Job Description
Shape Specialist Pharmacy Services for Children
An exciting new senior role has been created within UHSussex to strengthen paediatric gastroenterology and parenteral nutrition (PN) services. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking pharmacist to lead the delivery of highly specialised pharmaceutical care for children and young people living with complex gastrointestinal and nutritional conditions.
This is a clinical leadership position offering the opportunity to influence service design, improve medicines optimisation, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams across inpatient, outpatient, and homecare settings.
Applications are welcome from ambitious Band 7 pharmacists ready to progress. Appointment to Band 8a is dependent upon completion of an FS2 postgraduate diploma (or equivalent).
The Impact You’ll Make
You will provide expert oversight for children with conditions including:
- Intestinal failure
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Coeliac disease
- Liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis with gastrointestinal complications
- Complex nutritional needs requiring parenteral nutrition
- Your leadership will ensure medicines are used safely, effectively, and in line with national standards such as NICE guidance
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
- Act as the lead specialist pharmacist for paediatric gastroenterology and PN
- Oversee biologics, immunomodulators, specialist nutritional therapies, and high-cost medicines
- Provide expert advice during ward rounds, MDT meetings, clinics, and transition services
- Prescribe independently (or work toward independent prescribing) within agreed scope
Service Development & Governance
- Lead the development and review of clinical guidelines, care pathways, and protocols
- Drive audit, risk management, and medicines safety initiatives
- Develop pharmacist-led clinics and strengthen outpatient and homecare provision
- Contribute to financial oversight, business cases, and medicines optimisation strategies
Team Leadership
- Supervise and develop Band 6 and 7 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Provide deputy support to the Lead Pharmacist for Children & Women’s services
- Collaborate with commissioners, regional networks, and homecare providers
- You will help ensure compliance with national regulatory standards set by bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
About UHSussex
At University Hospitals Sussex, inclusion is at the heart of how we work. We are proud of our Outstanding for Caring rating and our commitment to equality, diversity, and belonging. As a Disability Confident (Level 3) and Veteran Aware Trust, we actively support staff from all backgrounds.
We encourage innovation, professional growth, and collaborative working — ensuring we deliver excellent care everywhere.
Person Profile
Essential
- Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Significant hospital pharmacy experience
- Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy Practice (or equivalent)
- Experience working with paediatric patients
- Evidence of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Strong leadership, communication, and governance skills
Desirable
- Independent Prescriber qualification
- Experience running pharmacist-led clinics
- Involvement in guideline development or formulary submissions
- Experience managing homecare services
- Audit, research, or financial reporting experience
- Membership of professional paediatric pharmacy groups
Sponsorship & Right to Work
- This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) requirements, including salary and skill thresholds
- Applicants using a Graduate visa must have at least 18 months remaining at the time of application.
- From April 2017, overseas applicants may be required to provide criminal record certification
Safeguarding & Registration
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to shape a newly developed senior specialist role
- Clinical leadership across a high-impact paediatric specialty
- Strong multidisciplinary collaboration
- Support for career progression from Band 7 to Band 8a
- Inclusive, forward-thinking NHS Trust environment