Band 8a - Advanced EPMA Pharmacist, Pharmacy
Job summary
We are seeking an Advanced Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) Pharmacist. It is an exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust following the successful implementation of Oracle Cerner in 2021 and Cleo EPS in 2026.
The focus is on continuing to embed the use of the Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system, further optimising it to enhance patient outcomes and to support the go-live of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).
The Advanced EPMA Pharmacist plays a pivotal role within the EPMA team, contributing to system management and development. The post holder will use their expertise to support the design and configuration of the system and to lead digital innovation.
The WHTH Pharmacy and Electronic Patient Record (EPR) departments actively promote wellbeing and professional development, supporting each other in a collaborative environment. The Trust is committed to investing in new digital technologies to improve both patient care and staff experience.
This role is offered on a full-time basis, with flexible working options available, including home or remote working. Consideration will also be given to part-time working.
Main duties of the job
Key aspects of the role include:
Supporting EPMA and EPS system configuration, system development and testing.
Training and supporting all staff involved with the EPMA and EPS process (pharmacy, prescribers, nurses and other allied health professionals).
Working alongside the Pharmacy Team Lead to deal effectively with workflow and technical issues reported by end users.
To act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for EPMA and EPS for the Trust - encouraging and supporting safe use of the system.
Aid investigation of medication related incidents and optimise the system to reduce medication related risk, alongside the multidisciplinary team and Trust governance body.
Independently scope change requests and pioneer digital innovation.
Analyse data to promote benefits realisation and drive outcomes.
We are looking for someone who can effectively manage competing demands while working with a wide range of stakeholders who may have different priorities. A genuine interest in digital innovation is essential, and experience with electronic prescribing systems would be an advantage.
The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust to co-design practical and effective solutions is also key.
The EPR and Pharmacy department will support the postholder's continuous professional development through a wide range of opportunities and experiences.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
- MPharm (or equivalent overseas degree).
- Registered with General Pharmaceutical Council.
- MSc/Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy Practice (or equivalent).
- Management and leadership training/qualification.
- Independent Prescribing qualification.
- Quality Improvement qualification.
- Project Management qualification.
- Digital qualification or course, preferably in Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge:
- Expert clinical knowledge and skills relevant to area of practice.
- In depth therapeutic and clinical knowledge and understanding of the principles of evidence-based healthcare.
- Up to date knowledge of national pharmacy/NHS issues and medicines legislation.
- Advanced data analysis and critical appraisal skills.
- Understanding of NHS national and local priorities (e.g. NHS Digital).
- Maintains personal CPD portfolio.
- Proficient in using MS Office applications.
- Excellent knowledge of digital prescribing and administration systems, relating to all aspects of medicines management.
Experience:
- Hospital pharmacy experience.
- Experience of leading a team - delegate authority appropriately, set objectives, manage performance, according to Trust policies.
- Experience in recruitment.
- Experience in coaching and motivating others to maximise performance.
- Demonstrable ability to use audit to improve service or clinical outcomes.
- Understanding of the principles of research.
- Able to analyse and interpret complex clinical information where there are a range of facts requiring analysis and where a range of options need to be compared and present them confidently to various stakeholders.
- Able to identify and manage risks (clinical, digital and financial) and follow governance processes.
- Experience of delivering education and training in a variety of formats.
- Able to communicate effectively both in written and verbal formats with staff and patients.
- Experience in managing and reconciling conflicting priorities.
- Demonstrates initiative particularly in relation to problem solving and negotiating.
- Able to carry out day to day responsibilities meticulously and deal effectively with unpredictable/acute demands.
- Experience in IT and electronic prescribing systems, preferably Oracle Cerner.
- Justification of advice given should this be challenged.
- Partnership working across primary and secondary care interface.
- Partnership working across organisations.
- Leading and managing a significant change and introducing innovation.
- Experience of line management of a direct report.
- Experience of implementing a digital system.
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 Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Employer's website
http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk