Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist

Transformation Unit; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust in Torquay is seeking a Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist to join our team. This role provides clinical pharmacy services to rheumatology patients, supports senior clinicians and contributes to the multidisciplinary team.

The post involves autonomous non-medical prescribing, complex clinical management, and implementing guidelines. You will work with biosimilars, manage investigations, and help optimise medicines within Trust policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive clinical pharmacy experience required in rheumatology.
• GPhC registration is mandatory for practice in the UK.
• Independent prescriber status is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Apply an evidence-based approach to optimise medicines for rheumatology patients.
• Undertake comprehensive, person-centred consultations and clinical assessments.
• Prescribe as an independent non-medical prescriber within Trust policies.
• Autonomously request, monitor, interpret, and act on investigations to support decisions.
• Develop clear management plans and ensure timely documentation in the patient record.

Skills

Extensive clinical pharmacy experience

Education

GPhC registration

Independent prescriber

Job description

Main area Pharmacist Grade NHS AfC: Band 8a Contract Fixed term: 1 year (or secondment opportunity) Hours Part time - 32 hours per week Job ref 388-8171873-PC&S

Employer Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Torbay Hospital Town Torquay Salary £57,528 - £64,750 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 04/10/2026 23:59

Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist

NHS AfC: Band 8a

Job overview

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.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

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.