Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The Southampton Oncology Centre is one of the largest in the country with medical and clinical oncology specialities as well as a large haematopoietic stem cell transplant unit.

As a tertiary referral centre we treat both common and rare tumours, making it an exciting and innovative place to work. The Centre has close links with Southampton University, there is a research facility on site and clinical trials are a huge part of our work.

This post is focussed around fulfilling the diverse pharmaceutical needs of the oncology centre to ensure that we provide an exceptional patient experience with a specific interest in clinical trials and e-prescribing.

The oncology pharmacy team provides a comprehensive clinical pharmacy service to four out-patient treatment areas, six in-patient wards and a clinical research facility.

We are looking to appoint an experienced oncology pharmacist to continue building our specialist cancer pharmacy team

This post is based in the oncology pharmacy, which serves the Southampton Oncology Centre. We are one of the largest oncology centres in the country with medical and clinical oncology specialities as well as a large haematology service, encompassing the Wessex Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMT).

This post is principally focussed around the needs of adult as well as teenage and young adult patients with solid and haematological tumours with a clinical trial perspective.  Depending on the candidate and their experience we will also be looking for them to support the development of our inhouse compounding system. 

The pharmacy service to cancer care serves five in-patient wards, three out-patient areas, several out-reach clinics and an expanding home care service The in-patient areas include medical and clinical oncology wards, an acute oncology review and admissions service. Pharmacists, are integral members of the in-patient clinical teams contributing to patient care through attendance on consultant ward rounds, advising other members of the MDT, assisting with admission and discharges, conducting research and audits, providing education among a multitude of other activities. This role is fully supported by our medicines management technicians. There are ample opportunities to develop and run your own out-patient prescribing clinics, we have four such clinics in place with plans for more.

You will be expected to act as a clinical role model for the band seven cancer pharmacists and will be given the opportunity to directly manage some of these staff, fully supported by the principal pharmacist for cancer services.

As a pharmacy department we also manage the chemotherapy electronic prescribing system that is a networked system covering six local acute Trusts including two cancer centres. You will be integral in developing and supporting the operational management of the system including writing and validating protocols.

Cancer is one of the priority clinical areas for the Trust. We moved, in July 2021, into a purpose-built oncology pharmacy, Platinum House which was designed by oncology pharmacy staff. We are now designing an off-site licensed aseptic unit that is due to open in 2024. This will not only extend the current capacity but will incorporate new models of working such as ambulatory care and new treatments such as gene therapy and ATIMPS. The Centre has close links with Southampton University, there is a research facility on site. Clinical trials, including phase 1, are a huge part of our work. We are one of the top ten performing Trusts in the country in terms of recruitment into trials. Southampton an exciting and innovative place to work.

Clinical training will be given in all relevant areas. In return we expect a commitment to personal development including self-directed learning and attendance at local and national courses.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast. 

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.