Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·       The post holder for the role will start as a band 6 pharmacist, during which time they will complete a progressional competency based training pathway of progression. Upon successful completion, the post holder will be eligible to progress to a band 7 pharmacist position. Post holder can expect to complete their training within approximately 12 months, subject to attaining the required competencies and sign – off by the Principal Pharmacist for technical services.      

        Main responsibilities:  

        Ensure an efficient high quality technical and clinical pharmacy service meets the needs of the patients and healthcare professionals within the Trust.

·        Clinically screen prescriptions for chemotherapy and biological medicines, according to Trust and national protocols and commissioning standards.

·        Provide specialist clinical advice to doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals on initiating, prescribing, and monitoring of chemotherapy and supportive medicines in line with Trust and national guidance.

·      Clinically verify oncology prescriptions in line with British Oncology

Pharmaceutical Association (BOPA) standards and ensure treatments are in line with commissioned services.

·       Act as an Authorised pharmacist and carry out clinical and aseptic services verification process in accordance with specific organisational policy.

·        Final check and release aseptically prepared products (including clinical trial drugs) and ensure all documentation is complete before release to wards and departments within and outside the trust.

·       Ensure all products are safely formulated and released in accordance with the departments quality systems.

·       Assess outsourced unlicensed specials products against Certificate of Conformance and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

        Be trained and named on the intrathecal register to undertake check and release of intrathecal chemotherapy.

·        Assist the Lead Intrathecal Training Pharmacist with the development and delivery of intrathecal chemotherapy training.

·        Develop an in-depth knowledge of labelling and worksheets systems to support the lead technician in managing documentation systems.

·        Provide a comprehensive documentation system to underpin the quality management system to include internal audit, risk assessment, change control, Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), training, environmental monitoring, validations, and maintenance of the deviation system.

·         Assist in the investigation of problems with unlicensed medicine products made in section 10 and outsourced.

·        Ensure safe systems of work are maintained as defined under statutory legislation, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, regional and National Cancer Standards, controls assurance and professional standards.

·       Act as a knowledge base/resource for the oncology and haematology directorate and provide specialised professional and technical education to enable the clinical areas to meet the high standards of patient care and safety.

·        Ensure and promote safe handling, preparation, and storage of cytotoxic drugs.

·        Record significant clinical interventions, report unusual occurrences, and investigate errors and deviations and non-compliant situations.

·         Support the delivery of the pharmacy clinical governance agenda e.g., initiatives to reduce medication related risk and implement agreed strategies, work closely with clinical governance and risk co-ordinators.

·        Interpret and apply information retrieved from medical and nursing notes.

·       Report relevant adverse medicine reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

·       Act on drug alerts ensuring that appropriate advice is given to staff, patients, and carers.

·      Actively participate in pharmacy team meetings.

·       Participate in the introduction and development of new aseptic chemotherapy products including product lifecycle system, validation activities, formulation and stability testing, workforce training and development, and product quality review as required.