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Job summary

Main area
Pharmacy
Grade
8a
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
252-7691608
Employer
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Darent Valley Hospital
Town
Dartford
Salary
£57,888 - £64,880 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/01/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust logo

Principal Pharmacist - Cardiology and Formulary

8a

Job overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Pharmacist to join our  Cardiology team at Darent Valley Hospital. This role, positioned at Band 8a, involves the leadership and development of clinical pharmacy services for the Cardiology department, both in inpatient and outpatient settings.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in formulary management: shaping medicine management strategies, supporting cost-saving initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care within the service.

Main duties of the job

As the Principal Pharmacist for Cardiology, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing pharmacy services within the department, working closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care.
Your duties will include monitoring prescriptions, providing pharmaceutical care plans and supporting the development of cost-effective prescribing practices. Additionally, you will lead on the DGT input to the regional formulary and ensure compliance with national and regional guidelines and technology appraisals.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In this role, you will oversee pharmaceutical services to the Cardiology service, including inpatient wards. You will act as a leader in the strategic development of pharmacy standards within the service and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Being formulary representative for DGT at the regional meetings to ensure the Trusts views are heard. As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to cost-saving initiatives, manage staff and support training and education efforts within the department. Additionally, you will work to enhance medication safety, contribute to clinical audits, and take an active role in the department’s continuous improvement efforts.

If you are a proactive, organised, and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role within our forward-thinking organisation.

Person specification

Education and Training

Essential criteria
  • GPhC registration as a pharmacist
  • Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
  • Independent prescriber (or working towards)
Desirable criteria
  • Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society
  • Management and leadership qualification
  • MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or other appropriate discipline
  • Practice Supervisor Accreditation or equivalent teaching accreditation

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist
  • Experience of writing protocols and standards
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting
  • Previous teaching/tutoring experience
Desirable criteria
  • Hospital Pharmacy Experience
  • Clinical Pharmacy teaching skills
  • Demonstrable use of audit/research to improve practice

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria
  • Broad pharmaceutical knowledge relating to general medicine and core medical specialities
  • Demonstrates knowledge of national and local guidelines relating to specialism that need to be adhered to
  • Advanced computer literacy including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Budgetary control skills
  • Awareness of current practice and policy affecting pharmacy practice in the NHS & understanding the NHS structure
Desirable criteria
  • Incident investigation/ root cause analysis
  • Risk management
  • Experience and knowledge of Cardiology medication use
  • Experience of Formulary (+/- regional formulary) structures and processes

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoAge positiveInvestors in PeopleCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerArmed Forces Covenant Bronze Award

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
James Hartwell
Job title
Lead Pharmacist - Performance & Medicines Value
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01322428523
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