Clinical Oncology Pharmacist

Position Overview

The pharmacy division at Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust is seeking a dedicated pharmacist with a passion for Oncology and Technical services to become a vital part of our committed team of pharmacists and technical personnel.

As a key member of our Oncology Team, you will acquire significant expertise in the clinical management of both Oncology and Haematology patients, alongside Technical Services.

This role involves a rotational structure, requiring you to serve at both University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich over a 9-month period. During this time, you will enhance your existing hospital pharmacy experience while gaining specialized knowledge in cancer care, palliative treatment, parenteral nutrition, and technical services.

Primary Responsibilities

Ideal candidates will possess a diverse range of clinical experience at a Band 6 level, having delivered clinical and technical services across various wards and departments (experience in cancer services is advantageous but not mandatory).

You should demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, hold a post-graduate qualification (or be in the process of obtaining one), and be a registered Pharmacist with the UK General Pharmaceutical Council. This position offers opportunities for further training and professional development, including non-medical prescribing.

About Our Organization

Our workforce is our most valuable resource. When we feel supported and fulfilled in our roles, this positivity extends to those we serve—our patients. Engaged employees perform at their highest potential, and our initiatives in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) foster a culture of engagement. We have established four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team, and a variety of programs and events aimed at achieving the following aspirations:

• Enhancing representation at senior levels for staff with disabilities, from diverse ethnic backgrounds, identifying as LGBTQ+, and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development.
• Expanding access and employability.
• Enhancing the experience of staff with disabilities.
• Increasing EDI literacy and confidence among trust staff through training and development.
• Mainstreaming equalities.

Job Duties

ROLE OBJECTIVES

• 1. To deliver a high-quality, evidence-based clinical pharmacy service for oncology, parenteral nutrition, and palliative care.
• 2. To collaborate with the technical services team to ensure a responsive, high-quality, safe, and effective service for our unit's clients.
• 3. To be listed on the Trust register of pharmacists authorized to clinically review chemotherapy prescriptions.
• 4. To be included on the Trust intrathecal register for the clinical verification and final approval of intrathecal chemotherapy.
• 5. To mentor and train pre-registration and junior pharmacists, as well as other less experienced pharmacy personnel.
• 6. To assist in the education of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• 7. To conduct audits and research as required.
• 8. To advocate for the safe, rational, and cost-effective use of medications across the care group.
• 9. To manage your own workload and project initiatives to enhance service delivery to the specialties.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal Junior and senior medical personnel;

Pharmacists, technicians, pharmacy assistants, clerical staff, and porters within the pharmacy division;

Nursing staff;

Dietitians;

Other healthcare professionals as necessary;

Patients.

External Community Hospice;

General Practitioners;

Community Pharmacists;

Patients' families and caregivers.

Performance Metrics

Aseptic Services with Parenteral Nutrition Rotation

• 1. Collaborate with the senior technician to organize the daily operations of the aseptic unit.
• 2. Serve as an Authorized Pharmacist for the final verification and release of products prepared in the aseptic unit, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practices.
• 3. Contribute to the preparation of documentation in line with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
• 4. Apply Good Clinical Practice principles in the professional oversight and release of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) for clinical trials.
• 5. Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary nutrition team for the prescribing, monitoring, and clinical management of adult patients on parenteral nutrition.
• 6. Coordinate with the chemotherapy day unit to ensure that services align with patient needs within the unit's capacity.
• 7. Conduct clinical reviews of chemotherapy prescriptions.
• 8. Act as a deputy for the Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services in their absence.

Aseptic Services with Palliative Care Rotation

• Collaborate with the senior technician to manage the daily operations of the aseptic unit.
• Serve as an Authorized Pharmacist for the final verification and release of products prepared in the aseptic unit, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practices.
• Contribute to the preparation of documentation in line with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
• Apply Good Clinical Practice principles in the professional oversight and release of IMPs and non-IMPs for clinical trials.
• Conduct clinical reviews of chemotherapy prescriptions.
• Provide a clinical pharmacy service to the Community Hospice in accordance with the service level agreement.
• Act as a deputy for the Lead Pharmacist Aseptic Services in their absence.

Chemotherapy Day Unit Rotation

• Conduct clinical reviews of chemotherapy prescriptions.
• Contribute to the clinical care of oncology and haematology-oncology patients treated as outpatients, day cases, or inpatients within the Trust.
• Coordinate with the chemotherapy day unit to ensure that services align with patient needs within the unit's capacity.
• Assist in the development of prescribing guidelines, chemotherapy proformas, and evaluations of new treatments.
• Monitor drug usage against the established drug budgets for directorates, providing financial reports and advice on cost-saving measures.
• Act as a deputy for the Lead Pharmacist Cancer Services and Palliative Care in their absence.

Leadership & Service Development

• Support the development, implementation, and adherence to local and national guidelines/policies to ensure cost-effective and safe prescribing within the division.
• Collaborate in the development of Integrated Care Pathways and Patient Group Directions within Cancer & Long Term Conditions as necessary.
• Liaise with senior pharmacy personnel to ensure the effective provision of Pharmacy Services.

Division Support

• Actively contribute to the management of the drug budget for the division through effective drug utilization to ensure optimal resource use.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities within Cancer and Technical Services.
• Educate healthcare professionals on the costs associated with drug therapy and promote evidence-based, cost-effective prescribing within the division.
• Participate in departmental and divisional meetings as appropriate.

Governance, Information & Data Management

• Support the investigation of medication-related safety incidents and the formulation of action plans across the Trust to address identified issues as necessary.
• Promote effective prescribing in the Trust following formulary and NICE guidance.

Staff Management & Training

• Support the education and training of other healthcare professionals.
• Participate and contribute to clinical training programs at both local and national levels for summer students and pharmacy undergraduates.
• Evaluate and enhance your own management and professional knowledge competencies through attendance at in-house/external training programs, self-education, and practice research.
• Undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure that knowledge remains current.
• Serve as a postgraduate tutor (pre-registration) for Pharmacy staff as required.

Research & Development

• Engage in audit and practice research to investigate and, where appropriate, enhance the quality of service for patients within the Trust.

Communication and Relationships

• Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary healthcare team (doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, ward managers, and site practitioners), as well as intermediate care, general practice support, and community pharmacists regarding medicine-related information and patient treatment assessments.
• Collaborate with appropriate staff to support service development and facilitate the implementation of strategies for the education and training of staff throughout the Trust.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, as the role involves liaising with a diverse range of individuals within the Trust, including service and general managers across all directorates, trust risk managers, directorate governance leads, multidisciplinary team members, and all Pharmacy staff.
• Liaise with external organizations, including local CCGs, regional pharmacy services, and necessary pharmacy networks.
• The post-holder will be required to communicate clearly and sensitively regarding patient medication issues both internally and externally.
• Provide training on medication-related topics, policies, guidelines, and service developments to pharmacy colleagues, nursing, and medical staff, ranging from one-on-one communication to more formal presentations.
• Participate in any other duties as requested by senior pharmacy managers, in line with the expectations of the role.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• B. Pharm / M. Pharm / BSc (Pharmacy) or equivalent.
• Professional registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or General Pharmacy Practice (or equivalent) or demonstrate the intention to complete within 12 months of starting the role.
• Mandatory CPD to maintain fitness to practice.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 2 years of post-registration experience in hospital pharmacy.
• Demonstrated experience in aseptic services and clinical pharmacy practice.
• Experience in supervising and training others.
• Examples of clinical audits and literature evaluations.

Desirable

• A minimum of 3 years of post-registration experience in hospital pharmacy.
• Previous experience in delivering formal education and training sessions.
• Development of evidence-based guidelines.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, for conveying specialist clinical information.
• Self-motivated with the ability to inspire others.
• Ability to use initiative and manage your own workload.
• Ability to work effectively, positively, and calmly under pressure, prioritizing tasks both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Problem-solving capabilities.

Desirable

• Skills in influencing and negotiation.