Specialist Pharmacist - High Cost Drugs and Homecare

Job overview

To provide a leadership and clinical service to the High Cost Drug area with a focus on the use of biologic and biosimilar medicines in key therapeutic areas. Ensuring that processes for implementation and supply are aligned to  the appropriate NICE, commissioning and formulary criteria. To lead in ensuring the most efficient supply route is utilised involving homecare providers when necessary, and providing supervision, support and training to the high cost drug and homecare team in any associated clinical and operational needs.

Main duties of the job

• To manage and develop the clinical services and delivery of all high cost and homecare medicines to SWB patients. 2. To deputise and support the lead pharmacist for High Cost Drugs & Homecare. 3. To ensure that appropriate clinical and governance arrangements (as set out in national standards for homecare services) are used for the delivery of all homecare medicines and high cost drugs. 4. Liaise with the Lead Pharmacist and Lead Technician for High Cost Drugs & Homecare, and other relevant members of the Pharmacy Management team to ensure that the operational services for high cost drugs and homecare are clinically appropriate, safe, efficient and responsive to patient need.  5. Liaise with the Lead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs & Homecare in the development and maintenance of a Homecare strategy. This includes leading on clinical and financial aspects of product switching to ensure best value for money for all procured homecare medicines.  6. Supervise the team of pharmacists and medicines management technicians who are working within the High Cost Drugs & Homecare Hub. 7. Develop and maintain effective communication channels and relationships with lead consultants, managers, senior nurse specialists and others to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking for an enthusiastic and well-motivated pharmacist to manage and develop a high quality pharmacy service to patients on biologics, biosimilars and other high cost drugs. The successful candidate will take a lead on our biologics and high cost drugs provided to patients on the trusts Medical Infusion suite, and help manage the drugs prescribed through homecare services ensuring that appropriate clinical and governance standards are in place for homecare medicines.

We are looking for someone with drive, enthusiasm and commitment. You will have excellent people skills and the ability to work with and influence staff at many levels both internally and external homecare agencies.

It is expected that the successful applicant will be an experienced pharmacist who has successfully completed a Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy and/or independent prescribing qualification, with some knowledge of high cost drug funding.

The pharmacy department operates from 3 sites, Sandwell Health Campus, City Health Campus in newly developed pharmacy premises and the new state of the art Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Following significant investment, our pharmacy department has led the innovations in automated drug storage, and robotic dispensing across our sites. Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration is embedded in all clinical areas throughout and we provide a seven day service to the Trust.