Senior Pharmacist – Clinical Oncology & Aseptic Services - Hospital

Job Title: Senior Pharmacist – Clinical Oncology & Aseptic Services

Department: Pharmacy

Reports to: Head of Pharmacy Services, Head of Pharmacy Cancer Services

Overall Purpose of Job

The purpose of this role is to provide clinical oncology and aseptic resource in the provision of oncology services at client Hospital, in order to enhance pharmaceutical care to the patients of the Hospital, in accordance with the mission, values, vision and strategic plan of the Hospital.

As a key member of the Pharmacy Clinical Oncology Team, the post holder will be expected to provide clinical services to chemotherapy patients.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

The provision of clinical oncology and aseptic-based services, including the provision of advice to medical and nursing staff.

The performance of all duties and responsibilities in line with all Pharmacy Department procedures and protocols, as well as hospital wide procedures.

Participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the post.

Ensure best practice and compliance with agreed clinical guidelines.

Ensure that all departmental and hospital wide Health and Safety protocols and procedures are adhered to and all areas of non-compliance are promptly addressed.

Performance of such other duties appropriate to the post, including on call and the participation in extended opening rosters including weekend opening and other such services that may from time to time be introduced by the Director of Pharmacy Services.

Information Technology

Provides support to clinical staff on the use of automation/ E-prescribing.

Trains NCHDs and other clinicians in the use of the E-Prescribing system.

Be competent in the use of hospital-wide E-Prescribing (ward), as it applies to clinical duties.

Clinical Service Delivery

Clinical Ward based:

Participates in ward and clinical oncology pharmacy services and provides advice to ensure safe and cost-effective prescribing and drug expenditure control.

Undertakes Medicines reconciliation of patients admitted to hospital to ensure continuity of their medication and record relevant information in order to facilitate the discharge process. This involves communication with the patient, their GP and hospital medical staff and reference to the patient’s notes in order to obtain accurate details of medication, allergies and other relevant clinical information. This will involve checking of the patient’s own medication and assessing its suitability for use where appropriate

Monitors in-patient prescriptions for clinical accuracy and cost-effective prescribing.

Assesses the patient’s response to therapy, interprets blood results, and depending on their clinical parameters either adjusts drug doses in accordance with local procedures or advises the clinicians appropriately.

Advises on therapeutic drug monitoring as appropriate to ensure patients receive optimum and effective treatment.

Monitors and reports Adverse Drug Reactions that patients experience as a result of their medication in line with national guidance.

Act as a clinical role model and demonstrate the ability to provide safe, clinically effective and cost-efficient use of medicines for junior pharmacists

Develop and demonstrate expert clinical knowledge in appropriate areas.

Aseptic Services:

Is responsible for undertaking the technical check and final release for individually dispensed aseptic products prepared including adult intravenous additives and cytotoxic chemotherapy in accordance with the Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice, local procedures and policies, and safe systems of work (including Intrathecal Chemotherapy once on the Intrathecal Register).

Clinically checks and validates prescriptions received from wards for:

a) aseptic products for individual patient including drug / dose / appropriateness for CIVAS items;

b) protocol / dosing / dose intervals for chemotherapy; as permitted by local training

Is responsible for handling queries on preparation details / stabilities / calculations etc. and forwarding to the appropriate persons as required.

Clinical screening of chemotherapy prescriptions including oral chemotherapy, compassionate-use drugs, Intrathecal chemotherapy and non-standard regimens, once deemed competent by the Lead Oncology Pharmacist.

Facilitate the development of new oncology regimens and related policy.

Training and Development

Participates in in-service training and continuing education programmes within the department and Hospital.

Keeps abreast of current pharmaceutical practice and knowledge, attending meetings, courses or conferences as necessary, for Continuing Professional Development in accordance with national guidelines from the PSI/IIOP.

Inputs into the training of pharmacists, pre-registration pharmacy students, undergraduate pharmacy students, student pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technicians and other healthcare professionals, in relation to chemotherapy E-Prescribing and any associated changes to practice.

Participates in the training of hospital staff in pharmacy-related topics as necessary

Quality

Participate in the JCI Accreditation and adherence to standards and hospital-wide quality management programmes.

Ensure that the chemotherapy prescribing process is analysed and optimised by undertaking regular clinical/technical audits in relation to prescribing.

Carry-out risk assessments and effect change in a timely manner, where patient safety could be compromised.

Contribute to hospital–wide quality medication use and safety reports.

Input into the the development of protocols and guidelines designed to deliver optimal and economical patient care, in relation to chemocare E-Prescribing.

Reports all medication incidents in a timely fashion, via the approved reporting system and participates in any remedial actions that are designated the responsibility of the pharmacy department.

Flexibility

The above indicates the main duties of the post, which may be reviewed in the light of experience and developments within the service.

This post requires a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. The post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

Be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

Desirable:

Diploma/MSc in pharmacy practice (clinical)

Experience

Essential:

Have at least 3 years post-registration hospital experience, as appropriate, preferably specific experience in implementing e-prescribing

Has oncology pharmacy experience

Desirable:

Possess a high standard of administrative and managerial ability

Working or technical knowledge of new technologies including automation.

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a professional and dedicated attitude

Collaborate with Pharmacy management and other hospital departments to ensure delivery of an effective pharmacy service.

Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others

Contribute to the improvement of services

Desirable:

Experience in the process of developing protocols and guidelines

Experience in training and leadership