NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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. There will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
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 submit your application at an early stage.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement to demonstrate that you have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is granted by the UK Visas and Immigration Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this, and what your responsibilities include, can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
Specialist Pharmacist Medicines Information, Clinical Effectiveness and Governance
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Waverley Court
Band 7 | 2.0 WTE | 36 hrs/week | Permanent
£50,861 - £59,159
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for two pharmacists to join the Medicines Advice and Guidance team. These posts will support the development and delivery of Medicines Information, Clinical Effectiveness and Medicines Governance services, as well as supporting the Yellow Card Centre (YCC) Scotland and working with the East Region Formulary (ERF). YCC is a national service hosted by NHS Lothian and ERF is the first regional formulary established in Scotland. These roles will promote high-quality, evidence-based medicines use, ensuring safe, effective and person-centred care for patients locally and nationally.
About the Role
These posts will be based at Waverley Court, within the Medicines Advice and Guidance team. The post holders will deliver a high-quality Medicines Information (MI) service and deliver on clinical effectiveness (CE) work by providing evaluated and evidence-based responses to enquiries and commissions from a wide range of healthcare professionals across NHS Lothian. The posts will also support YCC Scotland by developing plans to promote adverse drug reaction reporting across Scotland and by delivering education and training to support the public and professionals.
The post holders will work closely with colleagues across primary and secondary care, aiming to improve prescribing through various medicines governance groups and adherence to policies and procedures. This includes supporting the development of protocols and guidelines, and ad hoc participation in medicines governance committees and specialist groups. There is also an opportunity to undertake a weekly clinical session in an agreed area of practice to maintain clinical skills and understand the impact of the medicines advice and guidance work on patient care.
Why join us?
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service is committed to delivering clinically led, person-centred services. Our vision emphasises creating an environment where every team member can flourish, develop and contribute to service improvement. You will join a friendly, forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration and high-quality pharmaceutical care. The Medicines Advice and Guidance team works across the entire health system, providing exposure to multidisciplinary clinical practice, senior leadership forums, and medicines governance.
About You
We are looking for highly motivated pharmacists with a passion for delivering exceptional clinical care. You will have proven organisational skills and can demonstrate a clear understanding of medicine enquiry answering. You will also be a clear communicator, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. A proactive attitude, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development are valued.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
* Master of Pharmacy Degree or equivalent and registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
* Completed the Post Registration Foundation Training or equivalent competence mapped to the RPS post-registration foundation pharmacist curriculum
Skills and Attributes
* Strong clinical decision-making and critical appraisal skills
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently
* A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and a willingness to contribute to a dynamic team
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian serves a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh city, 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-centered care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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. Discussions about this opportunity can be arranged via Teams or in informal info sessions to learn more about working in the Medicines Information and Clinical Effectiveness Team. For an informal chat contact us via email or Teams.
Contacts: Zarah Swain, Lead Medicines Information and Clinical Effectiveness Pharmacist (zarah.swain@nhs.scot); Lesley Macher, Lead Pharmacist, Medicines Advice and Guidance (lesley.macher@nhs.scot)
#J-18808-Ljbffr