Consultant posts and post-holders

Consultant posts and post-holders

Requirements for the consultant pharmacist post

The guidance clearly sets out the functions of the post:

·      Expert practice (up to 50% of role) (the guidance took note of the issue from nurse consultants where patient-facing roles varied from as little as 20% clinical practice to over 80%, and stated that about 50% of the consultant pharmacist role should be in expert practice): delivering high-level expertise, recognised as an expert in their area of practice, having professional autonomy and driving professional and strategic development.

·      Research, evaluation and service development: contributing to audit, service evaluation, research, education and training, supporting clinical governance and strengthening links between research and practice.

·      Education, mentoring and overview of practice: working with higher-education institutions at a strategic level, teaching and enhancing links between pharmacy bodies and practice.

·      Professional leadership: communicating across sectors and organisations, developing services strategies and leading introduction of best practice, working in partnership with managers, advanced practitioners and other healthcare leaders to achieve successful outcomes.

The guidance was unique in that it encouraged creation of these posts across localities, which could span acute, primary care and/or mental health trusts together with higher-education institutions.