Pharmacists
Pharmacists
About the department
Our innovative pharmacy department works in partnership with organisations across the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) and Integrated Care System (ICS) to support patients in getting the most from medicines wherever they are. This is called medicine optimisation. In the hospital, the work of the pharmacy department is varied and exciting depending on your role but all roles contribute to the safe and effective supply of medicines to patients.
The department is a lively and friendly place to work where everyone is valued and an equally important part of the team. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, a wide range of benefits, and access to good transport links in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
About the role
Hospital pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team, working closely with others to deliver patient care.
There is a lot of variety in our hospital pharmacy in terms of what you can do and you will always be working as part of a team. You might get involved in manufacturing, developing, testing, supplying and monitoring the effectiveness of all of the medicines used in the hospital. You will also provide advice to other healthcare professionals as well as patients, and may evaluate medicines and develop protocols.
You can then specialise later in your career in conditions such as mental health, cancer (oncology) and the heart (cardiology); and specialist areas of practice, such as paediatrics (child health) and the care of older people. Pharmacists also work in urgent and emergency medicine departments, quality assurance, clinical trials, and in our Medicines Resource Centre teams.
You will have opportunities to progress into management or teaching roles within the hospital and work closely with other healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses.
Career routes
To practice as a pharmacist, you need to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The GPhC specify criteria for the initial registration, and for those returning to practice in the UK. In the UK this is achieved through a four year Masters in Pharmacy degree, plus one year as a pre-registration pharmacist (this is under national review). Additionally, the GPhC determine the requirements for overseas qualified pharmacists. For additional info see: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/registration/registering-pharmacist
Mini case study
Neri Deliisenova, Specialist Rotational Pharmacist
My main duties and responsibilities on the ward include undertaking medicines reconciliations, ordering medications, reviewing drug charts, completing discharge letters and counselling patients on their medications. I provide advice to doctors and nurses and supervise and support pre-registration and newly qualified pharmacists. I also complete audits, report and investigate medication errors and take part in education and training for junior doctors and pharmacists. My other duties include outpatients and dispensary slots, late night duty once a week and on-calls once or twice a month.
I like the patient contact and being able to make a difference to patients and their treatment, but what I like the most about my job is being part of a multidisciplinary team – working with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. When they ask for my opinion or advice it makes me feel a trusted and valued member of the team.
I like the friendly and social team of junior pharmacists and the support I get from senior colleagues. Having rotated through many different areas and three different Trust sites I have got to know a lot of people and make friends across the organisation.
