Role Summary
Are you an experienced hospital pharmacist looking for a structured and supported route into a specialist role?
This band 7-8a progression post offers a defined development pathway to become a band 8a specialist pharmacist in gastroenterology – typically to be achieved within one to two years. This role is ideal for someone who’s at least two years into pharmacy practice, has completed at least one year of their clinical diploma, and is ready to consolidate their clinical experience into a specialist area.
Whether you already have some experience in a speciality or are a well-rounded generalist with a strong grounding in hospital pharmacy, we’ll support you to build the expertise and confidence you need to take on a band 8a post.
Please check out our video to learn more!
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
You’ll join a friendly and forward-thinking team at North Devon District Hospital, working alongside gastroenterology consultants, ACP pharmacists, and specialist nurses. Initially, you’ll support prescribing and monitoring of biologic medicines – but as the role evolves, you’ll gain experience across a wider gastroenterology case load, and have the chance to help shape the future of the service.
At Band 7 your key responsibilities will include:
- Completing your clinical diploma (with Independent Prescribing, and funded by the Royal Devon)
- Developing specialist knowledge of gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Participating in MDT care, with increasing responsibility for patient consultations, prescribing support and clinical decision-making
- Building capability in key areas of practice such as evidence-based care, communication, collaboration, and quality improvement
- Working towards competency in leadership, education, and research activities
As you progress to Band 8a, you’ll:
- Independently manage a complex clinical caseload within the gastroenterology and IBD service
- Use prescribing and clinical assessment skills to manage patients with acute and long-term conditions
- Contribute to the interpretation and implementation of national and regional policy in the local service
- Lead on medicines optimisation, including service development, pathway design and quality improvement projects
- Act as a Designated Prescribing Supervisor and support training for pharmacy and MDT colleagues
- Engage in research, teaching and sustainability initiatives relevant to the specialty
This structured progression path supports pharmacists to develop from Royal Pharmaceutical Society Foundation level to Core Advanced level of practice — with clear objectives, mentorship, and dedicated training support.
A great place to live and work
North Devon offers an outstanding quality of life — whether you’re relocating or returning. The area is home to two stunning coastlines, the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve, and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering unique access to nature and outdoor adventure.
We’re also close to Exmoor National Park, with Dartmoor just beyond, making weekend hiking, cycling or wild swimming part of your routine. Whether you're after surfing, sea views, market towns or wide-open skies, North Devon is a place where you can truly settle and thrive.
And don’t just take our word for it — The Telegraph recently ranked Devon as the best county in England, thanks to its natural beauty, culture and lifestyle.
Financial support
We understand that relocating for a new role can be a significant step, both personally and financially. That’s why we offer a generous package of support, including financial assistance, to help ease the transition for those considering relocation. If you are relocating to North Devon for this role, we may be able to offer a relocation allowance to help ease the transition. For further details, please contact us using the details below.
This post includes an on-call premium of approximately £2,400 (subject to eligibility), paid in instalments over a 12-month period.
We’re passionate about supporting your wellbeing too. All new team members have a tailored induction and join our pharmacy buddy scheme. You’ll have a dedicated ‘buddy’ to help you find your feet in the first few days and weeks. Plus, there’s Trust-wide events and activities focussed on your health and wellbeing.
Ready to specialise?
If you’re a motivated pharmacist looking to build a rewarding specialist career, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out for an informal chat about the role, the team, or what it’s like to work at the Royal Devon. Contact Henry on the details below.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date: Friday 25th July 2025
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
For further information please contact: Henry Goss, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, on 01271 322395 or henrygoss@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
