Pharmacist - Cancer Services

Job summary

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for a Pharmacist to join our training rotation designed for cancer services Pharmacists. This role can be offered as a development opportunity from band 6 to 7.

In this role, you will be based in our brand new Dyson Cancer Centre which opened in April 2024, and will join a friendly pharmacy team who are fully integrated into the oncology and haematology multidisciplinary team. We have our own specialist pharmacy hub specifically to support haematology and oncology services.

In this rotational post you will gain a breadth of experience of all aspects of our services for adult oncology and haematology patients. You will make a difference carrying out patient facing activities supporting patients in managing their cancer treatment both as inpatients and outpatients, clinical trials and research, clinical screening, aseptic services and other cancer related functions including management of patients with cancer associated thromboses.

You will be supported by a team of experienced cancer services and aseptic services pharmacists and technicians and will undertake a competency-based training programme in all aspects of the role.

Cancer pharmacists at the Royal United Hospital have well established roles prescribing intravenous and oral anti-cancer treatments for a range of different cancers.

Main duties of the job

The role will be carried out on a rotational basis, allowing you the opportunity to develop specialist skills in all aspects of adult oncology and haematology patients, including:

1. Proactive, and timely, communication with colleagues (for example MMTs) around the day-to-day delivery of a pharmacy service to the brand new Oncology/Haematology ward.
2. Prioritising workload during the ward visit and advising senior pharmacy colleagues of any issues precluding the safe delivery of a clinical pharmacy service during the allocated visit time.

Outpatients and clinics -Clinically check prescriptions received for Oncology/Haematology patients attending outpatient clinics ensuring that:

• Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) is prescribed following approved protocols.
• SACT prescribing is, where appropriate, in accordance with NICE guidelines.
• Funding arrangements are in place prior to treatment commencing.
• Doses are correct, taking into account laboratory results, dose reductions, previous treatment.
• Any supportive medicines required, have been prescribed.

Aseptic Services Unit

• Act as an Authorised Pharmacist within the aseptic unit supervising the aseptic process and aseptic unit staff.

Clinical duties -Participate in the pharmacy aspects of clinical trials which may include clinical screening of Oncology/Haematology clinical trial prescriptions and assisting in the set-up of new clinical trials.

Respond to medicine related queries from patients and other members of the healthcare team.

About us

At the RUH we're proud to put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone's contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.

We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks - celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.

We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We've even got a pool!

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we're providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.

Date posted: 14 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £37,338 to £52,809 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 427-6871180-C

Job locations: Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training Essential

• Degree and/or Masters in Pharmacy
• Pre-registration training and experience or equivalent.
• Registered as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or evidence of working towards this. Equivalent experience would be considered (band 7).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
• Member of the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA).
• Aseptic services further qualification or evidence of aseptic training.
• Non-medical prescriber (or must be willing to undertake this if requested).

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Experience working in hospital pharmacy.
• Knowledge of common cancers and management of those cancers.
• Knowledge of side effects of anti-cancer treatments and management of side effects.
• Knowledge of the hazards associated with cytotoxic drugs.

Desirable

• Experience of working in Oncology/Haematology.
• Knowledge of the management of cancer-associated thrombosis.
• Up to date knowledge of anti-cancer treatment protocols and how to interpret them.
• Knowledge and post-registration experience in Aseptic Unit.
• Experience of service development.
• Knowledge of the principles of Quality Assurance (QA).
• Experience in supervising Pharmacists, Pharmacy technicians and students.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Employer's website: https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/