Western General Hospital
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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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Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
Rheumatology
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Western General Hospital
Band 7 | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours | Fixed-term/Secondment | 12 months
£50,861 - £59,159 per annum
(with some weekend and public holiday working)
Are you a forward-thinking pharmacist keen to apply your excellent clinical knowledge and skills in a fascinating and cutting-edge specialist area? Then look no further than this opportunity to work as part of the award-winning NHS Lothian Rheumatology Pharmacy Team; a truly supportive and welcoming multidisciplinary team that highly values the input of pharmacy.
This is a well-established post in an outpatient specialty, with a commitment to twice weekly inpatient ward rounds. There is a key focus on the use of biologic and advanced therapies for inflammatory rheumatic diseases, with oversight of the osteoporosis & bone service. This position is based at the Western General Hospital but provides support and advice for all Rheumatology patients in NHS Lothian.
About the Role
The main duties of this role, in addition to some regular technical and teaching commitments include:
1. Leadership and clinical input for the Rheumatology biologics service. The role is varied and well supported within the clinical team, with pharmacists playing a leading role in weekly multidisciplinary meetings, patient education and scope to include pharmacist-led clinics.
2. Ongoing service reviews of Homecare services for adult Rheumatology with support from the NHS Lothian Homecare team.
3. Collaborate closely with a highly supportive Rheumatology multidisciplinary team, committed to innovation and service development.
4. Day-to-day oversight, training and support of biologics administrative assistants.
5. Responsibility for prescribing and/or clinically checking Rheumatology repeat prescriptions, for specialist Rheumatology medicines provided via homecare, IV infusion suites and hospital dispensaries.
6. Although desired, independent prescribing is not essential for this role and training would be supported for the successful applicant.
Why Join Us?
7. This team was awarded Hospital Pharmacy Team of the Year at the Scottish Pharmacy Awards 2025 because we offer a dynamic working environment that prioritises innovation, teamwork and patient outcomes as well as staff experience. Youll also have the chance to work on:Service development projects aimed at improving patient care and modernising service delivery.
A wide variety of clinical experiences including undertaking telephone counselling clinics, all supported by robust training and development opportunities.
About you
Were looking for someone with:
8. A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent) and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration.
9. Completion of or have equivalent competence mapped to the RPS post-registration foundation pharmacist curriculum -
10. A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active, evidence-based pharmaceutical services.
11. Experience in influencing prescribing practices and working in a patient-focused environment.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian is the second-largest health system in Scotland, covering Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is driven by a commitment to clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring every patient benefits from safe, effective, and efficient pharmaceutical services.
We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development, making NHS Lothian an exciting place to work and grow your career.
Ready to Take the Next Step?For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience were 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. We warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.
Reach out to Isla Cubitt, Lead Rheumatology pharmacist, email: or to Ewan Swann, Lead Rheumatology Pharmacist, email: .
Telephone: 0131 537 4001 to start the conversation- wed love to hear from you!
- Urban Practice