Hospital Pharmacist

Also known as:

Pharmacist, Hospital

Introduction

About 22% of pharmacists work in hospitals. Hospital pharmacists are responsible for the ordering, quality testing, storage and security of drugs and medicines in hospitals. They supervise the preparation of drugs according to prescriptions, dispense drugs to medical staff and patients, and advise on the use and effect of drugs.

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Work Activities

Pharmacy is an applied science concerned with the chemistry and action of drugs, and their preparation and production for use in medicine. Central to pharmacy work is the science of 'formulation'. In this process a drug is combined with other substances in a suitable preparation, such as ointment, tablet, injection or liquid, for its use as a medicine. The formulation and dispensing of medicines both require detailed understanding of the action of drugs and medicines on the body.

Hospital pharmacists are responsible for the ordering, quality testing, storing and security of drugs and medicines in hospitals. They supervise the work of pharmacy technicians making up medicines according to a doctor's prescription, and dispensing them to out-patients or to those hospital staff who treat patients.

Doctors may consult pharmacists about appropriate medicines, or safe combinations of drugs in a course of treatment. In most hospitals, pharmacists have direct contact with patients on the ward, advising them on how to take medicines and the possible side effects.

Regulations to allow supplementary prescribing by specially trained pharmacists came into effect in Scotland in May 2006. After a doctor or dentist has carried out diagnosis of a patient, a Clinical Management Plan (CMP) can be drawn up. Following this, the supplementary prescriber (the pharmacist) can supply and regulate and if necessary alter the dosage of medication. Most medicines are supplied already made up by the manufacturer, but if a particular type, strength or quantity of medicine has to be made, the pharmacist will undertake or supervise its preparation.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You'll need patience, sensitivity and good communication skills to work with patients.

As a member of a health care team that could include doctors, nurses, therapists and medical social workers, you'll also need good team-working skills along with tact and diplomacy. Colleagues will look to you for advice on the action of new drugs and on how they should be used.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

Entry level pharmacists start on Band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 1, 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year. After the pre-registration year pharmacists' salaries are on Band 6, £32,653 a year. Hospital pharmacy team managers earn up to £64,118.

In the private sector, pay rates vary depending on the organisation and role and responsibilities, but are broadly in line with NHS rates.

Hospital pharmacists usually work a 37-hour week, with shift work, including weekends, on a rota basis. Some pharmacists take part in a residency or on-call rota to provide an out-of-hours service to the hospital.

Pharmacists work in NHS hospitals and health centres and in private hospitals.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter an accredited degree in pharmacy, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science. You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with course providers.

Candidates can also apply for funding from relevant medical charities and trusts.

Some employers/NHS Trusts provide sponsorship.

• 29% of people in occupations such as hospital pharmacist work part-time.
• 7% have flexible hours.
• 11% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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