Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist Band 8a

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization seeks a Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist to lead on anticoagulation safety and training, ensuring high-quality patient care. The role involves developing policies, managing patient medication, and working collaboratively with healthcare teams. Ideal candidates will have relevant pharmacy qualifications and experience, with a strong commitment to patient safety and professional development. This position offers a chance to impact anticoagulation practices across the Trust.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Current registration with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Band 7 qualified Hospital pharmacist experience
• Knowledge of clinical governance

Responsibilities

• Lead on anticoagulation training and policy development.
• Provide specialised advice on anticoagulation therapy.
• Ensure accurate dosing and patient education.

Skills

Leadership

Anticoagulation management

Training and supervision

Patient safety

Education

Degree in pharmacy

Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma

Tools

DAWN Anticoagulation software

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist Band 8a

The closing date is 01 January 2026

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 that's 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 we're working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We're a supportive and inclusive organisation that values our 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.

Job responsibilities

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 in 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 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 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.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Current registration with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Degree in pharmacy (4-year programme leading to MPharm together with equivalent experience).
• Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma
• 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
• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

• 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
• 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.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust