Lead Clinical Pharmacist- Neurology

Job overview

We are looking for a dynamic and forward thinking pharmacist with experience in Neurology to join our senior pharmacy team. You will work as part of the neurosciences pharmacy team to provide pharmacy services to The Walton Centre, a specialist Trust which provides tertiary neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services to a wide catchment area.

The Pharmacy Department in LUHFT delivers a full pharmacy service to The Walton Centre (WCFT; based on the same site). This post will be based within WCFT but work closely with colleagues within other Trusts to standardise services relating to medicines management where appropriate, and to maximise quality, safety, productivity and efficiency.

This will include developing/updating policies, clinical guidelines, and involvement in quality improvement projects relating to medicines within the Trust.

The role includes representing supporting the WCFT at Cheshire and Mersey Area Prescribing Group subgroups when required and the North Wales Medicines Management Group, and participation in the Walton Centre Drugs and Therapeutics Committee.

You will also participate in in the well established pharmacist prescribing service for patients newly admitted on the morning of their elective neurosurgery.

Experiential learning along with experience of medicines management or governance roles, and current (or imminent) registration as a prescriber. Experiences working in a tertiary centre would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

Assist the WCFT Operational and Clinical Lead Pharmacist in the development of pharmacy services and medicines management within The Walton Centre.

Assist the WCFT Operational and Clinical Lead Pharmacist  in leading and managing the neurosciences pharmacy team.

Assist the WCFT Operational and Clinical Lead Pharmacist in acting as a primary point of contact for senior staff and departments across WCFT for advice and guidance regarding medicines related issues

Assist the WCFT Operational and Clinical Lead Pharmacist in reviewing compliance with CQC and other national standards at WCFT.

Assist the WCFT Operational and Clinical Lead Pharmacist in providing medicines-related training for other Trust staff.

Lead and provide pharmaceutical expertise in the delivery and development of pharmacy services to the neuroscience’s directorates, developing an exemplary clinical service to our patients.

Identify the clinical and economic impact of medicines use, develop and implement clinical guidelines, monitor drug expenditure and support the area to meet their clinical and financial targets.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Lead Clinical Pharmacist for Neurology provides clinical leadership for advanced clinical pharmacy services within the neurology specialty, ensuring the safe, effective and cost‑effective use of medicines for patients with complex neurological conditions.

The role involves working as an expert member of the multidisciplinary team, delivering highly specialist pharmaceutical care across inpatient, outpatient and homecare pathways, and contributing to consultant‑level clinical decision‑making, including independent prescribing and deprescribing.

As a senior clinical leader, the post holder leads the development, implementation and evaluation of neurology pharmacy services in line with national standards, NICE guidance and Trust priorities. This includes shaping medicines optimisation strategy, improving medication safety, embedding best practice, and leading on the implementation of new therapies and technologies, with a strong focus on horizon scanning, financial impact and value‑based prescribing within neurology.

The role has a significant responsibility for medicines governance, safety and quality. The post holder leads on reducing medicines‑related risk, contributing to clinical governance processes, responding to patient safety incidents and alerts, and ensuring compliance with medicines legislation, formulary processes and Trust policies. They work closely with clinical teams to develop and maintain neurology‑specific guidelines, protocols and patient pathways, supporting delivery of regulatory, GIRFT and CQC expectations.

As part of the Pharmacy Leadership Team, the Lead Clinical Pharmacist – Neurology provides strong professional and people leadership, including line management, supervision and development of pharmacists and technicians. The role includes responsibility for education and training, workforce skill mix optimisation, succession planning, and creating a culture of clinical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement within the neurology pharmacy team.

The post holder also contributes at system level, representing the Trust across regional, national and specialist neurology networks, supporting research and service evaluation, and leading or supervising practice‑based research and publication.

Working closely with senior pharmacy, clinical and finance colleagues, the role supports business case development, medicines value programmes and commissioning discussions, ensuring that neurology services are clinically robust, financially sustainable and aligned with local and national priorities.

See job description for more detail