Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist Band 8a

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Harlow is seeking a Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist to manage anticoagulant therapy and improve patient care. Key responsibilities include leading training initiatives, developing policies for anticoagulation and VTE prevention, and providing expert guidance to healthcare staff. Candidates should possess a relevant degree, independent prescriber qualification, and experience in a hospital pharmacy setting. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £57,888 to £64,880 per year.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Required current registration with the GPhC.
• Experience in hospital pharmacy at a Band 7 level or above.
• Ability to supervise and train colleagues effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead on anticoagulation safety initiatives within the Trust.
• Implement VTE prevention strategies and policies.
• Educate staff and patients on anticoagulant therapy.

Skills

Leadership in anticoagulation safety

Patient-centered care

Anticoagulant management

Training and education

Education

MPharm degree

Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma

Independent Prescriber qualification

Tools

DAWN Anticoagulation software

Anticoagulation guidelines

Job description

Job summary

As a Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist, the post holder will be part of the multi-disciplinary anticoagulation team, working closely with other members of the team in order to deliver a high quality, safe anticoagulation service. The postholder will act as a specialist role model and expert in the medical management of anticoagulation. They will also have an interest and anticoagulation experience in VTE prevention and actively participate in the Trusts VTE Prevention strategy, attending necessary meetings and supporting the Thrombosis Group. The post holder will act as a pharmacist independent prescriber to optimise the care of patients taking anticoagulants. They will develop, implement and review local anticoagulation and VTE prevention guidelines, ensuring they are up to date, accessible and adhere to excellent document control. They will share knowledge and expertise with relevant colleagues, including supervision and training of other anticoagulation pharmacists. They will lead on anticoagulation / VTE prevention training for the Trust. The post holder will ensure that professional standards and professional code of conduct are adhered to at all times and is required to ensure individualised patient centred care is provided, including treating all patients/families being treated, with dignity and respect.

Main duties of the job

To lead work on improving anticoagulation safety within the Trust. To develop anticoagulation and VTE prevention policies and guidelines and ensure these are always current and up to date. To have a leadership role in prevention of VTE in the Trust including being proactive within the Thrombosis Group. To lead on anticoagulation and VTE prevention training in the Trust. To facilitate anticoagulant prescriptions and ensure patients receive the correct anticoagulation medication. To be proactive and innovative in service development. To work as part of a team within the Anticoagulation Monitoring Service in order to achieve the aims of the service, including providing VKA dosing advice. To liaise with primary care to improve patient safety in anticoagulation for our patients in the community. To establish and run dedicated bridging clinics using your non-medical prescribers qualification. To promote the safe, appropriate, effective and economic use of anticoagulant drugs within the hospital and the community and to train other healthcare staff in anticoagulant management. Organise appropriate audits and measures to ensure the quality of the service is maintained. Work independently within professional codes of practice. To work collaboratively with other Trusts, ICBs, general practitioners, community pharmacists, district nurses, etc as required.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

Date posted: 22 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £57,888 to £64,880 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 000249

Job location: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX

Job description

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide highly specialised advice concerning care for patients requiring anticoagulation therapy in the inpatient and outpatient setting in line with Trust Policies, NICE Guidelines and NPSA18.
• Ensure that documentation is completed to the highest standard and that this standard is maintained. Participate is the ongoing development of the service and open to continual career development.
• To work within the anticoagulant service with focus, innovation and best evidence-based practice providing patients with the necessary knowledge and support to be able to manage their anticoagulant needs.
• To lead on providing education on anticoagulation and VTE Prevention training for the Trust.
• Responsible for the dosing of patients including appropriate dose adjustment and specifying next test date etc. using the DAWN Anticoagulation (AC) software.
• Advise on strategies to ensure cost-effective use of anticoagulation medications.
• Work closely with all members of the pharmacy department and other healthcare professionals.
• To act as a role model for less experienced colleagues and promote best practice.
• You will lead on establishing dedicated bridging clinics to ensure patients are bridged appropriately and safely and with the correct supply of medication.
• Attend relevant specialty, local and national meetings.
• Ensure that all procedures are adhered to, reviewed regularly and that all necessary records are completed. To update/write drug policies/protocols and guidelines for drugs used for anticoagulation and thrombosis treatments.
• To identify trends in drug errors and medicines safety incidents and develop strategies to minimise these.
• Deals with high level anticoagulation queries and provides advice to medical and nursing staff including senior medical staff.
• To investigate instances of hospital-acquired thrombosis and determine root causes where applicable in conjunction with Trust patient safety staff. To suggest service improvements to help reduce the incidence of these incidents.
• To determine the appropriate dosing of anticoagulant medication for referred patients to maintain an optimal level of anticoagulation for each individual patient and minimise adverse effects.
• To help promote standardisation in initiation and maintenance of anticoagulant therapy.
• To support and facilitate the discharge process for patients on anticoagulants.
• To ensure enoxaparin prescriptions and medication are supplied to those community patients requiring on-going supply.
• To develop clinical pathways in the care of anticoagulated patients and for thromboprophylaxis.
• Manage workload against competing priorities and urgent requests.
• Participate in recruitment and selection as appropriate.
• Provide specialist anticoagulation education and counselling to patients, co‑ordinating seamless care between outpatient, inpatient and primary care.
• Engage with patients face to face or via the telephone in order to maximise their safety on anticoagulants, ensuring adherence to medication and discuss measures to improve time‑in‑range.
• To support the Trust in ensuring patients receive adequate VTE prevention and awareness information.
• Undertake audits relating to the prescribing of anticoagulants, adherence to guidelines, liaising with Anticoagulation, Haematology staff and healthcare professionals to improve service provision.
• To advise on reversal agents for anticoagulants.
• Communicate and liaise with the multidisciplinary team to promote effective, quality anticoagulant care across acute trust and primary care.
• Liaise closely with other services involved in the provision of anticoagulation including Pharmacy, the clinical haematology team and other specialities such as Respiratory and Cardiology.
• Promote and represent Anticoagulation Service at local and corporate level.
• Promote VTE prevention for staff and patients.
• Ensure confidentiality is respected at all times.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Current registration with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Degree in pharmacy (4-year programme leading to MPharm together with equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma
• Qualified Independent Prescriber
• Band 7 qualified Hospital pharmacist experience
• Knowledge of basic medicines information and critical appraisal techniques
• Knowledge of the legal framework for the dispensing, prescribing and administration of medicine
• Familiar with all relevant Trust policies and departmental Standard Operating Procedure
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience Essential

• Experience of tutoring/training
• Previous experience of audit and quality improvement
• Experience and ability to initiate, lead, manage and supervise a range of projects
• Experience of managing and motivating staff, appraising, and giving feedback

Experience Desirable

• High standard of record keeping

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.