Cancer Services Pharmacist - Band 7 - NHS - ref. s23626823

Job overview

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional pharmacist to join our band 7 training rotation for cancer services pharmacists.

You will work in our brand new Dyson Cancer Centre which opened in April 2024, and will join a friendly team of pharmacy staff who are fully integrated into the oncology and haematology multidisciplinary team.

In undertaking this rotational post you will gain experience of all aspects of our services for adult oncology and haematology patients. You will spend time in patient facing activities supporting patients in managing their cancer treatment both as inpatients and outpatients, clinical trials and research, clinical screening, aseptic services and other cancer related functions including management of patients with cancer associated thromboses.

You will be supported by a team of experienced cancer services and aseptic services pharmacists and technicians and will undertake a competency–based training programme in all aspects of the role.

Cancer pharmacists at the Royal United Hospital have well established roles prescribing intravenous and oral anti-cancer treatments for a range of different cancers.

Main duties of the job

On a rotational basis:

Inpatients - Proactive, and timely, communication with ward staff and pharmacy colleagues (for example MMTs) around the day-to-day delivery of a pharmacy service to the brand new Oncology/Haematology ward

Prioritising workload during the ward visit and advising senior pharmacy colleagues of any issues precluding the safe delivery of a clinical pharmacy service during the allocated visit time.

Outpatients and clinics - Clinically check prescriptions received for Oncology/Haematology patients attending outpatient clinics ensuring that:

• SACT is prescribed following approved protocols.
• SACT prescribing is, where appropriate, in accordance with NICE guidelines
• Funding arrangements are in place prior to treatment commencing.
• Doses are correct, taking into account laboratory results, dose reductions, previous treatment
• Any supportive medicines required, have been prescribed

• Act as an Authorised Pharmacist within the aseptic unit supervising the aseptic process and aseptic unit staff

Clinical duties - Participate in the pharmacy aspects of clinical trials which may include clinical screening of Oncology/Haematology clinical trial prescriptions and assisting in the set-up of new clinical trials

Respond to medicine related queries from patients and other members of the healthcare team, referring to medicines information when appropriate.

Working for our organisation

At the RUH we’re proud to put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone’s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.

We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.

We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We’ve even got a pool!

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• Degree in Pharmacy/Masters Degree in Pharmacy.
• 1 year pre-registration training and experience or equivalent.
• Registered as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or evidence of working towards this. Equivalent experience would be considered (band 7).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

• Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
• Member of the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA).
• Aseptic services further qualification or evidence of aseptic training.
• Non-medical prescriber (or must be willing to undertake this if requested).

Knowledge & Experiance

• Experience working in hospital pharmacy.
• Knowledge of common cancers and management of those cancers.
• Knowledge of side effects of anti-cancer treatments and management of side effects.
• Knowledge of the hazards associated with cytotoxic drugs

• Experience of working in Oncology/Haematology.
• Knowledge of the management of cancer-associated thrombosis.
• Up to date knowledge of anti-cancer treatment protocols and how to interpret them
• Knowledge and post-registration experience in Aseptic Unit.
• Experience of service development.
• Knowledge of the principles of Quality Assurance (QA).
• Experience in supervising Pharmacists, Pharmacy technicians and students.