Advanced Clinical Pharmacist

NHS; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

The Digital Medicines role offers an exciting opportunity to support the implementation and optimisation of Digital Medicines systems across multiple NHS Trusts.

Focusing on oncology and chemotherapy systems, such as Chemocare, the role will involve supporting the validation of haematology and oncology-specific workflows, worksheets, and labels to ensure compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. Working closely with oncology teams, the post holder will help refine processes to enhance patient safety and treatment efficiency. Additionally, they will be expected to engage with governance and safety protocols, ensuring adherence to national and local policies, including data protection and medicines management regulations.

The role requires strong leadership and collaborative skills to develop innovation within the oncology and pharmacy teams. This includes mentoring junior staff, liaising with multidisciplinary teams to address operational challenges, and representing the pharmacy department in key forums related to Digital Medicines.

This is a dynamic and evolving role that offers the chance to work at the forefront of digital transformation in medicines management. This position is ideally suited to an individual with a keen interest in digital healthcare, a commitment to improving patient outcomes, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the implementation, and optimisation of Digital Medicines systems across two NHS Trusts. A key focus will be on chemotherapy prescribing systems, working closely with clinical and technical teams to integrate solutions into existing workflows while maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Providing technical support and training is essential to ensure system users are confident and competent. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, assisting with user queries, and ensuring systems function effectively to support safe prescribing. The post holder will also contribute to project documentation, including risk assessments, communication plans, and implementation schedules.

A key duty includes validating haematology and oncology-specific workflows, worksheets, and labels to ensure accuracy and compliance. The post holder will work with oncology teams to improve system integration, enhancing efficiency and patient safety.

Governance and safety responsibilities include assisting in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensuring compliance with local and national policies.

Collaboration is vital, requiring engagement with clinical and technical teams to address operational challenges. The post holder will also mentor junior staff, support cross-site working, and represent the pharmacy team in relevant meetings and forums to ensure effective system implementation and optimisation.

About us

We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.

We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.

If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.

Application guidance: We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. Its important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.

Job responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and support of Digital Medicines projects across participating Trusts under the guidance of the Lead Pharmacist Digital Medicines.

Act as the clinical lead for system upgrades and new implementations, including chemotherapy prescribing systems, ensuring safe and effective use.

Collaborate with project governance structures, including senior pharmacy teams and project boards, to manage risks, resolve issues, and achieve project goals.

Develop and maintain project documentation, including communication plans, risk logs, and timetables.

Support training initiatives for all system users, ensuring competency and compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

Oncology/Chemotherapy Specific Responsibilities

Provide expertise in the configuration and optimisation of chemotherapy prescribing systems, such as Chemocare.

Oversee the validation of haematology/oncology-specific workflows, worksheets, and labels, ensuring compliance with clinical and operational standards.

Support clinical engagement with haematology/oncology teams to ensure project success and alignment with patient safety and service efficiency goals.

Person Specification

Training

• Portfolio of evidence for Continuing Professional development.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates commitment to patient-centred care and safety.
• Displays resilience and adaptability in dynamic and complex environments.
• Must be able to work methodically and demonstrate meticulous attention to detail.
• Takes pride in establishing and maintaining high standards of work.

Experience

• Significant post-registration experience in a healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation or system implementation projects.
• Proven ability to manage clinical workflows, patient safety initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Experience working on multi-Trust or regional projects.
• Familiarity with oncology or chemotherapy services, including system validation and training.
• In-depth understanding of aseptic process workflows and their integration into digital systems.
• Demonstrated experience in handling clinical trial materials, including setup and recruitment.
• Experience of managing therapeutic problems where information may be limited or conflicting.

Knowledge and Awareness

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and influence diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex information to varied audiences.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Advanced clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to manage therapeutic issues in complex or ambiguous situations.
• Proven ability to assess and manage risks while ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and protocols.
• Enthusiasm for embracing innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
• Awareness of cutting-edge digital tools and their potential applications in medicines management.

Qualifications

• Registered as a Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Postgraduate Clinical Diploma or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in digital health, project management, or related areas.
• MSc or equivalent qualification in Pharmacy, Health Informatics, or a related field.
• Qualification as an independent prescriber. Relevant IT qualifications or evidence of formal IT training in a healthcare context.
• Additional qualifications or training in handling aseptic processes, particularly relevant to oncology or chemotherapy services.

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.