Principal Pharmacist
Location
Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
Hours
37.5 hours per week, on-site
Reports To
Dispensary Manager and Superintendent Pharmacist
Job Purpose
The Principal Pharmacist is responsible for providing professional clinical oversight of the pharmacy's dispensing activities, ensuring that all medicines are supplied safely, legally and in accordance with current legislation, professional standards and company procedures.
The role includes the clinical screening and dispensing of medicinal cannabis prescriptions, providing pharmaceutical advice to colleagues and patients, maintaining high standards of governance, and supporting the safe and effective operation of the pharmacy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Clinically screen and verify prescriptions for appropriateness, legality and patient safety.
- Ensure the safe and accurate dispensing of medicines, including Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs.
- Provide professional pharmaceutical advice to patients, prescribers and colleagues.
- Identify and resolve prescribing queries through communication with prescribers where appropriate.
- Undertake the final accuracy check of dispensed medicines where applicable.
- Promote the safe and effective use of medicines through counselling and patient education.
- Monitor for potential interactions, contraindications and other clinical risks.
Professional Responsibilities
- Practise in accordance with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Standards.
- Maintain professional registration and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Work within all relevant legislation including:
- Human Medicines Regulations
- Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations
- Controlled Drug requirements
- Data Protection legislation
- GPhC Standards for Registered Pharmacies
- Exercise professional judgement to safeguard patients at all times.
- Escalate clinical or governance concerns appropriately.
Operational Responsibilities
- Support the efficient day-to-day running of the pharmacy.
- Maintain accurate pharmacy records and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Participate in audits, quality assurance activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with stock management and the secure storage of medicines, including Controlled Drugs.
- Report incidents, near misses and dispensing errors in accordance with company procedures.
- Support business continuity and service delivery.
Governance and Quality
- Contribute to maintaining a safe and compliant pharmacy environment.
- Support inspections and regulatory visits.
- Assist in reviewing and developing pharmacy procedures where required.
- Participate in clinical governance meetings and quality improvement activities.
- Maintain confidentiality and information governance standards.
Team Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with pharmacists, dispensers, technicians and administrative staff.
- Provide support and guidance to colleagues where appropriate.
- Promote a positive, patient-focused working culture.
- Assist in training and mentoring less experienced members of the pharmacy team where required.
Essential Qualifications
- Registered Pharmacist in good standing with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Eligible and legally entitled to practise as a pharmacist within the United Kingdom.
- Able to fulfil the professional duties and responsibilities of a registered pharmacist.
Essential Experience
- Minimum of two years' post-registration experience practising as a pharmacist within the UK.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience dispensing medicinal cannabis prescriptions.
- Experience handling Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs.
- Experience working with private prescriptions.
- Experience working within a distance selling pharmacy.
- Experience using electronic prescribing and pharmacy dispensing systems.
Knowledge and Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent clinical knowledge and professional judgement.
- Sound understanding of UK pharmacy legislation and professional standards.
- Knowledge of Controlled Drug legislation and governance.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Competence in pharmacy IT systems.
- Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to patient safety and continuous quality improvement.
- Understanding of confidentiality, information governance and data protection requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Professional and ethical at all times.
- Patient-centred approach.
- Reliable and dependable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Positive and collaborative attitude.
- Committed to continuous learning and development.
- High standards of integrity and accountability.
Working Conditions
- Based on-site at the company's pharmacy premises in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire.
- 37.5 hours per week.
- May occasionally be required to work additional hours to meet operational needs.
- Must comply with all company policies, health and safety requirements and pharmacy governance procedures.
Pay: £35,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
