Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a pharmacist with a passion for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) & infection management to join our AMS team at University Hospitals Sussex. This is a new role with a specific focus in optimising the use of intravenous (IV) antimicrobials in patients admitted to the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals. The successful candidate will be engaged in actively reviewing patients on IV antimicrobials and will have close contact with clinical teams to promote timely therapy changes. We seek a clinically experienced pharmacist, with previous AMS experience, or a passion to develop skills in this area. As a member of the Trusts AMS team you will be an integral support to the Trusts IPC and AMS agenda. We are a department that seeks to be a pioneer with the use of technology to support stewardship and we continue to encourage the use & development of technological methods to identify and support stewardship interventions including IV to oral switch (IVOS).



We are committed to providing opportunities for you to develop your clinical & management skills. As a Trust which holds research as one of its key pillars you will have the opportunity to be involved with and develop skills in research projects.



We are a friendly very supportive team both within pharmacy and the wider AMS team. We welcome contact from any interested parties to discuss the role and visit the department to find out more.



Reviewing intravenous antimicrobial prescriptions and engaging with clinical teams to review patients on IV antimicrobials to make timely changes in therapy, to support patient flow and reduce costs and risks associated with inappropriate IV treatments.



To develop strategies to promote and highlight the importance of timely review of antimicrobials with all clinicians engaged in prescribing, reviewing and administering antimicrobials to patients. Raising of profile of the importance of regular review through the development of educational tools and key performance indicators for sharing at local, divisional & trust wide data (in conjunction with linked role at St Richards & Worthing hospitals).



Supporting the wider AMS agenda via the provision of expert advice on the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials to prescribers, nurses, patients and other healthcare professionals in accordance with local and national policies.



Supporting the use of antimicrobials against guidelines, maintaining and promoting local empiric guidelines to optimise patient outcomes and reduce adverse events.



Support of the local outpatient antimicrobial therapy service by attendance at the MDT, review of patient response, and prescribing (if/when qualified as an independent prescriber).



At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/



This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.



Specific responsibilities



Reviewing intravenous antimicrobial prescriptions and engaging with clinical teams to review patients on IV antimicrobials to make timely changes in therapy.



Raise the profile of the importance of regular review of IV antimicrobials through the development of educational tools and key performance indicators for sharing at local, divisional & trust wide data (in conjunction with linked role at St Richards & Worthing hospitals).



Provision of expert advice on the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials in patients at UH Sussex with a particular focus on Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals.



General responsibilities include



Support of daily stewardship activities through prescription chart review and attendance on microbiology and AMS ward rounds.



Co-authoring, reviewing local guidelines and maintaining the platforms they reside on to ensure accurate and appropriate information on the use of antimicrobials is available to clinicians in the Trust.



Supporting the Lead Pharmacist - Clinical Infection to meet the requirements laid down by national and local governance bodies to ensure appropriate antimicrobial stewardship activities are occurring and the trust is compliant with national policy.



Supporting with appropriate auditing of antimicrobial stewardship to ensure safe and effective use of antimicrobials within the trust including response to NPSA alerts, NICE guidance, CQUINs and National Contract requirements.



Support of the outpatient antimicrobial therapy service by attendance at and resolution of actions from the weekly MDT.



Please see and Person Specification for full details