Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx) greatly values their pharmacy team and over the years it has continued to grow in strength and numbers. We are now pleased to offer an exciting pharmacist post. The post holder will be a dynamic individual ready to provide expert leadership and knowledge, in renal medicine.
The post holder will be at the forefront of providing specialist pharmacy services optimising patient outcomes and improving the patient experience. It will be an opportunity to share expertise across the local health economy as well as through national and international networks.
If you are looking to drive your own career in an environment that supports your development in a captivating part of the UK then UHSx could be the perfect fit for you. Call and have a chat or even better come and see us if convenient.
We would welcome applications from candidates working at foundation/advanced level who wish to use this as a progression opportunity from band 7 to 8a and beyond.
Main duties of the job
As a highly specialist clinical pharmacist you will be responsible for the delivery of direct patient care to renal in- and out-patients including the clinical management of the haemodialysis unit and, in conjunction with the specialist nurse and clinical team, out-patient clinics specialising in drug initiation and monitoring. You will attend the weekly multidisciplinary meetings/ward rounds for renal to maximise the pharmaceutical input into patient care.
You will manage the pharmacy service to renal medicine and as the lead pharmacist support and contribute to all aspects of clinical governance within the directorate, and will take the lead within specialities as specified by the lead divisional pharmacist including clinical risk, clinical audit and education and teaching.
You need to be enthusiastic, highly motivated and have good communication and IT skills. You will also be good at working in a team and under pressure, at problem solving and meeting deadlines and at supporting staff in their development.
You will be managing junior staff, provide teaching at the university and supervise undergraduate or junior pharmacist project.
You must be a Registered Pharmacist with a post graduate qualification and experience at specialist level. Non medical prescribing qualification is mandatory.
You will be included in the weekend rota.
Working for our organisation
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 Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Duties will be shared with job share partner except for line management responsibilities (where allocated) which are specific to the post holder.
Clinical Responsibilities:-
1. To manage, provide, co-ordinate and evaluate clinical pharmacy services to the SKU. This role includes provision of ward-based and outpatient pharmacy services to renal patients as a highly specialist clinical pharmacist encompassing:
2. Participation in consultant led renal ward rounds.
3. Medication reconciliation and review.
4. Identification of patients who need additional help with their medication.
5. Prompt identification, preparation of patients for early discharge and where possible complete the discharge process at ward level. Accurately document information relating to medications initiated or discontinued following admission and the follow up required.
6. Counselling on changes to medication regimens and high-risk drugs e.g. warfarin, transplant medication.
7. Liaising with colleagues in community/ care homes to align support for medicines adherence.
8. Contribute to multi-morbidity reviews and multi-disciplinary reviews.
9. Review pathology results for patients on high-risk medicines and take action as necessary.
10. To practise as a pharmacist independent prescriber for renal patients in the in-patient and out-patient setting in line with Trust policy, agreed scope of practice and the needs of the SKU. To lead on the evaluation and development of the renal pharmacist prescribing service.
11. To clinically screen prescriptions and where required prescribe specialist treatments for renal patients. This includes immunosuppressant medications, erythropoietin stimulating agents and bone therapies.
12. To evaluate the clinical appropriateness, safety and legality of prescriptions based on the patients’ disease, co-morbidities and other medication and treatment taken, contacting the prescriber to make agreed changes as appropriate and clearly documenting rationale, and agreed actions in the medical notes.
13. To be responsible for the development, implementation, delivery, and day to day running of specialist clinical pharmacy services to the Renal Satellite Haemodialysis Units.
14. To lead on the development and evaluation of pharmacist-led medication review clinics within the SKU and satellite units in accordance with the Renal National Service Framework.
15. Provide expert medicine information, and act as a resource on pharmaceutical care issues to other healthcare colleagues in both primary and secondary care and patients within the care of the SKU.
16. To be responsible for the evaluation of new drugs within renal medicine for presentation to the Trust Medicines Governance Group / Area Prescribing Committee. The post holder will monitor use of drug following approval and challenge instances where the drug is not prescribed in accordance with the terms set by the Formulary Committee.
17. To highly provide specialist clinical pharmacy expertise to senior clinical staff of the multi-disciplinary team within the SKU to enable implementation of local and national standards including national service frameworks, NICE guidance, and Healthcare Commission recommendations. In addition to, maintain, develop, and implement prescribing guidelines for the Trust and the local health economy in line with evidence-based medicine and MHRA alerts.
18. To lead on the development and review of shared care guidelines for renal patients.
19. To oversee the delivery, development, and review of clinical pharmacy services to the SKU in line with the divisional and departmental objectives.
20. To take the lead in the provision of clinical pharmacy expertise for the identification and management of risk issues within the SKU, with particular reference to risks and clinical incidents associated with medication. To act as a resource for the division in investigation of clinical incidents and complaints regarding medication. To contribute to the clinical governance agenda in both the renal and pharmacy departments.
21. Ensure PGD processes within the trust are legal and robust where appropriate.
22. To maintain contact with appropriate specialists and groups both nationally and locally to enable best practice to be identified and incorporated into UHSx practice.
23. To resolve ambiguities relating to care of the renal patients’ medicines across the primary / secondary care interface. To optimise the ‘transfer of care’ of SKU patients across the interface with the view to reducing medication related readmissions.
24. To use risk stratification tools to identify renal patients requiring medication reviews and carry out the dialysis medication reviews.
25. To manage repeat prescribing systems to ensure all staff are adequately trained, procedures are safe and robust, and are understood and followed by all staff.
26. To manage the repeat prescribing reauthorisation process for specific renal medications by reviewing requests for repeat prescriptions and medicines reaching review dates both on outpatient and homecare prescriptions.
27. To liaise with Homecare and ICB Medicines Management teams regarding local polices/ guidelines and Prescribing Schemes.
Please see attached job description and personal specifications for full list of duties associated with this post
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
28. Qualified Pharmacist with substantial experience
29. Post-graduate clinical pharmacy diploma or equivalent experience.
Desirable criteria
30. Postgraduate Masters or doctorate in relevant subject or discipline.
31. Member of the Faculty of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
32. Independent prescribing qualification.
33. Teaching at an undergraduate level or postgraduate level
34. Renal Experience
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
35. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
36. 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