Senior Pharmacist - Medication Safety (05.017 (2023))

Temporary Full-Time

Job Details


Job Title:                                             Senior Medication Safety Pharmacist
                                                             Temporary Specified Purpose Contract
Reference No:                                    05.017 (2023)
Department / Directorate:              Pharmacy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to:                                         Medication Safety Manager

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 an extended Intensive Care Unit. 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 post of Senior Pharmacist (Medication Safety) is 1 whole time equivalent working within the medication safety programme and reporting to the Medication Safety Manager. The Senior Pharmacist (Medication Safety) is a core member of the Medication Safety Team, and will deputise for the Medication Safety Manager when required.

Within this post, half of the senior pharmacist’s time & resource will focus on a single priority medication safety project area as agreed with the QSRM Director, the Head of Pharmacy and the Medication Safety Manager. The first project area to be addressed and resourced is VTE prevention, which will involve close work with the hospital’s Thrombosis Prevention Programme. These priority projects will be reviewed annually.
overview of role: Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Pharmacist (Medication Safety) will:
  • Maintain throughout the Hospital an awareness of the privacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
  • Work to ensure optimal patient outcomes from drug therapy.
  • Participate in processes to evaluate and improve the safety of medication management at all stages of care.
  • Together with the Medication Safety Manager, serve as a liaison between - and a resource to - nursing, pharmacy, medical and HSCP colleagues, on matters relating to medication safety.
  • Complete projects as assigned by the Medication Safety Manager.
  • Collaborate in the development of policies and procedures through identification and/or revision with nursing, medical, pharmacy and HSCP staff, under the leadership of Medication Safety Manager.
  • Participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the post.
  • Deputise for the Medication Safety Manager as required in order to provide continuity of service to the hospital during planned and unplanned absences
Developing the existing medication safety programme
  • Build relationships with frontline staff through increased visibility of the medication safety team
  • Support the work of the Medication Safety Committee and relevant working groups as appropriate, under the direction of the Medication Safety Manager.
  • Support the Medication Safety Manager in formalising the hospital’s Medication Safety Strategy, using national and international guidelines.

Priority medication safety project
  • The Senior Pharmacist (Medication Safety) will spend half of their time focused on a single priority medication safety project area as agreed with the QSRM Director, the Head of Pharmacy and the Medication Safety Manager.
  • In year 1, this will be as a key member of the TUH Thrombosis Prevention Programme. This will be a varied role where the Senior Pharmacist (Medication Safety) will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability. Working alongside the multidisciplinary team, they will be involved in developing, implementing, promoting and auditing evidence-based strategies to prevent hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE). 


Incident and near miss/ good catch reporting systems
  • Promote and participate in an open and just culture of incident and near miss reporting, aligned with the HSE’s Incident Management Framework.
  • Review (and where necessary, log) all medication safety incident and near miss reports upon receipt, in liaison with the Medication Safety Manager.
  • Gather further information on reports as needed, with a particular focus on Harm events, and those with a risk of future harm e.g. high risk medication involved
  • Liaise with NIMS Database Co-ordinator to ensure incidents are logged within 30 day timeframe
  • Assist in closing the feedback loop to reporters, a recognised way to further engage staff with reporting and with making medication use safer.
  • Report onwards as needed to the HPRA in line with good pharmacovigilance practices.
  • Provide support to Medication Safety Manager in the conduct of incident reviews e.g. through proofing, gathering required information, review of literature

Education and communications
  • Support the Medication Safety Manager in delivery of face-to-face education to nursing, medical,  pharmacy and HSCP staff
  • Contribute to periodic medication safety newsletters
  • Assist in development of medication safety alerts on an as-needed basis
  • Assist the Medication Safety Manager in compiling annual Medication Safety Programme Overview Reports
  • Assist in creation and maintenance of content for the Medication Safety intranet site
  • Assist in the distribution of information throughout the organisation in formats agreed with the Medication Safety Team e.g. alerts, newsletters

Policy, procedure, protocol, guideline development
  • Review medication-related PPPGs at first draft stage, offering input and guidance to nursing, pharmacy, medical and HSCP colleagues, and escalating any queries to MSM as necessary
  • Liaise with stakeholders and update Adult Medicines Guide content relating to medication safety, in close liaison with MSM (such as working together to proof/ check one another’s work)
Research
  • 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 Medication Safety Manager and the Pharmacy Education & Research Manager with a view to developing these opportunities in co-operation with the medical staff.

Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support of the medication safety programme in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on key medication safety measures and activities 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 three 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
  • 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 Temporarypecified Purpose Contract,  Full time  and pensionable.
  • 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:             Edwina Morrissey, Acting Medication Safety Manager
Telephone (01) 414 4750 or email
Closing Date:                          Before close of business on:  7th June, 2023



TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area Competency Level
Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 4
Managing the service Delivery of Results 4
Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 4
Managing Change Communications & Influencing 4
Managing Yourself Team player 4
Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 3
Managing People People Management 2
Managing People Leadership 3

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.

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.