Senior Pharmacist

Why This Role Matters
The Senior Pharmacist – Medication Safety is responsible for leading quality use of medicines (QUM) initiatives and driving safer medication practices across multiple sites in Western NSW. By developing policies, conducting audits, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, this role ensures the highest standards of medication safety, directly impacting patient outcomes and quality of care across the district.

Job Description
The Senior Pharmacist – Medication Safety will oversee district-wide medication safety initiatives, develop guidelines and policies, provide expert advice on QUM, and support committees such as the District Drug and Therapeutics Committee (DTC). This role involves close collaboration with clinicians, pharmacy directors, and governance teams to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and effective implementation of medication safety strategies.

Key Features Of The Role
• Lead the development and review of medication guidelines and policies
• Conduct QUM audits and prepare reporting for management and governance
• Provide expert advice on medication safety across multiple sites
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve medication practices
• Contribute to district committees including District DTC
• Support mentoring and professional development of pharmacy staff
• Promote continuous improvement in medication safety and quality use of medicines

Responsibilities
• Develop, implement, and maintain medication safety and QUM policies
• Lead audits and monitor compliance with medication safety protocols
• Provide expert clinical guidance to pharmacy and clinical teams
• Collaborate with Directors of Pharmacy and governance committees on safety initiatives
• Review and update clinical guidelines to align with best practices
• Support digital health systems and process improvements related to medication safety
• Mentor and guide pharmacy staff to build capacity and knowledge
• Report on outcomes of medication safety initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy
• Registered Pharmacist

Experience And Skills
• Strong experience in complex healthcare settings
• Expertise in medication safety, QUM audits, and policy development
• Experience with digital health systems and clinical documentation
• Excellent communication, organisation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong commitment to quality improvement and patient safety

Salary Insights
• $69.15–$71.02 per hour (+ superannuation + salary packaging options)
• Permanent part-time (19 hours/week) with 1 working Saturday
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities

Company Overview
Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) provides high-quality healthcare across Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, and surrounding regions. The district emphasizes patient safety, rural healthcare delivery, and professional development, fostering a collaborative environment across its pharmacy network. WNSWLHD is committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a safe workplace for all employees and the community.

FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of this role?
A: Leading medication safety initiatives, developing policies, conducting audits, and supporting QUM across multiple sites.

Q: Is this a full-time or part-time role?
A: This is a permanent part-time role (19 hours/week).

Q: Are there opportunities for professional growth?
A: Yes, the role offers mentoring, leadership exposure, and ongoing professional development.

Application Tips
• Highlight experience in medication safety, QUM, and policy development
• Showcase expertise in audits, stakeholder engagement, and healthcare settings
• Demonstrate knowledge of digital health systems and process improvement
• Include evidence of leadership, collaboration, and commitment to patient safety