About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Pharmacist to join our Cardiology team at Darent Valley Hospital. This role, positioned at Band 8a, involves the leadership and development of clinical pharmacy services for the Cardiology department, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in formulary management: shaping medicine management strategies, supporting cost-saving initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care within the service.
Please Note:
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently, with a visa or immigration status that allows them to fulfil the full duration and type of contract offered. The Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Main duties of the job
As the Principal Pharmacist for Cardiology, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing pharmacy services within the department, working closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care. Your duties will include monitoring prescriptions, providing pharmaceutical care plans and supporting the development of cost-effective prescribing practices. Additionally, you will lead on the DGT input to the regional formulary and ensure compliance with national and regional guidelines and technology appraisals.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We encourage staff to be vaccinated to protect themselves and the service users. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job description Job responsibilities
In this role, you will oversee pharmaceutical services to the Cardiology service, including inpatient wards. You will act as a leader in the strategic development of pharmacy standards within the service and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Being formulary representative for DGT at the regional meetings to ensure the Trusts views are heard. As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to cost-saving initiatives, manage staff and support training and education efforts within the department. Additionally, you will work to enhance medication safety, contribute to clinical audits, and take an active role in the departments continuous improvement efforts.
If you are a proactive, organised, and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role within our forward-thinking organisation.
Person Specification
Education and Training Essential
GPhC registration as a pharmacist Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent Independent prescriber (or working towards)
Desirable
Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society Management and leadership qualification MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or other appropriate discipline Practice Supervisor Accreditation or equivalent teaching accreditation
Experience Essential
Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist Experience of writing protocols and standards Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting Previous teaching/tutoring experience
Desirable
Hospital Pharmacy Experience Clinical Pharmacy teaching skills Demonstrable use of audit/research to improve practice
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Broad pharmaceutical knowledge relating to general medicine and core medical specialities Demonstrates knowledge of national and local guidelines relating to specialism that need to be adhered to Advanced computer literacy including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Budgetary control skills Awareness of current practice and policy affecting pharmacy practice in the NHS & understanding the NHS structure
Desirable
Incident investigation/ root cause analysis Risk management Experience and knowledge of Cardiology medication use Experience of Formulary (+/- regional formulary) structures and processes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)