Lead Pharmacist - Cancer Services & ASU | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking an enthusiastic Pharmacist to deliver advanced clinical services in Oncology/Haematology. Candidates with cancer services experience are preferred. The role includes monitoring prescriptions, supporting clinical trials, and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration. Join a friendly team dedicated to high-quality patient care and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in cancer services, including aseptics and haematology/oncology.
• Knowledge of GMP and aseptic manufacturing processes.
• Commitment to quality improvement and cost-effective practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced clinical pharmacy service in Oncology & Haematology.
• Monitor prescriptions and ensure safe, efficient prescribing.
• Liaise with medical and nursing staff in Oncology.

Skills

GCP training

Line management experience

Strong communication skills

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, forward-thinking Pharmacist to join our experienced and friendly team dedicated to providing an advanced clinical Oncology/Haematology service and supply of aseptic products to the Trust. This role suits candidates with cancer services experience, including aseptics and haematology/oncology. The post involves delivering an advanced level clinical pharmacy service to the Oncology & Haematology departments and supporting the pharmaceutical aspects of the clinical trials service at Bedford Hospital site.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, across two hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will join a friendly, high performing Trust with access to high quality training and development to help grow your career.

Please note that vacancies may close early when sufficient applications are received. All new staff are subject to a six‑month probationary period. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Review all documents attached to this advert to familiarise yourself with all job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide an advanced level clinical pharmacy service under the direction of the Principal Pharmacist for Oncology, Haematology & Clinical Trials, supporting development, expansion and maintenance of oncology & haematology services for adult patients.
• Monitor prescriptions for haematology and oncology medicines and associated therapies to ensure safe, efficient and appropriate prescribing according to Trust, Regional and National guidelines and NHS England requirements.
• Liaise with medical and nursing staff on the Primrose Oncology Unit, Haematology Department and the DTU.
• Monitor and check chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition products after local training; contribute to the safe and quality pharmaceutical care of cancer and general medical patients.
• Ensure GMP is followed in pharmacy Aseptics and maintain appropriate monitoring and record-keeping.
• Assist in training pharmacists to clinically verify chemotherapy prescriptions and check chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition products.
• Promote multidisciplinary working with medical and nursing colleagues and report in Oncology Business Meetings.
• Participate in Aseptics/Haematology/Oncology training, audits and drug usage reviews as required.
• Prepare and submit applications for new haematology/oncology SACT or funding requests to relevant committees and maintain SACT medicines through the Cancer Drugs Fund.
• Assist with monthly chemotherapy statistics and data submission to CIU; support chemotherapy e-prescribing system (iQemo) administration and protocol reviews.
• Undertake line management of a specialist pharmacist within Pharmacy Aseptics and participate in formal audits and quality improvement activities.
• Be GCP trained and support the Clinical Trials Service; screen/final check trial prescriptions for safety and accuracy per trial protocols.
• Provide supervision and support to Pharmacy staff involved in the ASU; promote safe medication use; contribute to the Pharmacy risk programme.
• Promote cost-effective, high-quality prescribing in line with local and national guidelines; undertake audits and practice research as agreed with senior pharmacists.
• Complete further Oncology/Clinical Trial training as needed (e.g., Diploma/MSc/Independent prescribing/GMP); train and work as an Independent Prescriber if required and per Trust policies.
• Deputise for the Principal Pharmacist as requested; provide specialised pharmaceutical information and support to the multidisciplinary team to ensure timely medication reviews and optimal care.
• Supervise dispensing and issuing of medicines in accordance with safe systems of work; adhere to General Pharmaceutical Council standards and CPD requirements.
• Provide medicines information to staff and patients; assist in training supporting staff and students; contribute to policy maintenance on medicines control.
• Foster open communication, recognise colleagues’ contributions, and continually improve quality; promote cost-effective medicine distribution and use.
• Follow pharmacy procedures; participate in their review; create opportunities for CPD and undertake other duties as directed by senior leadership.
• Participate in weekend, late, and emergency duties (including Bank Holidays) as required by rota.

Qualifications and Requirements

• GCP training and willingness to support the Clinical Trials Service.
• Line management experience or potential; ability to supervise and train staff within Pharmacy Aseptics.
• Ability to work with the Principal Pharmacist – Oncology, Haematology & Clinical Trials on audits, drug budget impacts of new SACT drugs, and analysis of new initiatives related to SACT.
• Knowledge of GMP and aseptic manufacturing processes; ability to monitor and verify chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition products.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with medical, nursing, and other health professionals; provide advice on pharmaceutical care of cancer and medical patients.
• Commitment to open communication, quality improvement, and cost-effective practice; contribution to clinical risk programmes and pharmacovigilance.
• Willingness to undertake further oncology/clinical trials training and to work across hospital sites if required.

Additional Information

To review all documents attached to this advert to familiarise yourself with job requirements. This advert closes on Sunday 14 Sep 2025.