Principal Pharmacist - Virtual Wards

NHS; United States; Remote; GBP 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Principal Pharmacist for their Virtual Ward team. This role involves leading clinical pharmacy services, managing medication safety, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality care. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping pharmacy standards and supporting cost-saving initiatives. If you are a proactive and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist.
• Experience of writing protocols and standards.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pharmaceutical services to the Virtual Ward service.
• Lead the strategic development of pharmacy standards.
• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives and manage staff.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational Skills

Pharmaceutical Knowledge

Budgetary Control

Education

Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

GPhC registration as a pharmacist

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Pharmacist to join our Virtual Ward team at Darent Valley Hospital. This role, positioned at Band 8a, involves the leadership and development of clinical pharmacy services for the Virtual Wards, including both adults and paediatrics. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping medicine management strategies, supporting cost-saving initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care within the service.

A band 7 to 8a progression plan may be offered depending on experience.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

As the Principal Pharmacist for Virtual Ward, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing pharmacy services within the department, working closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care. Your duties will include monitoring prescriptions, providing pharmaceutical care plans, and supporting the development of cost-effective prescribing practices. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with national and local guidelines.

About us

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to our community. At DGT, we value our staff and foster an environment that supports professional development, wellbeing, and job satisfaction. We operate across several sites, including Darent Valley Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital, and are dedicated to ensuring that every employee feels supported and integral to our mission of delivering safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare.

Details

• Date posted: 16 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £46,148 to £62,626 a year incl HCAS per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 252-7176593

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA

Job description

In this role, you will oversee pharmaceutical services to the Virtual Ward service, including adults and paediatrics. You will lead the strategic development of pharmacy standards within the service and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safe and effective use of medications, particularly in high-risk areas such as antimicrobial stewardship. As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to cost-saving initiatives, manage staff, and support training and education efforts within the department. Additionally, you will work to enhance medication safety, contribute to clinical audits, and take an active role in the department's continuous improvement efforts.

If you are a proactive, organised, and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role within our forward-thinking organisation.

Person Specification

Education and Training (Essential)

• GPhC registration as a pharmacist
• Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
• Independent prescriber (or working towards)

Desirable

• Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society
• Management and leadership qualification
• MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or other appropriate discipline
• Practice Supervisor Accreditation or equivalent teaching accreditation

Experience (Essential)

• Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist
• Experience of writing protocols and standards
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting
• Previous teaching/tutoring experience

Desirable

• Hospital Pharmacy Experience
• Clinical Pharmacy teaching skills
• Demonstrable use of audit/research to improve practice

Knowledge and Skills (Essential)

• Broad pharmaceutical knowledge relating to general medicine and core medical specialities
• Knowledge of national and local guidelines relating to the specialism
• Advanced computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Budgetary control skills
• Awareness of current practice and policy affecting pharmacy in the NHS & understanding NHS structure

Desirable

• Incident investigation/root cause analysis
• Risk management
• Experience and knowledge of virtual ward

Additional information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further details, see the NHS Careers website.