Lead Specialist Pharmacist, Rheumatology

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic Specialist Pharmacist to lead our pharmacy team in developing and delivering of a high-quality, specialised pharmacy service for the Rheumatology division across the Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic, innovative, and friendly team dedicated to improving Rheumatology services. In this key role, you will work as part of an established multidisciplinary team and be responsible for leading and shaping high-quality clinical pharmacy services in rheumatology across both inpatient and outpatient settings. You will play a crucial role in patient education, monitoring, and safe prescribing practices, ensuring adherence to national guidelines and local policies

The post holder will work closely with Rheumatology Consultants, Pharmacy Managers, and the General Manager for the service to lead pharmacist-led outpatient clinics, including biologic and DMARD monitoring clinics, as well as oversee inpatient pharmaceutical care within the Rheumatology service.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills, be adaptable, and lead a team with strong problem-solving and time management abilities. Applicants must be currently registered with the GPhC as a pharmacist and have completed the clinical pharmacist diploma. An independent prescribing qualification is essential.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will join our Pharmacy team and will lead on the development and delivery of a specialist rheumatology pharmacy service across the Trust, including liaising with primary care colleagues.

Provide expert advice on the management and monitoring of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, biosimilars, and other rheumatology therapies.

Lead and run pharmacist-led outpatient clinics to monitor treatment efficacy, safety, and patient adherence.

Oversee and coordinate pharmaceutical care for inpatients within the Rheumatology division.

Collaborate with consultants, multidisciplinary teams, pharmacy managers, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.

Develop, implement, and review clinical guidelines, protocols and pathways specific to rheumatology pharmacy services.

Identify and deliver education and training to pharmacy staff, medical teams, and nursing staff within the specialty.

Participate in audits, quality improvement projects, and research initiatives related to rheumatology pharmacotherapy.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advances in rheumatology medicines and NHS policy.

About us

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) cares for the people of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and beyond.

Our team of more than 8,200 clinical and support staff serve a diverse population of almost one million people.

We run major acute services at:

• Northwick Park Hospital: home to one of the busiest emergency departments (A&E) in the country. The hospital provides a full range of services including the country's top-rated hyper-acute stroke unit and one of only three hyper-acute rehabilitation units in the UK
• St Mark's Hospital: an internationally renowned specialist centre for bowel disease
• Ealing Hospital: a busy district general hospital providing a range of clinical services, as well as 24/7 emergency department and urgent care centre, and specialist care at Meadow House Hospice
• Central Middlesex Hospital: our planned care site, hosting a range of surgical and outpatient services and collocated with an urgent care centre.

We are a university teaching NHS trust, in recognition of the important role we play in training clinicians of the future and bringing the benefits of research to the public.