Accountable Pharmacist (Technical Services)

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Are you a Deputy Accountable Pharmacist or Authorised Pharmacist looking to progress?

We are seeking an experienced and innovative technical services pharmacist to lead our Northern Technical Services Unit (NTSU) in Barnstaple, North Devon, which is currently undergoing an exciting refurbishment.

As the Accountable Pharmacist, you will take a lead role in overseeing the aseptic preparation of chemotherapy, CIVAS, clinical trials, and advanced products, providing expert advice and problem-solving in this highly specialised area.

You will lead and develop a skilled team of pharmacists, product approvers and technicians, ensuring high standards of patient care and regulatory compliance. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with technical services, quality assurance teams, and clinical colleagues across Barnstaple and Exeter. You will be supported and managed through a close working relationship with our Principal Pharmacist for Technical Services, who is part of the senior pharmacy leadership team.

Relocation support is available for eligible candidates.

Main duties of the job

As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients stay healthy when they need it most.

Job responsibilities

We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic and experienced technical services pharmacist to join the pharmacy team at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to lead, manage and deliver a high quality, patient-focused technical service to our Northern services patients in Barnstaple.

You will fulfil the role of Accountable Pharmacist responsible for the provision of chemotherapy, CIVAS, clinical trials, advanced products prepared and released under Section 10 exemption at our Northern Technical Services Unit (NTSU) in Barnstaple. This is a unique role which will allow you to develop your specialist technical skillset supported by the Trust Principal Pharmacist for Technical Services.

The successful post holder will already have experience of working in an aseptic production or Quality Control environment with cleanroom and isolator technology and be familiar with GMP, GCP, Section 10 and MHRA standards.

You will be an excellent communicator interacting with healthcare professionals and patients working to resolve any medication issues should they arise.

You should be highly self-motivated with an ability to plan, organise and work flexibly, independently and as part of a wider team.

This post is based within the NTSU in Barnstaple but the post holder will be required to travel on an occasional basis to other Trust locations (eg Wonford, Exeter) as required for meetings and training.

Main duties of the job

1. To act as an Accountable Pharmacist within NTSU responsible for the provision of chemotherapy, CIVAS, trials, advanced products prepared and released under Section 10 exemption.
2. To ensure all aseptic preparation and requirements of the site quality management system are compliant with and carried out in accordance with the current edition of professional standards, Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services (QAAPS), national and NHS guidance.
3. To lead, manage and supervise the day-to-day operation of the aseptic unit, working collaboratively with staff in the unit and wider pharmacy and clinical teams.
4. To ensure service delivery meets the needs of our patients.
5. To monitor quality measures and implement progress against agreed audit action plans within agreed timescales where relevant.
6. To report, appropriately investigate and escalate incidents relating to aseptically prepared medicines.
7. To line manage the Senior Quality Assurance Technician and Lead Technical Services Technician for Northern Services.
8. You will be responsible for planning and organising your own workload using your experience and professional judgement to problem-solve providing technical specialist advice to the team and clinical colleagues.

This post has been identified as involving access to vulnerable adults and/or children and in line with Trust policy successful applicants will be required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Check/Enhanced Disclosure Check.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week

For more information please contact: Yvonne Palmer, Principal Pharmacist Technical Services on or .

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.