Pharmacy Support Worker – Higher Level
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Hospital & Primary Care Settings – Edinburgh & Surrounding Areas
Band 3 – 37 Hours
Salary: £28,011 – £30,230
Are you ready to take the next step in your pharmacy career? NHS Lothian is recruiting Band 3 Pharmacy Support Workers to join our expanding teams across hospital (acute) and primary care environments. These roles offer a unique opportunity to contribute to safe, effective, and person-centred pharmaceutical care across a range of settings including hospital pharmacy departments, inpatient wards, GP practices, and care homes.
About the Role
As a Pharmacy Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting medicines management and improving patient outcomes. Depending on your placement, your responsibilities may include:
Primary Care Responsibilities
1. Supporting prescribing initiatives in GP practices and care homes.
2. Reviewing medication ordering processes and promoting cost-effective prescribing.
3. Ensuring safe storage and handling of medicines.
4. Assisting with prescription queries and communicating pharmacy team work plans.
Hospital (Acute) Responsibilities
5. Managing ward-based medicines including ordering, stock rotation, and supply continuity.
6. Educating nursing staff on medication storage and supply.
7. Supporting prompt patient discharges by ensuring timely medication availability.
8. Contributing to dispensary and stores operations including labelling, dispensing, and stock maintenance.
Why Join Us?
NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients receive the best care possible. We are focused on creating an environment where every team member has the opportunity to flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills.
As one of Scotland’s four teaching Boards, NHS Lothian has strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities, and four Integration Joint Boards, ensuring a strong focus on learning and professional development. Our training sites include major hospitals throughout Lothian as well as primary care settings across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Through this post, you will receive:
9. Structured Training & Development: Full training provided, including undertaking a competency-based qualification (SCQF Level 6) and structured knowledge programme.
10. Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside experienced pharmacy professionals in a collaborative setting.
11. Career Development: Gain advanced skills through structured training and expand your scope of practice.
12. Impactful Work: Contribute to the efficient supply of medicines, directly supporting high-quality patient care.
As part of this recruitment, posts will be available at the following sites/HSCPs.
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh X2
Primary Care – Southwest Edinburgh HSCP X1
Please note that due to the volume of recruitment, the start dates on associated courses will be staggered. All successful candidates, however, will be employed within the service from early March 2026.
Shortlisted applicant will be asked for their location/sector preference, we will endeavour to match candidates based on preference, but you may be offered an alternative location/sector.
About you
We are looking for someone with:
13. Previous experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
14. Excellent organisational and communication skills.
15. Age 16 and above, no higher age limit.
16. Effective team player and good interpersonal skills.
17. Commitment to completing the Apprenticeship Programme.
18. A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and a willingness to contribute to our dynamic team.
19. Qualifications: Please ensure you provide your complete academic history. It is essential that we can clearly identify the specific qualification requested in the advert. For example, if you hold a degree, we need to know whether it includes the required subject (e.g., Chemistry), as this may not be obvious from the degree title alone. National 4 (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and a Science subject (Biology or Chemistry).Educated to SCQF Level 6 and willing to undertake an competency-based Group Award qualification within 12 months with associated knowledge programme delivered through day release college classes over one academic year. Full support will be provided to complete this qualification while in post.
What You Will Learn
As part of your development in this role, you will undertake a Modern Apprenticeship programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to excel as a Pharmacy Support Worker.
This programme includes:
20. Day-release study with a further education provider, covering key theoretical components.
21. Workplace-based SVQ qualification at SCQF Level 6, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world pharmacy settings.
Knowledge Programme Units
You will study a range of subjects relevant to pharmacy and healthcare, including:
22. Working in the Healthcare Sector
23. Medical Terminology
24. Human Body and Illness
25. Pharmacology: An Introduction
26. Pharmaceutics: Legal and Ethical Controls
27. Pharmaceutics: Good Dispensing Practice
28. Core skills in Numeracy and Chemistry (where required)
SVQ Qualification
You will complete a 7-unit Group Award at SCQF Level 6, comprising:
29. 4 Mandatory Units, including: Contribute to the Effectiveness of TeamsAssist with the Provision of a Pharmacy Service
30. 3 Optional Units, tailored to the specific sector or area you are working in (e.g., hospital or primary care).
Full support will be provided throughout your training to help you succeed and progress in your pharmacy career.
Additional Information
31. Posts may include evening, weekend, and public holiday commitments.
32. PVG Scheme membership may be required.
33. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Please note that all Modern Apprenticeship Pharmacy Support Worker posts are not eligible for sponsorship through the skilled worker route.
About NHS Lothian
At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
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. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an