Highly Specialist Pharmacist - Rheumatology
CompanyNorth Bristol NHS Trust
Location
Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Employment TypeContract
Posted At5/9/2026
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Occupation TypePharmacists
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
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Description
Thank you for your interest in this vacancy. We highly recommend reading our Tips on how to apply page to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies.
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from July 2026.
This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Should you join NBT as an employee prior to our organisations merging, your employment will be automatically transferred across to UHBW. Should your employment begin after our two Trusts merge, you will be employed directly by UHBW and therefore UHBW terms and conditions of service will apply
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job Overview
Rheumatology Highly Specialist Pharmacist – Band 8a
Are you ready to progress your career in rheumatology?
Our rheumatology department is diverse, supportive and ambitious with a shared vision to strive for excellence and we have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative rheumatology team.
We want to recruit an enthusiastic and proactive rheumatology specialist pharmacist or specialist clinical pharmacist who is looking to progress their career in the rheumatology specialty.
You will work collaboratively with the Rheumatology Consultant Pharmacist and Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist (B7) to provide a robust and effective Pharmacy service to the rheumatology speciality.
You would be required to deliver
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from July 2026.
This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Should you join NBT as an employee prior to our organisations merging, your employment will be automatically transferred across to UHBW. Should your employment begin after our two Trusts merge, you will be employed directly by UHBW and therefore UHBW terms and conditions of service will apply
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job Overview
Rheumatology Highly Specialist Pharmacist – Band 8a
Are you ready to progress your career in rheumatology?
Our rheumatology department is diverse, supportive and ambitious with a shared vision to strive for excellence and we have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative rheumatology team.
We want to recruit an enthusiastic and proactive rheumatology specialist pharmacist or specialist clinical pharmacist who is looking to progress their career in the rheumatology specialty.
You will work collaboratively with the Rheumatology Consultant Pharmacist and Rheumatology Specialist Pharmacist (B7) to provide a robust and effective Pharmacy service to the rheumatology speciality.
You would be required to deliver
an outpatient clinical service including clinics at base hospital Southmead and possibly satellite hospital Cossham. If not already a non-medical prescriber, you would need to be willing to undertake the training.
Main duties of the job
In this role, you will provide highly specialist expert clinical practice including providing an outpatient service to patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, involving clinical assessment, non-medical prescribing to manage complex clinical care for rheumatology patients. You will review, develop, promote and implement guidelines and policy and manage supply shortages, introduction of new medicines, the homecare service and related medicines enquiries.
You will have a leadership role in managing risk, collecting and analysing outcome data, local audit and quality improvement, developing and implementing innovative medicines optimisation and service developments.
You will educate medics, pharmacists, patients and develop and maintain educational resources.
You will participate in critical appraisal, undertaking research or quality improvement projects, and utilise research outcomes to inform service delivery.
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Main duties of the job
In this role, you will provide highly specialist expert clinical practice including providing an outpatient service to patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, involving clinical assessment, non-medical prescribing to manage complex clinical care for rheumatology patients. You will review, develop, promote and implement guidelines and policy and manage supply shortages, introduction of new medicines, the homecare service and related medicines enquiries.
You will have a leadership role in managing risk, collecting and analysing outcome data, local audit and quality improvement, developing and implementing innovative medicines optimisation and service developments.
You will educate medics, pharmacists, patients and develop and maintain educational resources.
You will participate in critical appraisal, undertaking research or quality improvement projects, and utilise research outcomes to inform service delivery.
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
You will deliver advanced, evidence‑based clinical care to rheumatology outpatients with complex autoimmune inflammatory conditions. Working autonomously within your scope of practice, you will undertake person‑centred assessments, prescribe as a non‑medical prescriber, request and interpret investigations, and optimise pharmacological and non‑pharmacological treatments to support shared decision‑making and self‑management.
You will work closely within the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and efficient use of medicines, contributing to service development, medicines optimisation, and the introduction of new therapies. This includes supporting specialist nurses, managing medicines supply and homecare pathways, using digital health solutions, addressing health inequalities, and ensuring clear, timely communication with patients, carers and professional stakeholders.
Leadership & Management
In partnership with the Consultant Pharmacist, you will help shape and deliver the strategic vision for the rheumatology service, contributing to service improvement, clinical governance, and innovation at local, regional and national levels. You will support safe and effective service delivery through risk management, audit, quality improvement, and the use of performance and outcome data.
As a senior role model, you will support and motivate the rheumatology pharmacy team and wider MDT through effective leadership, delegation and feedback. You will contribute to workforce development, resource management, homecare service oversight, high‑cost drug governance, and deputise for the Consultant Pharmacist as required.
Education
You will demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning, reflective practice and professional development, maintaining advanced clinical credibility aligned to national frameworks. You will actively participate in peer review, interprofessional learning and revalidation, ensuring your practice remains current and evidence‑based.
You will play a key role in education and training, supporting the development of pharmacists, trainees and the wider MDT through mentoring, supervision and delivery of high‑quality educational programmes. You will also contribute to the development of patient education resources that promote health literacy and empower individuals to participate fully in their care.
Research
You will deliver advanced, evidence‑based clinical care to rheumatology outpatients with complex autoimmune inflammatory conditions. Working autonomously within your scope of practice, you will undertake person‑centred assessments, prescribe as a non‑medical prescriber, request and interpret investigations, and optimise pharmacological and non‑pharmacological treatments to support shared decision‑making and self‑management.
You will work closely within the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and efficient use of medicines, contributing to service development, medicines optimisation, and the introduction of new therapies. This includes supporting specialist nurses, managing medicines supply and homecare pathways, using digital health solutions, addressing health inequalities, and ensuring clear, timely communication with patients, carers and professional stakeholders.
Leadership & Management
In partnership with the Consultant Pharmacist, you will help shape and deliver the strategic vision for the rheumatology service, contributing to service improvement, clinical governance, and innovation at local, regional and national levels. You will support safe and effective service delivery through risk management, audit, quality improvement, and the use of performance and outcome data.
As a senior role model, you will support and motivate the rheumatology pharmacy team and wider MDT through effective leadership, delegation and feedback. You will contribute to workforce development, resource management, homecare service oversight, high‑cost drug governance, and deputise for the Consultant Pharmacist as required.
Education
You will demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning, reflective practice and professional development, maintaining advanced clinical credibility aligned to national frameworks. You will actively participate in peer review, interprofessional learning and revalidation, ensuring your practice remains current and evidence‑based.
You will play a key role in education and training, supporting the development of pharmacists, trainees and the wider MDT through mentoring, supervision and delivery of high‑quality educational programmes. You will also contribute to the development of patient education resources that promote health literacy and empower individuals to participate fully in their care.
Research
You will regularly interpret and critically appraise the evidence base to inform clinical practice, service delivery and guideline development within rheumatology. Working collaboratively, you will help identify evidence gaps and contribute to research and quality improvement initiatives that address unmet patient and service needs.
You will lead or support local, regional and national research and quality improvement projects, ensuring findings translate into measurable service improvements. You will actively promote a culture of research, innovation and continuous improvement across the rheumatology service.
Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria
Essential criteria
Essential criteria
You will lead or support local, regional and national research and quality improvement projects, ensuring findings translate into measurable service improvements. You will actively promote a culture of research, innovation and continuous improvement across the rheumatology service.
Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BPharm / MPharm degree
- Member of General Pharmaceutical Council
- Qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (or willing to train)
- Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent in Clinical Pharmacy Practice or Rheumatology
- Member of relevant Professional Groups
- Credentialed as an Advanced Pharmacist according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Core Advanced Pharmacy framework or demonstrates working at or beyond this level.
Essential criteria
- BPharm / MPharm degree / Member of General Pharmaceutical Council
- Broad clinical pharmacy provision in a number of different clinical areas
- Appropriate and current clinical experience in Rheumatology
- Pharmacoeconomics experience
- Proven medicines related policy or guideline development
- Experience of providing and producing educational intervention
- Experience of leading a research or quality improvement project
Essential criteria
- Problem solving and prioritisation
- Time-management and ability to work under pressure
- Evidence of leadership
Essential criteria
- Ability to be a role model and motivate others
- Professional with personal integrity
- Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
- Honest, reliable and flexible
- Assertive
- Experience of working with colleagues across organisational boundaries
If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.