Deputy Director of Medicines Optimisation, Chief Pharmacist

Deputy Director of Medicines Optimisation, Chief Pharmacist Overview

The Deputy Director of Medicines Optimisation, Chief Pharmacist is a pivotal role responsible for managing and strategically developing high-quality, cost-effective pharmacy services across the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. The successful candidate will provide expert advice on pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical matters to the organization, senior managers, and prescribers.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Medicines Optimisation service and team within the Trust.
• Lead the clinical and operational aspects of pharmacy services for HCT.
• Ensure accountability for clinical governance within the pharmacy service.
• Develop and implement the pharmacy Medicines Optimisation Strategy, seeking innovative opportunities to enhance services and efficiency.
• Serve as the Accountable Officer for Controlled Drugs, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and clinical governance frameworks.
• Provide specialist expertise and corporate responsibility for all aspects of Medicines Optimisation across the Trust.
• Deliver and enhance pharmacy services to support service developments aligned with the Trust’s strategic direction.
• Implement safe systems of work to minimize medication errors in prescription, dispensing, supply, storage, and administration of medicines.
• Regularly review pharmacy performance using relevant indicators and benchmarking to promote continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Senior Management team, Clinical Leaders, and clinicians to enhance medication safety.
• Establish systems to ensure safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based use of medicines within the Trust and partner organizations.
• Conduct and report on internal and external audits related to Medicines Optimisation within agreed timelines.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and professional requirements concerning medicines, including CQC and Department of Health standards.
• Manage the procurement of medicines to ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective supply across the Trust.
• Lead discussions regarding the effectiveness of pharmacy delivery services and related contracts.
• Maintain and oversee the Medicines and Medicines Safety Policy along with all pharmacy Standard Operating Procedures.
• Keep accurate records for audit purposes and provide reports to the Trust Board on exceptions and risks.
• Lead and manage the Pharmacy Team effectively.
• Implement strategic recommendations from national initiatives, such as the NHS 10 Year Plan, to align HCT Pharmacy services with local and national objectives.
• Oversee the pharmaceutical aspects of medical gas provision.
• Participate in the Executive on-call rota and deputize for the Chief Medical Officer as necessary.

Qualifications

• Degree in pharmacy and a master’s level qualification in Pharmacy, along with one year of pre-registration training.
• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Specialist knowledge acquired at a post-degree level or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Significant post-registration experience relevant to the role.
• Experience in community or hospital pharmacy delivery and medicines management activities.
• Proven track record in managing a pharmacy service and team, including budget management.
• Experience in conducting prescribing audits and providing advice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with healthcare professionals and patients.
• Ability to understand clinical governance and risk management.
• Strong negotiation and cooperation skills, especially when dealing with complex and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to present complex issues to large audiences and analyze budgetary data.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from £94,356 to £108,814 per annum.
• Permanent contract with full-time working hours.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive and innovative healthcare environment.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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