NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Internal applicants only - Fixed Term / Secondment until 31st March 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the SNEE Medicines Optimisation team for an enthusiastic self motivated Pharmacist to support the development and delivery of the Best Value Medicines Programme. This role provides a great development opportunity for the successful applicant to work with the Associate Director of Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy our project leads and place based teams to lead on the development and delivery of specific project workstreams. This role will focus on improving safety, quality and sustainable prescribing alongside delivering cost efficiencies. You will be provided with peer support and professional development to help you succeed in this varied and challenging role.

There are no requirements for weekend bank holiday or evening working. We promote flexible working for all team members offering a mix of remote and office environments which support a healthy work life balance.

For more information please contact Rachel Belton rachel.belton@snee.nhs.uk or Mark Cheeseman mark.cheeseman@snee.nhs.uk

Main duties of the job

To support the implementation delivery and monitoring of the ICBs medicines optimisation strategy to:

o improve health outcomes;

o reduce avoidable harm;

o avoid waste

To provide expert advice on matters relating to medicines optimisation and prescribing

To support SNEE ICBs commitment to commissioning services that are both safe and effective in meeting the needs of the local population and lead on the development of medicines pathways and services to deliver cost effective use of resources and improved patient outcomes and experience. This will include monitoring the delivery and outcomes of any services commissioned by the medicine optimisation team.

To lead and support system wide integration, working with wider health and care professionals to ensure that use of medicines in health and care delivery settings is joined up.

To improve the health of the population by optimising the use of medicines through:

o promoting the safe evidence based and cost effective use of medicines;

o providing up to date, unbiased information about treatments and care pathways;

o supporting practitioners and patients to make the best use of medicines;

o minimising the harm caused by medicines;

o developing local guidelines and care pathways to optimise the use of medicines;

o supporting other health and care providers to deliver medicines optimisation in a way that is high quality efficient safe well led timely and responsive effective and equitable.

About us

The NHS Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans and buys healthcare services for our population. This function is commonly referred to as commissioning. To do this, we work within a budget of around £1.5 billion, which is set by NHS England, and work closely with local government and the NHS providers in our area. Our performance is judged by how well our local health and care system as a whole is working, including the health outcomes of our communities.

The ICB has delegated some authority to the three health and wellbeing alliances that operate in Suffolk and North-East Essex to act on its behalf. This is to ensure that the needs of smaller, local areas are addressed.

The ICB remains accountable for all of its functions, including those it has delegated. Local residents have a big role to play in the operation of the ICB. We rely on the experiences and perspectives of our communities to help shape our decision-making.

Details

Date posted

10 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

D9710-ICB454

Job locations

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.

Person Specification

Equality & Diversity

Essential

  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Skills

Essential

  • Able to use a keyboard to enter clinical, prescribing or financial data with a very high degree of accuracy
  • Able to apply highly developed specialist knowledge when undertaking the review of patient records and complex prescribing patterns.
  • Able to document clinical information and recommendations accurately using nationally approved coding
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft:
  • oOutlook
  • oWord
  • oExcel
  • oPowerPoint
  • oPower BI (for data extraction and analysis)
  • Highly proficient in the use of:
  • oSystmOne
  • oEmis Web
  • Able to interrogate and interpret highly complex clinical, financial and prescribing data.
  • Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time in a busy environment and with multiple distractions interuptions, when clinical/financial accuracy is paramount.
  • Able to create clinical and or financial audits and interpret the results.
  • Able to disseminate information accurately and to facilitate collaborative working across organisational barriers.
  • Numerate and able to understand complex financial issues combined with deep analytical skills
  • Report writing skills
  • Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
  • Time Management and prioritisation Skills
  • Critical appraisal skills and ability to analyse clinical papers
  • Able to resolve conflict and overcome barriers in order to have difficult conversations and or challenge unwanted behaviours.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence.
  • Able to present information to a variety of people from professional and non professional backgrounds.
  • Able to establish positive relationships and mutual respect with people at all levels
  • Able to prepare and produce concise communications for dissemination to broad range of senior stakeholders

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Self motivated and able to motivate and lead others.
  • Able to maintain high standards of diplomacy and understands the principle of confidentiality
  • Demonstrates empathy and concerns for others
  • Can demonstrate a flexible approach

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrated experience in a healthcare provider or commissioning environment
  • Experience of using critical appraisal skills to aid decision making.
  • Experience in developing and implementing strategy, policy and change or innovation projects in specialist areas with potential to impact beyond own area of work
  • Experience of delivering contentious information in a hostile environment.
  • Experience of using recognised behaviour change techniques to influence a wide range of stakeholders
  • Experience of training presenting to large groups.
  • Experience of working with primary care and medicines optimisation
  • Experience of monitoring budgets and business planning processes
  • Experience of managing staff and other resources
  • Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence at senior management team level
  • Experience in leading on service development for a specialist area at a senior level
  • Experience of working as a member of a multi disciplinary team
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge in prescribing in primary care.
  • Robust knowledge of NHS structure and commissioning arrangements
  • Extensive knowledge of GP funding mechanisms, including those relating to Dispensing Doctors.
  • Robust understanding of finance and budget information
  • Extensive and specialist knowledge of the legal framework relating to medicines, prescribing and pharmacy
  • Robust understanding of the financial and contractual relationships between provider organisations
  • Knowledge and understanding of the prescribing and medicines optimisation challenges facing primary and secondary care
  • Thorough knowledge of NICE guidance and Technology appraisals

Desirable

  • Experience of working with the local authority, care homes and care home provider organisations
  • Experience in using sources of prescribing data e.g. ePACT2, Open Prescribing.
  • Knowledge of CQC and inspection process
  • Knowledge of community pharmacy funding mechanisms

Autonomy

Essential

  • Able to work autonomously as well as part of a team
  • Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work and can define the responsibilities of others
  • Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information working to tight and often changing timescales

Other

Essential

  • Able to use Visual Display Unit equipment for prolonged periods of time and on most working days.
  • Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
  • Able to work in a variety of environments, to include own home, office, GP practices and care homes.
  • Able to travel routinely and independently across Suffolk and North East Essex and occasionally further afield
  • Able to travel routinely between locations within the East of England and to travel outside the region, sometimes out of normal working hours

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters degree in Pharmacy or equivalent, with oneyear pre registration training
  • Further specialist knowledge acquired through diploma level training and experience in practice area.
  • Post-graduate qualification in leadership management or equivalent experience
  • Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacist
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Specialist knowledge acquired through non-medical independent prescribing qualification (nb. no prescribing will be undertaken as part of this role)
Person Specification

Equality & Diversity

Essential

  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Skills

Essential

  • Able to use a keyboard to enter clinical, prescribing or financial data with a very high degree of accuracy
  • Able to apply highly developed specialist knowledge when undertaking the review of patient records and complex prescribing patterns.
  • Able to document clinical information and recommendations accurately using nationally approved coding
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft:
  • oOutlook
  • oWord
  • oExcel
  • oPowerPoint
  • oPower BI (for data extraction and analysis)
  • Highly proficient in the use of:
  • oSystmOne
  • oEmis Web
  • Able to interrogate and interpret highly complex clinical, financial and prescribing data.
  • Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time in a busy environment and with multiple distractions interuptions, when clinical/financial accuracy is paramount.
  • Able to create clinical and or financial audits and interpret the results.
  • Able to disseminate information accurately and to facilitate collaborative working across organisational barriers.
  • Numerate and able to understand complex financial issues combined with deep analytical skills
  • Report writing skills
  • Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
  • Time Management and prioritisation Skills
  • Critical appraisal skills and ability to analyse clinical papers
  • Able to resolve conflict and overcome barriers in order to have difficult conversations and or challenge unwanted behaviours.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence.
  • Able to present information to a variety of people from professional and non professional backgrounds.
  • Able to establish positive relationships and mutual respect with people at all levels
  • Able to prepare and produce concise communications for dissemination to broad range of senior stakeholders

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Self motivated and able to motivate and lead others.
  • Able to maintain high standards of diplomacy and understands the principle of confidentiality
  • Demonstrates empathy and concerns for others
  • Can demonstrate a flexible approach

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrated experience in a healthcare provider or commissioning environment
  • Experience of using critical appraisal skills to aid decision making.
  • Experience in developing and implementing strategy, policy and change or innovation projects in specialist areas with potential to impact beyond own area of work
  • Experience of delivering contentious information in a hostile environment.
  • Experience of using recognised behaviour change techniques to influence a wide range of stakeholders
  • Experience of training presenting to large groups.
  • Experience of working with primary care and medicines optimisation
  • Experience of monitoring budgets and business planning processes
  • Experience of managing staff and other resources
  • Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence at senior management team level
  • Experience in leading on service development for a specialist area at a senior level
  • Experience of working as a member of a multi disciplinary team
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge in prescribing in primary care.
  • Robust knowledge of NHS structure and commissioning arrangements
  • Extensive knowledge of GP funding mechanisms, including those relating to Dispensing Doctors.
  • Robust understanding of finance and budget information
  • Extensive and specialist knowledge of the legal framework relating to medicines, prescribing and pharmacy
  • Robust understanding of the financial and contractual relationships between provider organisations
  • Knowledge and understanding of the prescribing and medicines optimisation challenges facing primary and secondary care
  • Thorough knowledge of NICE guidance and Technology appraisals

Desirable

  • Experience of working with the local authority, care homes and care home provider organisations
  • Experience in using sources of prescribing data e.g. ePACT2, Open Prescribing.
  • Knowledge of CQC and inspection process
  • Knowledge of community pharmacy funding mechanisms

Autonomy

Essential

  • Able to work autonomously as well as part of a team
  • Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work and can define the responsibilities of others
  • Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information working to tight and often changing timescales

Other

Essential

  • Able to use Visual Display Unit equipment for prolonged periods of time and on most working days.
  • Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
  • Able to work in a variety of environments, to include own home, office, GP practices and care homes.
  • Able to travel routinely and independently across Suffolk and North East Essex and occasionally further afield
  • Able to travel routinely between locations within the East of England and to travel outside the region, sometimes out of normal working hours

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters degree in Pharmacy or equivalent, with oneyear pre registration training
  • Further specialist knowledge acquired through diploma level training and experience in practice area.
  • Post-graduate qualification in leadership management or equivalent experience
  • Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacist
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Specialist knowledge acquired through non-medical independent prescribing qualification (nb. no prescribing will be undertaken as part of this role)

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Address

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Employer's website

https://suffolkandnortheastessex.icb.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Address

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Employer's website

https://suffolkandnortheastessex.icb.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

10 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

D9710-ICB454

Job locations

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Supporting documents

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