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Job summary

Main area
Divisional CSSS
Grade
Band 8b
Contract
12 months (12-month fixed term contract)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
413-104038-CSSS-SD
Employer
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Clinical Support and Specialist Surgery - E00297
Town
Manchester
Salary
£64,455 - £74,896 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
21/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust logo

Lead Haematology and Oncology Specialist pharmacist

Band 8b

Job overview

Lead Haematology and Oncology Specialist pharmacist – Peripheral Christie@sites 

We are one of the largest oncology Trusts in the UK with an international reputation for clinical excellence, research and development.  This is a unique opportunity to work with us at our largest peripheral centre based at Christie@Macclesfield- on the East Cheshire Hospitals site and contribute to the challenging and rewarding specialties of haemato-oncology and oncology pharmacy.

It is an exciting time to join the haematology and oncology pharmacy team. We are integral members of the MDT, and we are expanding our roles in existing services such out-patient clinics, pharmacist led SACT (Systemic anti-cancer therapies) clinics and peripheral site services, which the post-holder will lead and develop alongside the Pharmacy team. 
There will be opportunity to gain experience with novel therapies within the rapidly growing ATMP treatment landscape. We are also developing links with the University of Manchester and working on collaborative projects at the main Christie hospital Withington site, with scope to role this out further at peripheral sites.

As this position is to cover a 12-month maternity leave, we would consider applicants wishing a secondment opportunity.  The post holder will specialise in the haemato-oncology and solid tumour pharmacy services offered within the trust.
 

Main duties of the job

We currently have an opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative and specialist haematology /oncology pharmacist to lead and further develop pharmacy services in collaboration with directorate leads responsible for treatment delivery at peripheral Christie@sites

The postholder must possess an independent prescribing qualification to lead on in the MDT outpatient clinics. They will play a key role in the future development of outpatient services within the highly regarded haematology MDT and oncology disease groups, implementing new initiatives in collaboration with the Lead Pharmacist for Clinical Services.

If you want a new challenge and are keen to make a positive contribution to the care of haemato-oncology and oncology patients, we would like to hear from you.

To deliver and evaluate outpatient clinical pharmacy services to haematology and oncology cancer at peripheral treatment sites under the oversight of the Lead Clinical pharmacist.  Working in close collaboration with the consultants and other members of MDT.

 

Working for our organisation

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.

We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To develop and maintain highly specialist knowledge in medicines used within the Trust especially in relation to haemato-oncology and oncology therapies.
To prescribe to appropriate haemato-oncology and oncology patients in agreement with the relevant consultants.  
To be the Lead Haematology and Oncology Pharmacist for the safe, efficient and cost-effective use of medicine resources to the designated cancer disease groups by the provision of education and training, procedures, policies and guidelines, and medicine usage information.  To be responsible for the Pharmacy team at Christie peripheral satellite sites
Although the outpatient service is based at Christie@Macclesfield – on the East Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust site, postholders may be required to work at any location across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Cancer Network. The Trust has a flexible working policy and, subject to service commitments, it may also be possible to support an element of working from home.
 
To lead, develop and optimise the delivery of a high-quality specialist pharmacy service to patients within the haematology and oncology directorates located at peripheral treatment delivery sites including service provision to outpatient clinics and day case areas in accordance with all departmental, Trust and national standards, procedures and policies.
 
To lead the service development, coordinate and maintain all aspects of pharmacy oversight for haematology and oncology treatments. To attend local and National meetings to promote representation of the Trust on a national level. 
 
To lead future service developments regarding the satellite pharmacy provision on the haematology and oncology day case and ambulatory care units in conjunction with the lead technician and the specialist pharmacist. 
 
To be work as an independent prescriber and prescribe to appropriate patients in agreement with the relevant Consultants.
 
To identify and assess potential opportunities for the role of pharmacist prescriber within the designated cancer disease group.
 
Assist the Haematology and Oncology Directors and service managers in the development of new treatment algorithms, prescribing policies or protocols and undertake audits as appropriate.
 
To lead on the implementation of NHSE commissioning decisions relating to the treatment of haemato-oncology and oncology patients at peripheral treatment delivery sites, ensuring safe SACT prescribing by the production of regimen proforma, and updating local/or network treatment protocols and guidelines.
 
To review highly complex haemato-oncology and oncology SACT drug regimens developed for use on the EPMA system; prior to implementation for accuracy and ensure only validated regimens are released onto the system.
 
To develop and maintain drug protocols and treatment guidelines and standard operating protocols both within the clinical pharmacy service and the haemato–oncology and oncology disease group. Reviewing evidence-based guidelines and protocols in conjunction with fellow healthcare professionals, in order to advance the safe, clinical effective and cost-efficient use of medicines for patients.
 
To be responsible for pharmacy accountability for pharmacy accreditation programmes to ensure that service developments are in line with national and international standards. 
 
To contribute to development of a clinical research strategy for haemato-oncology and oncology and actively participate in practice research within the specialty. 
 
To disseminate knowledge gained during study or research. 
 
Work closely with the service managers to analyse changes in clinical practice and the associated cost implications within the directorates located at peripheral treatment delivery sites. Provide additional evaluated clinical information as necessary.  Develop a financial cost model for the haematology and oncology drug budget and contribute to business cases as appropriate for service improvement.
 
Establish a series of performance measures (discussed and agreed with the Haematology and Oncology Directors, Service Manager & the Director of Pharmacy) against which the success of the post will be measured and reviewed on an ongoing basis
 
Audit the use of drugs particularly anti-infectives within the Haematology and Oncology directorates located at peripheral treatment delivery sites against agreed documented treatment algorithms/protocols and provide feedback and recommendations to the Haematology and Oncology Directors, microbiology and pharmacy departments.
 
Establish a high profile by attendance at relevant educational meetings and conferences. Submit work for publication at key meetings and conferences.
 
Develop and be actively involved in an accredited education and training programme for various groups of healthcare professionals on appropriate safe prescribing and administration of haemato-oncology and Oncology SACT and supportive care. 
 
Advise the Consultant Haematologists and Oncologists on all aspects of drug therapy and attend multidisciplinary haematology and oncology team meetings.
 
Be a key representative on the Trust Drug and Therapeutics committee and other Trust committees as appropriate. 
 
To contribute to the Quality Management programme in the haematology and oncology    division.
 
To ensure compliance with company-based patient safety schemes. 
 
To identify and assess any risks associated with prescribing or the introduction of new SACT and ensure actions are implemented to mitigate any risks identified.
 
To support the training and assessment of designated staff with respect to intrathecal chemotherapy, where applicable.
 
To contribute to audits regarding intrathecal use within the Trust, where applicable 
 
General responsibilities
 
To provide highly specialised patient focused clinical pharmacy services to the designated cancer disease group in accordance with all departmental, Trust and national standards, procedures and policies.
 
To provide expert pharmaceutical advice to medical staff and other members of the multi-disciplinary team through pharmacy services and attendance at appropriate clinicians’ ward rounds, out-patient clinics and to be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team.
 
To attend and contribute to meetings relevant to the designated cancer disease group as appropriate.
 
To promote the pharmacist’s role in ensuring safe and effective prescribing.
 
Facilitate effective communication about relevant pharmacy issues to clinicians and senior managers and the identification of opportunities for development of pharmacy services to match identified services and care needs.
 
To undertake clinical audit and practice research as part of the multi-disciplinary audit process within the designated cancer disease group and to participate in pharmacy or Trust based audits as required.
 
To monitor and interpret published evidence and reports on drug use, to use this date to report to lead clinicians and director of Pharmacy, assisting in the implementation of agreed policies and NICE guidance aimed at improving patient outcomes and managing drug expenditure. 
 
Identify changes in current prescribing practices that may impact on the directorate drugs budget. In addition to identify potential new prescribing practices that may impact on the drugs budget (horizon scanning). 
 
To be responsible for the clinical screening/review of chemotherapy prescriptions for designated patient groups, including clinical trial prescriptions and to clinically screen/review in-patient and out-patient prescriptions.
 
To provide training to pharmacy colleagues on the use of chemotherapy regimens.
 
To provide expert advice on the storage, administration, and therapeutic use of drugs to patients, medical / nursing staff, and other healthcare colleagues and to provide specialist medicines information to healthcare professionals outside the Trust as appropriate.
 
To deputise for senior members of staff when necessary.
 
To act as a mentor / role model to junior pharmacists.
 
To identify own training needs and maintain CPD portfolio.
 
To follow National, Trust and local guidelines on safe medicines practice.
 
To undertake any other duties consistent with the changing practices of the Trust as requested by the Pharmacy Managers and the Trust.

 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy
  • Pre-registration training
  • Membership of General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent.
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • NMP qualification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Post registration experience within hospital setting
  • Haemato-oncology/Oncology experience Electronic prescribing systems
  • Financial awareness and drug budgets
  • Providing medicines information and advice
  • Training or teaching pharmacy/nursing/medical staff
  • Experience of multidisciplinary team working
Desirable criteria
  • Audit work. Clinical governance

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
  • Good presentation skills
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
  • Self motivating
  • Ability to work under pressure, highly organised, work to deadlines
  • Ability to manage and implement change
  • Ability to influence and negotiate with medical, nursing and pharmacy staff
  • IT literate
  • Training skills. Ability to train and act as mentor to other members of staff.
Desirable criteria
  • Project implementation

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • National cancer guidance documents, NICE, CDF
  • Sound medicines and clinical knowledge.
  • Cost effective use of medicines and medicines management
  • Critical incident reporting and investigations
  • National intrathecal guidance

Other

Essential criteria
  • Participation in Weekend and bank holiday working arrangements as required
Desirable criteria
  • Driving licence

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employer

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Hannah Miller
Job title
Lead specialist clinical pharmacist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0161 956 1754
Additional information

Sue Stent, Principal Pharmacist for Clinical Services at [email protected]

Rob Elsey – Head of Strategic Pharmacy Transformation – [email protected]  
07737 699 524

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