Chief II Pharmacist Informatics - Temporary (05.047 (2023))

Temporary Full-Time

Job Details


Job Title:                                            Lead Informatics Pharmacist (Chief II Pharmacist)
                                                            Specified Purpose Contract (Maternity leave cover)
Reference No:                                  05.047 (2023)
Department / Directorate:           Pharmacy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to:                                         Head of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Operations Manager

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.   
One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin -  TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 
The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.

TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.

A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us


purpose of the role:
The successful candidate will play a key role in the planning, implementation, development and maintenance of digital solutions to support Pharmacy and Medicines Management in Tallaght University Hospital
  • Support the provision and development of comprehensive digital solutions for Pharmacy and medicines management in TUH.
  • Support the set-up, implementation and monitoring of digital solutions for medicines management in TUH
  • Apply a critical approach to medicines management processes utilizing digital solutions where possible, and conduct research/audit to identify areas for improvement.
  • Act as an expert resource on the safe and effective use of digital solutions for medicines management in TUH.
  • Lead safe and effective use of digital solutions for medicines management in TUH.
  • Support clinical governance processes, such as incident reporting and investigation, complaint handling, development of guidelines, policies and procedures, and the monitoring and evaluation of digital solutions services for medicines management.
  • Provide assurance to TUH on the safe, effective and efficient use of digital solutions for medicines management in TUH.
  • Support the provision of relevant evaluated financial data on medicines expenditure, income, and cost saving or avoidance initiatives where digital solutions for medicines management have been employed.
  • Act as a role model to junior staff through supporting their learning and development
  • Support the education of pharmacy and other multidisciplinary staff groups on relevant medicines-related matters.
  • The Pharmacy Informatics Team includes all Pharmacy staff working in that division of the Pharmacy service.
overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead key Medicines Management ICT projects including implementation of
    • Pharmacy Automated Dispensing System
    • Pharmacy Software System
    • Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration
    • Automated Dispensing Cabinets
    • A single hospital medicine database
  • Lead role in the education and training of TUH staff in the use of Medicines Management ICT Systems.
  • Identify and implement operational processes to the standards of best practice in order to optimise use of resources and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
  • Recruit, train and lead a Pharmacy Informatics team of skilled staff, creating and promoting healthy working relationships.
  • Liaise with Dispensary Manager, Aseptic Unit Manager, Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager, the Pharmacy Education & Research Manager and other Pharmacy Managers in the management of staff rosters.
  • Assist the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager in establishing pharmaceutical service level agreements where appropriate.
  • Lead maintenance of key Medicine Management ICT software systems/hardware ensuring continued development and operation of all systems including
    • Pharmacy Automated Dispensing System
    • Pharmacy Software System
    • Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration
    • Automated Dispensing Cabinets
    • A single hospital medicine database
  • Support the Leader of Pharmacy Education & Research by promoting practice research in the provision of education and training to staff and students
  • Support the work of the Medication Safety Manager by ensuring that the Pharmacy Informatics Team assist promptly with medication safety incidents and activities.
  • Support the work of the formulary development pharmacist by ensuring that the Pharmacy Informatics Team assist promptly with promptly with formulary activities.
  • Identify own training and personal development needs. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal and professional development (CPD),
  • Ensure that the Pharmacy Informatics Team makes the best use of information technology for patient care.  Understand the limitations of existing systems and seek to improve technology.
  • Any other duties assigned by the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager
 
  • Leadership
 
    • ead changes in work, procedures, techniques or technologies having regard to developments in the field of ICT and its application to medicines management in a modern acute healthcare setting.
    • Lead the Pharmacy Informatics Team to ensure that medicines usage is in line with best practice, implementing the Pharmacy and Organisation’s strategy.
    • Ensure that the safety and efficiency of the Pharmacy services is validated by quality assurance activities.
    • Identify risks in relation to medicines use, and support the development and implementation of strategies aimed at risk reduction
    • Lead the Pharmacy Informatics Team, applying maximum delegation compatible with safety
    • Ensure that work schedules and work programmes are created to provide for the most effective and efficient deployment of staff and other resources.  This will involve close liaison with other pharmacy divisional leaders to facilitate staff rotation & deployment
    • Develop, implement, monitor and maintain strategies for documenting and evaluating the contributions of the Pharmacy Informatics Team and technology to TUH Medicines Management.
    • Participate in the management of the pharmacy dept. as required.

Staff Management
    • Lead by example a professional, punctual and dedicated Pharmacy Informatics team
    • Liaise with the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager to ensure effective recruitment and selection of staff
    • Evaluate training needs of individual staff and ensure that training matches the requirements of the job
    • Create, promote and maintain clear, open communications and healthy working relationships.  Stimulate initiative among team members
    • Motivate team members, through the use of agreed goals and objectives and performance review
    • Maintain teamwork and only when necessary take action in accordance with the hospital’s disciplinary policy
    • Ensure required training is completed by all members of the Pharmacy Informatics team e.g. Mandatory Training as per hospital policy.
    • Manage staff absences in line with hospital policy e.g. completing return to work meetings
    • Delegate authority appropriately to more junior members of staff, and evaluate their performance against identified criteria
Financial
    • Liaise with the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager to ensure that expenditure on medicines and staff is controlled within the Departmental budget
    • Liaise with the Formulary Development Pharmacist in relation to costing of new drugs and formulary changes.
    • Seek out opportunities to ensure the cost effective use of medicines in TUH using ICT developments medicines management developments where possible
    • Develop business cases seeking approval from the Head of Pharmacy and Hospital Management for the development of pharmacy and medicines management  technology.
    • Ensure that departmental or organisational policies (e.g. generic prescribing, generic substitution, compliance with formulary guidelines) are enforced

Quality Improvement
    • Lead the application of quality improvement tools and methods (e.g. brainstorming, priority matrix, control charts, cause and effect analysis) to improve systematically the pharmaceutical care of patients
    • Promote and engage in team work with medical, nursing and pharmacy staff to improve the quality of the medication use process
    • Apply statistical methods to analyse data from routine collection systems, medication use evaluations and audits, and take action to bring about improvement using data driven decisions
    • Collect, interpret and present to the Head of Pharmacy data and information on Pharmacy and medicines management ICT activities and expenditure.
 
Organisational
 
    • Co-ordinate service delivery with pharmacy staff in the Clinical Pharmacy, Dispensary and Aseptic Unit services.  Specifically, coordinate the rostering of staff as required.
    • In co-operation with the Pharmacy Dispensary Manager ensure seamless supply of medication to all clinical areas. Utilise and promote technology where available. Seek additional resources where possible.
    • Act as a mentor to junior pharmacy staff, and an educational supervisor when required.
    • Approve leave in line with the Pharmacy Department's Leave Policy.
    • Complete Pregnancy risk assessments for Pharmacy Informatics staff
    • Lead the provision of induction training to new Pharmacy staff in the pharmacy Informatics team.
    • Contribute to the pharmacy response to medication shortages.
    • Ensure practice relating to medicines management in ICT and technology is supported by adequate policies and procedures.
    • Expand services as required by demand in line with available resources.
    • Prepare risk assessments as required
 

Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
  • Be registered in the Register of Pharmacists as maintained by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, or be entitled to be so registered
  • Have not less than five years’ satisfactory post registration hospital experience
  • Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
  • Possess a high standard of administrative, managerial or business ability
Desirable:
  • Have relevant experience of management in a hospital pharmacy setting, including staff supervision and service delivery
  • Implementation and Management of Pharmacy and/or Medicines Management Technologies in an acute hospital setting
  • A relevant post-graduate qualification
  • Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams and promoting good communications
Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3271.
  • The appointment is Temporary Specified Purpose Contract (maternity leave cover), whole time and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 37 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.

Informal Enquiries to:                       John O’Byrne Acting Head of Pharmacy –
Telephone (01) 4142561 or email john.obyrne@tuh.ie
Closing Date:                                      Before close of business on:  7th June 2023



TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area Competency Level
Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 5
Managing the service Delivery of Results 5
Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 5
Managing Change Communications & Influencing 5
Managing Yourself Team player 5
Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 5
Managing People People Management 5
Managing People Leadership 4


Please go to www.tuh.ie/careers for details of the core competencies




 
 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.


Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.




Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c)        Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a)        If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b)        If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c)        If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.


Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated           Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.