238192 Lead Pharmacist – Acute & General Medicine

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.

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This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: .

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. Please note that the pay scale in this advert will not be changing as a result.

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Lead Pharmacist Acute & General Medicine

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours

(including weekend, late night and public holiday rota commitments)

[Job share or Part-time working will be considered]

Are you ready to drive innovation and shape hospital pharmacy services across NHS Lothian?

Do you want to make a meaningful impact by working within obstetrics and neonatal care and advance pharmaceutical care? If you are an experienced pharmacist with a passion for service development and a track record of delivering results, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead transformative change across hospital pharmacy services in Lothian.

About The Role

As the Lead Pharmacist for Acute & General Medicine, you will take a leadership role in developing and delivering key service developments. This role is strategically vital for supporting patient flow in one of the busiest front-door clinical areas. This is a highly collaborative role, working with multidisciplinary teams to provide expert pharmaceutical advice and staff training/development, which supports the delivery of local, regional and national healthcare priorities and address the needs of patients.

Why Join Us?

At NHS Lothian, we value innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. As part of our pharmacy team, you’ll benefit from:

• The opportunity to lead impactful projects that directly improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
• A collaborative and supportive environment, where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• A chance to be part of one of Scotland’s largest and most innovative health systems, serving over 900,000 people.
• Ongoing support for professional development, including advanced clinical learning and leadership opportunities.
  
  

Within this post specifically, we offer an excellent opportunity to work within a specialist clinical environment, where innovation and service development are encouraged. You will be a key part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient-centred care. This role provides professional development opportunities and the chance to influence pharmacy practice at a senior level.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist with a passion for delivering exceptional clinical care.

Essential Qualifications And Competencies

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• Candidates who have not completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy must demonstrate substantial progress across the four pillars of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum through:
• Engagement with the RPS Core Advanced Curriculum
• Active participation in a community of practice/peer network
• Submit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page)
• Complete the to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans
  

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven expertise in service development, including the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
• A strong background in training and education, with experience delivering impactful sessions for healthcare professionals.

Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, enabling effective decision-making.

About NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian serves a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. As Scotland’s second-largest health system, we are one of four teaching Boards, fostering strong partnerships with universities and research institutions. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s busiest and most advanced hospitals, providing a wide range of specialist and emergency care services, making it an excellent place to develop your clinical skills.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Job Description

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. That’s why we encourage you to reach out for an informal conversation to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Contact:

Ommar Ahmed, Clinical Lead Pharmacist RIE

0131 242 1948 Email: ommar.ahmed4@nhs.scot

Make your mark on the future of hospital pharmacyapply today!

Requests for Compressed hours working pattern will be considered.