Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist

NHS; Torquay; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist to provide expert clinical pharmacy services for rheumatology patients, support senior clinicians and contribute to the multidisciplinary team.

You will undertake specialist pharmacist support for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, perform non-medical prescribing, request investigations, plan and monitor complex care, and facilitate shared decision making within the Trust.

Qualifications

• GPhC registration or eligibility with current registration
• Independent prescriber status demonstrated or within scope of practice
• Extensive clinical pharmacy experience in a hospital setting

Responsibilities

• Apply evidence-based approach to optimise medicines and non-pharmacological interventions for rheumatology patients
• Conduct comprehensive consultations and clinical assessments for complex cases
• Prescribe within Trust policies as an independent prescriber
• Order and interpret relevant investigations to support clinical decisions
• Develop clear management plans and document in electronic records
• Provide balanced information on risks and benefits to enable informed choices
• Collaborate with patients, carers and MDT to deliver holistic care
• Critically evaluate information and communicate findings to patients and stakeholders

Skills

Clinical pharmacy experience

Non-medical prescribing

Education

GPhC registration

Independent prescriber

Job description

We are looking for a Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist to join our team. This role provides clinical pharmacy services to rheumatology patients, supports senior clinicians and provides pharmacy input into the multidisciplinary team.

You will provide specialist pharmacist support for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. This involves clinical assessment, non-medical prescribing, requesting investigations, using specialist clinical knowledge and skills to plan, monitor and manage complex clinical care for rheumatology patients and facilitating shared decision making.

You are expected to critically appraise complex information, effectively engage with various stakeholders, participate in multidisciplinary team case reviews, develop, promote and implement guidelines and manage supply shortages.

You will support the introduction of new medicines, including biosimilars, support the Trust Homecare service and deal with medicines related enquiries.

This role supports organisational priorities, national NHS strategy, and compliance with regulatory and professional standards including GPhC, CQC, and NHS England requirements

Main duties of the job

• Apply an evidence-based approach to optimise the use of medicines and non-pharmacological interventions for patients with rheumatological conditions.
• Undertake comprehensive, person-centred consultations and clinical assessments, including joint examinations, for patients with complex medical, psychological, and social needs.
• Practise as an independent non-medical prescriber, prescribing safely and effectively within Trust policies and professional standards.
• Autonomously request, monitor, interpret, and act upon relevant investigations to support clinical decision-making.
• Develop and communicate clear management plans, ensuring accurate and timely documentation within electronic patient records and clinical correspondence.
• Provide patients with balanced information on the risks and benefits of treatment options, enabling informed choices and supporting self-management.
• Work in partnership with patients, carers, and the multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, holistic care.
• Critically evaluate complex clinical information from a variety of sources and communicate findings confidently and effectively to patients, colleagues, and senior stakeholders.

Working for our organisation

• Extensive communication with a range of stakeholders, both within and outside the Trust
• Joined up working with local healthcare professionals based in primary, community and secondary care
• Maintain a positive working relationship with the local School of Pharmacy in Plymouth run by the University of Bath
• Maintain positive working relationships within the Trust with Clinical Service Leads and Senior Managers

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached the detailed job description, main responsibilities attached and role eligibility.

Person specification

• GPhC registration
• Extensive relevant clinical pharmacy experience
• Independent prescriber

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

Important Information

• Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.