Dermatology Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Role Summary Provide independent prescribing and specialist pharmaceutical care within DMC community dermatology services. Assess patients, initiate and manage systemic and biologic therapies within an agreed scope of practice, ensure robust monitoring and escalation, and support governance, audit and pathway standardisation across sites. Key Objectives/ Goals Provide safe, evidence-based prescribing within an agreed scope of practice Manage patients on systemic and biologic dermatology treatments Ensure robust baseline and ongoing monitoring, with timely action on results Support consultant- and nurse-led clinics with specialist medicines advice Develop and standardise prescribing protocols and treatment pathways Support governance, audit, medicines safety and QI initiatives Educate patients and colleagues on treatment safety and adherence Reporting Line / Team Structure Reports to Service Manager, with clinical accountability to the designated Clinical Lead Works closely with Consultant Dermatologists, Dermatology Nurses, GPs and MDT colleagues Experience Experience prescribing and reviewing medicines in a clinical setting. Experience in specialist medicines monitoring and adverse event management. Experience contributing to clinical audit, governance or service improvement. Experience in community dermatology, outpatient or NHS-commissioned services (desirable). Experience supporting service mobilisation or QI across multiple sites (desirable) Main Duties & Responsibilities Main Duties & Responsibilities Assess patients and prescribe independently within competence, agreed scope of practice and local protocols. Initiate, adjust, withhold or discontinue treatment where clinically appropriate and authorised. Assess suitability for, prescribe and manage systemic and biologic therapies in line with agreed pathways and commissioning criteria. Ensure baseline investigations and ongoing monitoring are completed, and act promptly on abnormal or overdue results. Refer to a consultant dermatologist when patient needs exceed competence or scope of practice. Provide specialist medicines advice to consultant- and nurse-led clinics and participate in MDT discussions. Counsel patients on treatment options, risks, adherence and when to seek urgent advice. Report medicines-related incidents and suspected adverse drug reactions, and contribute to medicines safety audits. Develop and review prescribing protocols, guidelines and SOPs, and support mobilisation of new contracts. Maintain accurate clinical records and comply with GPhC standards and CPD requirements. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Sound knowledge of dermatological conditions and systemic and biologic treatment options. Understanding of medicines legislation, NICE guidance, local formularies and commissioning criteria. Ability to interpret laboratory results and act on abnormal findings. Strong patient counselling skills that support shared decision-making. Effective communication and multidisciplinary collaboration skills. Ability to recognise deterioration, treatment failure or adverse effects and escalate concerns Additional Information Essential GPhC-registered pharmacist with a recognised independent prescribing qualification, annotated on the GPhC register. Demonstrable experience in clinical assessment, prescribing and medicines optimisation. Knowledge of medicines safety, contraindications, interactions and clinical monitoring. Ability to interpret investigations and make evidence-based decisions within scope of practice. Ability to recognise clinical risk and escalate appropriately. Excellent clinical documentation, communication and decision-making skills. Competence in using clinical IT systems relevant to prescribing and monitoring. Appropriate professional indemnity arrangements. Commitment to clinical governance, patient safety and ongoing CPD. Legally entitled to work in the UK. Enhanced DBS clearance and occupational health fitness confirmation. Where specialist dermatology experience is not yet established, completion of a documented competency assessment and supervised development plan. Desirable Experience in dermatology, rheumatology, immunology or a related specialty. Experience managing systemic dermatology treatments and biologic therapies. Postgraduate clinical pharmacy qualification or relevant specialist development. Experience developing prescribing protocols, clinical pathways and audit programmes. Clean driving licence (multi-site service delivery) Additional Information Travel requirements Multi-site role across DMC community dermatology services — travel between sites required. Relocation support None routinely offered but can be discussed at offer stage. Performance metrics / KPIs Timely review of patients on systemic and biologic treatments Compliance with baseline and ongoing monitoring requirements Timely action on abnormal results and safety concerns Prescribing accuracy and documentation completeness Career progression opportunities Opportunities to develop advanced practice in dermatology prescribing and specialist therapies Involvement in pathway design, teaching and governance