Highly Specialist Pharmacist - Antimicrobials

Job overview

Join our large, established, and research-active Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) pharmacy team, led by a Consultant Pharmacist. We're pioneer users of Computer Decision Support Systems (CDSS) for AMS rounds, integrating cutting-edge technology daily.

This pivotal role involves leading and developing a robust framework for the safe, cost-effective, and rational use of antimicrobials across the Trust. You'll shape local prescribing policies, participate in drug review/audit programmes, and drive innovative stewardship strategies.

You'll lead key AMS activities, including leading on daily ward rounds and the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service. As deputy for the Lead Directorate Pharmacist for Antimicrobials, you'll collaborate with specialist pharmacists and consultants to spearhead Trust-wide AMS efforts.

The role requires close collaboration with pharmacy, microbiology/infection control, medical, and nursing staff. You'll coordinate crucial work programmes and provide a highly specialist clinical pharmacy service, upholding the highest standards in this critical specialty.

Main duties of the job

The Specialist Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist will drive the continuous improvement of antimicrobial stewardship across the Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Independent Ward Rounds: Autonomously lead specialist antimicrobial ward rounds, providing expert advice, optimising prescribing, and intervening for safe, effective antimicrobial use.
• OPAT Service Leadership: Lead the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service, covering patient assessment, prescribing oversight (if an independent prescriber), monitoring, and care coordination.
• Supervision & Training: Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and training to junior pharmacists, pre-registration pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals in antimicrobial stewardship.
• Policy Development: Develop, review, and implement local antimicrobial prescribing policies, guidelines, and PGDs, aligned with national recommendations.
• Audit & Quality Improvement: Design and lead antimicrobial audits, analysing data to identify improvements and facilitate change for enhanced quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the Lead Directorate Pharmacist, Consultant Microbiologists, and Infection Control teams to drive strategic AMS initiatives.
• Innovation & Technology: Utilise and develop Computer Decision Support Systems (CDSS) and other technologies to enhance AMS rounds and prescribing decisions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This Specialist Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist role offers a fantastic opportunity to lead and innovate within a large, established, and research-active team. You'll be instrumental in advancing safe, effective, and rational antimicrobial prescribing practices across our Trust.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Initiatives: You'll be at the forefront of our AMS programme, developing and implementing strategies to optimise antimicrobial use. This includes leading daily ward rounds across our sites, making independent clinical decisions and interventions, and providing highly specialist advice to medical and nursing teams.
• Driving Innovation with Technology: Our team is a pioneer user of Computer Decision Support Systems (CDSS) for AMS rounds. You'll actively engage with and help evolve these innovative tools to enhance prescribing decisions and streamline our workflow.
• OPAT Service Leadership: You'll take the lead on our Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service, ensuring seamless care transitions and expert management for patients receiving intravenous antibiotics at home or in outpatient settings.
• Policy and Guideline Development: A core part of the role involves developing, reviewing, and implementing local antimicrobial prescribing policies and guidelines, ensuring they align with national best practice and evidence.
• Audit and Quality Improvement: You'll conduct regular audits of antimicrobial prescribing, analyse data to identify areas for improvement, and drive change initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
• Mentoring and Supervision: You'll play a crucial role in supervising and mentoring junior pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, guiding their development in antimicrobial stewardship principles and practice.
• Collaborative Working: This role requires strong collaboration with Consultant Microbiologists, Infection Control, and all levels of medical, nursing, and pharmacy staff across the Trust to achieve our shared goals.
• Medication Safety: You will actively contribute to reducing antimicrobial medication errors and promoting overall medication safety within the speciality.