The Pharmacist is responsible for preparing, dispensing, and controlling the supply of medications for both inpatients and outpatients in a safe and efficient manner. The role includes auditing medication inventories in nursing and other medication storage areas, advising patients and healthcare professionals on the appropriate use of medications, and ensuring compliance with all legal, professional, and institutional standards. The Pharmacist also participates in multidisciplinary clinical activities and provides supervision and guidance to pharmacy technicians, assistants, and students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical & Dispensing Responsibilities

·         Review prescriptions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and therapeutic appropriateness.

·         Prepare, compound, and dispense medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate calculations, measurements, and labelling.

·         Recommend and monitor appropriate drug therapy for patients.

·         Prepare sterile solutions and infusions for use in wards, emergency services, and operating theatres.

·         Manage and maintain crash carts and emergency medication supplies.

·         Provide information regarding drug interactions, dosage, side effects, contraindications, stability, and storage requirements.

Inventory Control & Documentation

·         Receive, verify, and document pharmaceutical supplies from vendors.

·         Maintain accurate records of patient profiles, inventories, narcotic and controlled drug registers, and other regulated documentation.

·         Conduct audits of medication inventories in nursing stations and other medication storage areas.

·         Analyse prescribing trends to prevent excessive usage, duplication, or harmful interactions.

·         Prepare reports related to medication errors, drug wastage, adverse reactions, and unusual occurrences.

Education, Training & Health Promotion

·         Supervise and provide guidance to pharmacy assistants, technicians, students, and interns.

·         Participate in the training and orientation of new pharmacy staff.

·         Deliver oral presentations and educational sessions on drug-related topics.

·         Offer health promotion and disease prevention education, including advice on chronic disease management such as HIV, diabetes, asthma, and hypertension.

·         Advise patients on the selection and proper use of medications, medical devices, and healthcare supplies.

Collaboration & Professional Participation

·         Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to plan, monitor, and evaluate drug therapy.

·         Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, Grand Rounds, and departmental activities.

·         Formulate drug monographs for inclusion in the SLBMC Drug Formulary.
Refer patients to other healthcare professionals and agencies when required.

·         Ensure compliance with Pharmacy Council regulations and hospital standards.

Other Responsibilities

·         Ensure adherence to all legal and institutional policies related to pharmacy practice.

·         Perform other related duties as assigned by the Pharmacy Manager/ Supervisor or hospital administration.

EDUCATION, COMPETENCIES & WORK EXPERIENCE

Education & Certification

·         Diploma in Pharmacy or a recognized equivalent qualification.

·         Must possess a valid certificate of registration to practice pharmacy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Experience

·         Previous experience in a hospital or clinical pharmacy setting will be an asset.

Skills & Competencies

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office and pharmacy information systems.

·         Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·         Critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

·         Knowledge of inventory management and controlled substances handling.

·         Physical ability to walk, stand, stretch, and lift as necessary.

PERFORMANCE GOALS

Performance appraisals will be based on the following objectives:

·         Accurate and timely dispensing of medications

·         Maintenance of proper inventory and documentation

·         Compliance with pharmacy and hospital regulations

·         Effective support to clinical teams

·          Participation in continuous professional development

EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

·         Active participation in ongoing professional education activities

·         Contribution to staff training and mentorship programs

·         Continuous improvement of professional knowledge and skills