Specialist/Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Worthing; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in Worthing is seeking a Specialist/Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services for an 8-month fixed-term position. The role involves delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care and supporting cancer patients. Candidates should hold a Master of Pharmacy degree, experience in Aseptic Units, and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. The position offers competitive salary, valuable professional development, and the opportunity to work in a scenic environment. Join a dedicated team and contribute to high standards of care.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Hold a Master of Pharmacy degree or equivalent and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Experience in an Aseptic Unit alongside desk and presence on a cancer ward.
• Ability to work under time pressures within the role.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy.
• Provide specialist clinical pharmacy service to cancer patients.
• Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured to standards.

Skills

Pharmaceutical care

Aseptic preparation

Clinical services

Training staff

Problem-solving

Education

Master of Pharmacy degree

Registered with General Pharmaceutical Council

Tools

Chemocare

Wellsky

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Specialist/Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services

Closing date is 25 January 2026

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic pharmacist to join our team in an 8 month fixed‑term position working cross site at both St Richard's and Worthing Hospital. If you are successful you will be offered the role as either a Band 7 or Band 8a (depending on experience), ideal for a pharmacist looking to gain some experience in Aseptics/Cancer Services. This post offers opportunities to gain new skills and take on increased responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be supported by a dedicated education and training team, ensuring continuous professional development and growth.

The Trust places immense value on its pharmacy team recognising their crucial role in providing exceptional care and support to patients. This role offers the opportunity to work in the beautiful county of Sussex known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities with easy access to both the coast and the South Downs.

The chemotherapy production unit at Worthing provides around 1500 chemotherapy doses to patients a month. Led by a highly supportive pharmacy team who ensure safe, efficient and effective service to Cancer Services and other teams within the Trust.

This is a really exciting opportunity to shape the development of the service at Worthing Hospital. With early discussions about a centralised Aseptic Unit within Sussex this is a perfect opportunity to be part of this project and shape the service to the Trust.

Main duties of the job

As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in delivering high‑quality pharmaceutical care. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of clinical, technical and administrative tasks, ensuring the safe and effective preparation of SACT medicines. We are committed to supporting a healthy work‑life balance for all our staff.

Daily responsibilities:

• Support and maintain the work of the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy

Clinical Duties:

• Provide specialist clinical pharmacy service to all cancer patients
• Work closely with other lead specialists in other localities and nationally for pharmacy services to cancer services to develop best practice

Aseptic Preparation:

• Support/ensure that aseptic facilities meet the standards assessed by external audits
• Help develop and deliver a safe, efficient and effective pharmaceutical aseptic service

Quality Control:

• Assist other Lead Pharmacists in responding appropriately to internal and external inspections

Education and Training:

• Ensure the training of all staff within aseptic services to be competent in the preparation of all aseptic preparations
• Identify own learning needs
• Monitor chemotherapy regimens and clinically check prescriptions prior to their production
• Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured to available standards

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it – because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in health care research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role‑specific criteria.

Job Title:

• Specialist or Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services (depending on band 7 or band 8a position)

Job Summary:

• Support and maintain the work of the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy, which provides all injectable chemotherapy treatments in a ready‑to‑use form
• Provide specialist clinical pharmacy service to all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy within the Trust
• Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured in concordance with medicines legislation and regional QC standards
• As a progression post you will be provided the education and support to work towards becoming a lead pharmacist managing the Aseptic Service and act as the Accountable Pharmacist under section 10 of the Medicines Act

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for or support the provision of a pharmacy aseptic service to the staff of Worthing pharmacy department and cancer services
• Lead and manage/support the management of the aseptic unit service providing clinical, technical and training support to the aseptic service ensuring the health and safety of staff and patients
• Support and become the Accountable Pharmacist for all work carried out under section 10 of the Medicines Act within the site specific Pharmacy Aseptic Unit

Qualifications:

• Hold a Master of Pharmacy degree or equivalent and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Experience in an Aseptic Unit alongside desk and presence on a cancer ward
• Working with cancer patients
• Time pressures within the role
• Periods of standing/sitting

Reporting Structure:

• Report to the Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services or Lead Pharmacist Preparative Services depending on banding
• Accountable to the chief pharmacist

Salary and Benefits:

The post is a band 7 or 8a post. Your position within this salary scale will be based on your current experience.

In this role you will be instrumental in providing exceptional care, contributing to the overall success of our team and the support of our patients. Your dedication to quality, safety and continuous improvement will be key to your success and the success of our service. We also place a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work‑life balance, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive both professionally and personally.

If this sounds like the job for you, give us a call or arrange a visit. Further details of the role can be found in the job descriptions.

Please see Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for full details.

Person Specification

Experience/Qualifications

• Degree in Pharmacy at a British School of Pharmacy, or recognised equivalent
• Working towards or a post graduate diploma in clinical pharmacy
• A UK registered pharmacist (Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council) with significant experience on the register, working in hospital pharmacy
• Experience of working within a hospital pharmacy department post qualification, including experience in cancer services or aseptic services provision at least at a band 7 level
• BOPA membership
• Good Clinical Trial Practice (GCP) training
• Extensive portfolio and evidence of CPD with identifiable outcomes

People Management and Development

• Experience of working with different healthcare professions and managers across the wider healthcare economy
• Experience in training of other staff
• Able to identify own development/training needs

Specific Requirement

• Awareness of financial aspects of chemotherapy funding
• Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision
• Experience with the use of chemotherapy prescribing systems

Freedom to Act

• Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Previous experience with Chemocare (e‑prescribing system)
• Previous experience with Wellsky (e‑prescribing system and stock control system)

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£47,810 to £62,682 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

8 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours