Senior Pharmacist (08.023 (2022)

Full-Time

Job Details


Job Title:                                             Senior Clinical Pharmacist
Reference No:                                   08.023  (2022)
Department / Directorate:              Pharmacy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to:                                         Deputy Head of Pharmacy

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is an exciting and dynamic place to work. The team at the Hospital are in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy that has already delivered on the opening of a new renal unit, day surgery centre, step down facility in the community and the start of building works on a new ICU extension. 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 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 50 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a national urology centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, a regional orthopaedic trauma centre and a designated trauma unit.

TUH is one of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin - specialising in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as medicine nursing, health and social care professionals, emergency medicine and surgery, amongst many others. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 

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 role of the Senior Clinical Pharmacist will include dispensing medication prescribed by Medical Professionals to patients.  Another aspect of this role is to recommend administration routes and dosages, all of which are dependent on an individual's needs.  In addition to performing the full range of operational level duties, the Senior Clinical Pharmacist will also be responsible for supervising Basic Grades / Students and participate in their continuing professional training and development.

overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Report to the Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager in relation to clinical activities. When rostered in the dispensary, report to the Pharmacy Dispensary Manager
  • Report to the Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager in relation to clinical activities. When rostered in the dispensary, report to the Pharmacy Dispensary Manager
  • Provide clinical pharmacy input into the care of patients in close co-operation with medical and nursing staff, and in accordance with departmental resource allocations and prioritisation procedures.  This will include ward-based chart review and clinical input on all aspects of the medication use process. This will include the provision of a Collaborative Pharmaceutical Care in Tallaght Hospital (PACT) service required to support and sustain Medication Reconciliation, inpatient pharmaceutical care and collaborative prescribing
  • Work to ensure optimal patient outcomes from drug therapy. This will involve providing help and advice to patients on all aspects of therapy, advising on available schemes to minimise the financial burden on the patient, and collaborating with community pharmacists to ensure continuity of supply of medication where necessary
  • Complete projects as assigned by managers with in the Pharmacy Department
  • Participate in policy formation and development of the clinical pharmacy service under the leadership of the Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager
  • Participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the post
  • Participate in the on-call and weekend service duty roster
  • Participate in the dispensary roster as specified by the Pharmacy Dispensary Manager, in co-ordination with the Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager
  • Participate in the pharmaceutical service as part of a professional, punctual and dedicated team
  • Create, promote and maintain open communications and healthy working relationships
  • Maintain the principles of equity, accountability and quality of service in daily work
 
  • Ensure that expenditure on medicines in his/her area of responsibility is controlled within budget, in line with targets set by the Head of Pharmacy
  • Be accountable to the Deputy Head of Pharmacy on a monthly basis for explanation of expenditure trends in his/her area of responsibility, based on reports from the computer system
  • Be responsible to ensure the cost-effective use of medication.  The post holder will be expected to show initiative in advising the Deputy Head of Pharmacy and/or Head of Pharmacy about any changes in practice likely to lead to significant changes in expenditure or purchasing patterns
  • Be expected to encourage medical staff to make cost effective choices and to create protocols and guidelines designed to deliver optimal care economically
  • To ensure best practice and compliance with guidelines, the post holder will offer advice and intervene where appropriate, will actively participate in agreed ward rounds and will mentor less experienced staff as the need arises
  • Collect and record daily activity data, using the technology supplied, to facilitate feedback to management, medical and pharmacy staff
  • To facilitate the safe, effective and consistent use of medications, the post holder will be responsible for the formulation of policies and procedures relating to the use of medications within his/her area of responsibility, in collaboration with medical and nursing colleagues.  The post holder will liaise with the Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager in this respect
  • To ensure that the medication use process is measured, analysed and optimised the post holder will undertake regular clinical audit
  • To ensure continuity of service the post holder will be responsible for the hand-over of pertinent information to other pharmacists at appropriate times (such as holidays).  The post holder must also keep the on-call pharmacist appraised of any issues deemed appropriate.  The post holder will also ensure that all pharmacy staff are kept aware of new developments and practices in his/her area of responsibility
  • The post holder will participate in the teaching of undergraduate, pre-registration and master’s degree pharmacists.  This may involve provision of lectures and workshops as well as ward-based tutelage.  This will be done in liaison with the Leader of Education & Research
  • The post holder will participate in regular departmental in-service education meetings both in the Pharmacy Department and in his/her area of responsibility
  • As part of the academic mission of the Pharmacy Department, the post holder will participate in any medication related research carried out in his/her area of responsibility
  • The post holder will look for opportunities for meaningful research and will liaise with the Education & Research Manager with a view to developing these opportunities in co-operation with the medical staff
  • Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time
 
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 three years satisfactory post- registration hospital experience
  • Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office  
Desirable:
  • A higher qualification in clinical or hospital pharmacy (e.g. diploma or masters) to be completed by the job start date
  • Previous teaching and lecturing experience

Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3239.
  • The appointments are fulltime, permanent, temporary and pensionable.  A panel will be formed from which future vacancies will be filled.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 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:                       Ms. Laura McCabe, Acting Clinical Pharmacy Service Manager - Telephone (01) 4143428 or email laura.mccabe05@tuh.ie



TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area Competency Level
Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 3
Managing the service Delivery of Results 3
Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 3
Managing Change Communications & Influencing 3
Managing Yourself Team player 3
Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 3
Managing People People Management 2
Managing People Leadership 2


Please go to www.tuh/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.