Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist

This is an innovative role with the majority of time spent on rheumatology duties. The post holder will be based in the rheumatology department.

To lead work with the specialist nurses & consultants in rheumatology to implement all biosimilar switching to the benefit of the health economy and in order to maximise the income to the Trust from biosimilar switching.

To report back on savings / income generation from biosimilar switching to the Family, Diagnostics and Community and Planned pathways (MSK and ENT Care Group) Divisions.

To lead work with the specialist nurses & consultants in rheumatology in setting up and running biologics review clinics to review long term patients prescribed biologics.

To be the lead pharmacist for rheumatology, leading, managing and developing medicines management initiatives for rheumatology patients at PAHT.

This is an innovative role with the majority of time spent on rheumatology duties. The post holder will be based in the rheumatology department

To lead work with the specialist nurses & consultants in rheumatology to implement biosimilar switching, to the benefit of the health economy and to maximise the income to the Trust from any switching.

To lead work with the specialist nurses & consultants in rheumatology in setting up and running biologics consent clinics to review long term patients prescribed biologics.

To report back on savings / income generation from biosimilar switching to the Family, Diagnostics and Community and Planned pathways (MSK and ENT Care Group) Divisions.

To develop, train, motivate and encourage staff working within the team.

To further examine the opportunities for biologics.

This may include

Introducing new biosimilars when available and monitoring their outcomes

Reviewing stopping criteria

Monitor homecare deliveries to reduce waste, including patients in a partnership

Help in moving appropriate patients to subcutaneous formulations as they become available

To advise and develop biologic pathways in collaboration with the ICB when/ if new developments are made and/ or new biologics are introduced

Conduct audit on patients due to start on biologics are instead started on MTX S/C (if appropriate) and the financial savings this could make vs starting patients on biologics

Start biologic weaning clinic for stable patients with regular monitoring to wean patients off biologic safely resulting in reduced medication burden to patient and financial saving for trust

Start moderate pathway initiating clinic as per NICE - starting patients early on biologics will reduce the health-economic impact.

Counselling patients starting biologics and DMARD's thoroughly will help reduce calls to helpline and improve patient safety and compliance

Safety checks for patients initiated on biologic can be done by nurse/ pharmacist as a telephone clinic - increasing clinic capacity in doctors clinic for new patients

Combined counselling sessions for patients being started on DMARD's/ Biologics - having presentations to run through the information

1. Service Provision

1.1 To lead on the implementation of the biosimilar switching as appropriate to ensure patients are switched as smoothly as possible & within the Trust timeframe of the biosimilar implementation

1.2 To work with the specialist nurses to keep a database of all switches & ensure patients are followed up

1.3 To keep a record of failures to switch & the reasons why

1.4 To produce financial reports for the Family, Diagnostic and Community and Planned Pathways Divisions where appropriate

1.5 To improve mechanisms within Rheumatology to minimise ‘waste’ with Homecare biologics. Examples of mechanisms include: monitoring dose changes; monitoring prescription requests and monitoring drug supplies.

1.6 To ensure the smooth running, day to day management of the Homecare pharmacy service to the rheumatology patients, as well as ensuring the switch happens with no disruption to patients.

1.7 To optimise funding applications for biological therapies that are used outside of national guidelines

1.8 To assist the existing CNS Rheumatology team in setting up a Biologics Review Service to optimise the use of biological therapy within the Rheumatology Service

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

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Experience