Highly Specialist Clinical Pharmacist Gastroenterology

University Hospitals Sussex; Worthing; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the United Kingdom is seeking a Highly Specialist Clinical Pharmacist in Gastroenterology. This role involves providing expert pharmaceutical care, influencing prescribing decisions, and leading on clinical initiatives. Candidates should possess significant experience in hospital pharmacy, excellent communication skills, and ideally have background knowledge in gastroenterology. Opportunities for professional development and leadership are offered in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Access to professional development

Research opportunities

Leadership support

Qualifications

• Registered pharmacist with postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy.
• Significant hospital pharmacy experience in a relevant specialty.
• Proven ability to interpret complex clinical information.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert pharmaceutical care to patients with gastrointestinal conditions.
• Run and support clinics, providing independent prescribing and drug monitoring.
• Advise clinicians on complex treatment decisions.

Skills

Clinical confidence

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Education

GPhC registration

Postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy

MSc in advanced clinical pharmacy or gastroenterology

Job description

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Highly Specialist Clinical Pharmacist – Gastroenterology

Band 8a

Main area Gastroenterology Grade Band 8a Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Job share
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week Job ref 279-7569038-JAN26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Salary £55,690 - £62,682 Per annum Closing 22/04/2026 23:59

Job overview

You will provide expert clinical input, including pharmacist-led clinics, biologic infusion support, therapeutic drug monitoring and medicines optimisation for complex patients. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will influence prescribing decisions, lead on implementing NICE guidance and contribute to pathway development, audit and governance initiatives.

You’ll also have the opportunity to lead on medicines management and guideline development, support clinical trials, and train and mentor junior pharmacists and technicians. The role includes responsibility for service evaluation, quality improvement, and cost‑effective use of high‑cost drugs.

We’re looking for a clinically confident, collaborative and innovative pharmacist with strong communication and analytical skills, ideally with experience in gastroenterology or another specialty involving biologics and complex medicines. Independent prescriber status (or a commitment to achieve it) is expected.

In return, you’ll join a supportive and forward‑thinking pharmacy team with access to professional development, research opportunities and leadership support – helping you deliver excellent care every time.

Closing date: 22 April 2026. Applications will not be considered after this date.

Main duties of the job

As the Highly Specialist Clinical Pharmacist for Gastroenterology, you will deliver expert pharmaceutical care to patients with inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease and other gastrointestinal conditions across inpatient and outpatient settings.

You’ll run or support clinics, providing independent prescribing, therapeutic drug monitoring and counselling for patients receiving biologics and other complex therapies. You will contribute to ward rounds and infusion clinics, optimising treatment, preventing avoidable harm and ensuring compliance with NICE guidance and local commissioning requirements.

The role also includes supporting alignment to prescribing guidelines, reviewing high‑cost medicines use, and supporting formulary applications, audits and service improvement projects. You’ll advise clinicians on complex treatment decisions, liaise with community and primary‑care teams to ensure seamless care, and help deliver CQUIN and quality targets.

You’ll provide leadership, education and supervision for pharmacists, nurses and trainees working within gastroenterology, supporting their competence development and contributing to governance and risk management processes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Deliver and evaluate specialist clinical pharmacy services to gastroenterology, including pharmacist-led clinics and infusion support for biologic and immunomodulatory treatments.
• Act as an independent prescriber (or work towards this) to initiate, optimise and monitor treatment in line with national guidance and local commissioning arrangements.
• Provide expert advice to consultants, nurses and GPs on complex medication regimes, drug monitoring, interactions and adherence.
• Contribute to quality improvement, audit and research to evaluate and enhance gastroenterology pharmacy services.
• Support therapeutic drug monitoring, dose optimisation and medicines reconciliation, including for vulnerable and high‑risk groups.
• Monitor and report drug expenditure, support business cases, and contribute to formulary submissions and cost‑effectiveness reviews.
• Provide education, mentorship and training to pharmacy staff, prescribers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Support delivery of the Trust’s Patient First strategy through active participation in governance, sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person specification

• GPhC-registered pharmacist with postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy (or equivalent experience).
• Significant post‑registration hospital pharmacy experience, including advanced clinical practice in a relevant specialty.
• Proven ability to interpret complex clinical information and optimise medicines for patients with multiple co‑morbidities.
• Demonstrated understanding of NICE guidance, medicines governance and high‑cost drug pathways (Blueteq/commissioning).
• Evidence of audit, service improvement or research to enhance patient care or safety.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to educate, mentor and influence multidisciplinary teams.
• MSc or postgraduate qualification in advanced clinical pharmacy or gastroenterology.
• Previous experience in gastroenterology, hepatology or biologic/infusion services.
• Independent prescriber qualification (or working towards completion within 12–18 months).
• Experience developing or updating prescribing guidelines or local treatment pathways.
• Experience leading QI projects, business cases, or cross‑site service development.
• Previous line‑management or clinical supervision experience.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation. Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the role that meets the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Benefits and Development

Access to professional development, research opportunities and leadership support. Opportunities to lead innovation and influence the safe, cost-effective use of medicines within a highly specialised and rapidly evolving field.