Job overview
You will provide expert clinical input in the acute stage of a patients journey within the Emergency Department at Royal Sussex County Hospital. Patients can present with a variety of conditions and/or comorbidities and the successful candidate will need to be able to apply their clinical knowledge in a fast paced environment in this acute setting. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will influence prescribing decisions, lead on implementing NICE guidance and contribute to pathway development, audit and governance initiatives.
You’ll also have the opportunity to lead on medicines management and guideline development and train and mentor junior pharmacists and technicians. The role includes responsibility for service evaluation, quality improvement, and cost-effective use of medicines.
We’re looking for aclinically confident, collaborative and innovative pharmacist with strong communication and analytical skills, ideally with experience in an acute setting such as A&E.
In return, you’ll join a supportive and forward-thinking pharmacy team with access to professional development, research opportunities and leadership support — helping you deliver excellent care every time.
Band 7 to 8a progression candidates considered.
Main duties of the job
1. As the Highly Specialist Clinical Pharmacist in emergency medicine you will deliver expert pharmaceutical care to patients with a variety of conditions under divisions of Medicine, Surgery and Specialised areas.
You’ll be based out of the Pharmacy department but have a very visible presence on the ward working as part of the MDT. You will contribute to excellent patient care and safety within the Emergency department.
The role also includes supporting alignment toprescribing guidelines, reviewing medicines use and implementing cost saving ideas, and supporting formulary applications, audits and service improvement projects.
You’ll provideleadership, education and supervision for pharmacists, nurses and trainees working within the Emergency department, supporting their competence development and contributing to governance and risk management processes.
This is a dynamic post combining advanced clinical practice, leadership and innovation to improve outcomes for patients at the start of their acute journey at University Hospitals Sussex.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main 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
2. Deliver and evaluate specialist clinical pharmacy services to patients within the Emergency Department at The Royal Sussex County Hospital
3. Provide expert advice to consultants and nurses on complex medication regimes, drug monitoring, interactions and adherence.
4. Contribute to quality improvement, audit and research to evaluate and enhance the pharmacy service.
5. Support therapeutic drug monitoring, dose optimisation and medicines reconciliation, including for vulnerable and high-risk groups.
6. Monitor and report drug expenditure, support business cases, and contribute to formulary submissions and cost-effectiveness reviews.
7. Provide education, mentorship and training to pharmacy staff, prescribers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
8. Support delivery of the Trust’s Patient First strategy through active participation in governance, sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, clinically confident pharmacist to become part of the team and influence the safe, cost-effective use of medicines within a highly acute and interesting area.
This vacancy is advertised as a time-limited opportunity is expected to be undertaken on a secondment basis.
Before applying, employees must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they may be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not an automatic entitlement and must be agreed by all relevant parties: the employee, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.
Person specification
Shortlisting for interview
Essential criteria
9. GPhC-registered pharmacist with postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy (or equivalent experience)
10. Significant post-registration hospital pharmacy experience
11. Proven ability to interpret complex clinical information and optimise medicines for patients with multiple co-morbidities
12. Demonstrated understanding of NICE guidance and medicines governance.
13. Evidence of audit, service improvement or research to enhance patient care or safety
14. Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to educate, mentor and influence multidisciplinary teams
15. BSc, B Pharm or MPharm (vocational master’s degree) post-graduate clinical pharmacy diploma or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
16. MSc or postgraduate qualification in advanced clinical pharmacy or equivalent experience
17. Previous experience in emergency medicine
18. Experience developing or updating prescribing guidelines or local treatment pathways
19. Previous line-management or clinical supervision experience
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
21. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications