managing a significant change and introducing innovation.
• Experience of line management of a direct report.
• Experience of implementing a digital system.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.