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.
Specialist Pharmacist, Quality Risk and Governance Services
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Western General Hospital
£50,861 - £59,159
12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Opportunity for secondment)
Are you a pharmacist ready to take the next step in your career by working with Quality Risk & Governance Services and making a real difference in the provision of pharmaceutical services throughout NHS Lothian? Are you searching for a role that will challenge, inspire, and reward you every day?
This position offers you the chance to develop skills in Quality Assurance activities provided by the Quality Risk and Governance Service (QRGS) to NHS Lothian Pharmacy services and beyond. As a Specialist Pharmacist, you will play a pivotal role in helping to maintain the BS EN ISO 9001 accredited Quality Management System operated throughout the pharmacy service and play a key role in the provision of education and training of rotational staff in QRGS.
About the Role:
This post is an excellent development opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist looking to specialise or advance in Quality Risk & Governance Services. You will:
* Play a key role in maintaining and development of the accredited Quality Management System throughout NHS Lothian Pharmacy services.
* Be responsible for the provision of education and training of rotational pharmacy staff in QRGS.
* Collaborate with procurement and Quality Assurance colleagues for the procurement and safety assessment of medicines on contract that are used across the whole of Scotland.
* Develop expert knowledge in specialist areas that underpin the delivery of pharmacy services.
* Continue to develop clinical skills through a sessional commitment to provide a clinical pharmacy service at the base hospital.
Why Join Us?
QRGS is a dynamic working environment that prioritises teamwork and supports the pharmacy service to meet regulatory and statutory requirements. You will have the chance to work on:
* Introduction of new unlicensed medicines.
* Service development projects such as the introduction of ATMP aimed at improving patient care and modernising service delivery.
* Diversity of roles across multiple sites that require a level of expert knowledge.
This is an ideal progression opportunity for a rotational pharmacist, or a specialist pharmacist looking to broaden their skills and knowledge portfolio and to gain hands-on experience in broader aspects of pharmacy service delivery.
About You:
We're looking for someone with:
* A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent) and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration.
* Completion of or have equivalent competence mapped to the RPS post-registration foundation pharmacist curriculum.
* A commitment to pharmacy service improvement through audit.
* Experience in communicating across a whole service area on a broad range of subjects to a wide range of different staff groups is essential.
* Previous experience of audit/quality management systems is desirable but not essential-training and support will be provided.
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.
This is more than just a job-it's an opportunity to elevate your career learning new transferable skills while making a profound difference in the lives of Lothian 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. 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 informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.
Reach out today to start the conversation - we'd love to hear from you!
James McDade, Head of QRGS
Email: james.mcdade@nhs.scot
Tel: 0131 537 2341
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
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: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
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 make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage. #J-18808-Ljbffr