I have been working as an Oncology Specialist pharmacist at London Bridge Hospital for the last 2 years. Previously I worked as a Rotational Specialist focusing on cardiology and oncology. I have experience in all areas of adult oncology including haematology, stem cell transplants (BMT), palliative care, technical services and solid tumours.

No

I am looking to broaden my experience by working in different facilities/hospitals. Working as a locum will also help me expand my network within the industry. TLA has a good reputation within the industry.

Dealing with staffing issues during the pandemic.

I worked on the chemo day unit as the sole pharmacist during the pandemic. In normal circumstances there would be 3 pharmacist covering the unit but due to self isolation rules at the time I found myself being the only oncology trained pharmacist able to cover the unit. I notified the nursing team on the unit to manage their expectations thereby also managing patient's expectations.

I prioritised my workload to only doing things that needed to be done on that particular day. I also utilised the pharmacy Technicians around me by delegating tasks which I would normally carry out myself.

The day was not as stressful as I had anticipated because of the actions that I took and the help I received from my team and the nurses.

The Medicines Act 1968 is the law that governs the sale, supply and distribution of medicines in the UK.

I would try to clarify with the clinician who documented in the first place. If that is not an option, then I would get a senior clinician to review the indication and prescribe the medication. I would not prescribe outside my area of expertise/scope.

I would seek the understand the full details of the incident and my role in that. I would then reflect on my role in the incident and identify what I could have done differently, any learnings or change in practice. I would carry out a CPD if necessary.

Clinical governance is a framework that promotes excellence in healthcare by ensuring that services are safe, effective, and accountable

Patient's relative came to the pharmacy to collect newly started oral chemotherapy that was not available in stock at the time. The patient was wheelchair bound and had just been seen by the consultant and started on a new medication. The family were not happy that the medication was not available for them to collect. They had travelled far to come in to the hospital. I apologised and explained the reasons why the medication was not available. I then arranged to borrow the medication from another hospital within our group of hospitals. To save the patient and the family from waiting around, I arranged a courier for the medication once it was available.