Job overview
We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic pharmacist to join our team. This band 7 post is ideal for a pharmacist looking to start their career in Aseptic Services. 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:
1. To support and maintain the work of the Aseptic Services Section of the Pharmacy
Clinical Duties:
2. Provide specialist clinical pharmacy service to all cancer patients
3. Work closely with other lead specialists in other localities and nationally for pharmacy services to cancer services to develop best practice.
Aseptic Preparation:
4. Provide support to ensure that aseptic facilities meet the standards assessed by external audits
5. Help develop and deliver a safe, efficient and effective pharmaceutical aseptic service
Quality Control:
6. Assist Lead Pharmacists in responding appropriately to internal and external inspections
Education and Training:
7. Ensure the training of all staff within aseptic services to be competent in the preparation of all aseptic preparations.
8. Identify own learning needs
Patient Safety:
9. Monitor chemotherapy regimens and clinically check prescriptions prior to their production
10. Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured to available standards.
Working for our organisation
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 healthcare 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.
Candidate Information Pack:
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.
Job Title:
11. Specialist Pharmacist Aseptic Services
Job Summary:
12. To 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.
13. Provide specialist clinical pharmacy service to all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy within the Trust
14. Ensure chemotherapy agents are manufactured in concordance with medicines legislation and regional QC standards.
Key Responsibilities:
15. Support the provision of a pharmacy aseptic service to the staff of Worthing pharmacy department and cancer services.
16. To 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.
17. To support the Accountable Pharmacist for all work carried out under section 10 of the Medicines Act within the site specific Pharmacy Aseptic Unit.
Qualifications:
18. The successful candidate must hold a Master of Pharmacy degree or equivalent and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Work Environment:
19. This post will require periods of time within an Aseptic Unit alongside desk and presence on a cancer ward.
20. You will be working with cancer patients
21. There will be time pressures within the role
22. There may be periods of standing/sitting
Reporting Structure:
23. You will be responsible to the Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services.
24. You will be accountable to the chief pharmacist.
Salary and Benefits:
The post is a band 7 post. Your position within this salary scale will be based on your current experience.
Job role:
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, ensuing 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
Essential criteria
25. Degree in Pharmacy at a British School of Pharmacy, or recognised equivalent
26. Working towards or a post graduate diploma in clinical pharmacy
27. A UK registered pharmacist (Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council - Great Britain) with significant experience on the register, working in hospital pharmacy.
28. 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.
Desirable criteria
29. BOPA membership
30. Good Clinical Trial Practice (GCP) training
31. Extensive portfolio and evidence of CPD with identifiable outcomes
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
32. Experience of working with different healthcare professions and managers across the wider healthcare economy
33. Experience in training of other staff
34. Able to identify own development/training needs
Specific Requirement
Essential criteria
35. Awareness of financial aspects of chemotherapy funding
36. Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust’s Vision
37. Experience with the use of chemotherapy prescribing systems
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
38. Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
39. Excellent problem solving skills
Desirable criteria
40. Previous experience with Chemocare (e-prescribing system)
41. Previous experience with Wellsky (e-prescribing system and stock control system)
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
42. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
43. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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