NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Primary Care Pharmacy – Central Services, Allermuir Health Centre
Prescribing Support Pharmacy Technician
Band 5 | 1.0 wte |37 hours - Permanent
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.
As from 1st April 2026, 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. However, 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 make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
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.
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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.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Pharmacy Technician to work in the Central Services Team, providing a wide range of services to practice‑based pharmacy teams across 121 GP practices and supporting 180 community pharmacies.
About the Role
This is an ideal post for an experienced pharmacy technician to work in an innovative environment with a well-established team providing
* prescribing data reporting and analysis
* management of medicines shortages
* maintenance of prescribing IT systems such as Scriptswitch
* authorisation to community pharmacy for the procurement of unlicensed medicines
* You will work closely with practice‑based pharmacy colleagues, community pharmacy teams, GPs, other practice staff, and other members of the multi‑disciplinary team in supporting the development and application of high quality, safe, cost effective and evidence‑based prescribing.
What We Offer
* A dynamic and collaborative working environment
* Opportunities for professional development and training
* A chance to make a real difference in patient care
* The successful candidate will contribute to all areas of the Central Services sub‑teams, encompassing Specials (providing authorisation to community pharmacies for procuring unlicensed medicines) and the Prescribing Efficiency and Analysis Technical (PEAT) Team. The role will have a particular focus on managing medicine shortages and supporting ScriptSwitch.
About you
We are seeking a dedicated and qualified individual who meets the following criteria:
* Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
* Candidates are expected to hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management. However, individuals who do not possess this qualification but can demonstrate equivalent professional experience may also be considered. In such instances, a Mapping Assessment Form must be completed and submitted as part of the application process. Applicants who are shortlisted will receive detailed guidance, including instructions and timelines, for completing and submitting this documentation (copies are included with the Job Description and Person Specification with this advert).
* You will possess excellent communication, IT and organisational skills.
* You will also be able to work autonomously as well as part of a team.
* This post will require Enhanced PVG Scheme Membership.
* As an experienced pharmacy technician, you will also be expected to support the training and supervision of other members of Central Services and wider primary care pharmacy team.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian covers Edinburgh city, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. We are the second largest health system in NHS Scotland and one of only four teaching Boards. We have strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities and our four Integration Joint Boards. We serve a population of 900,000, providing a range of primary, community based and acute hospital services. We also provide regional and national services across a range of clinical specialties.
The vision for the Pharmacy & Medicines service is to deliver clinically led, person‑centred services to ensure patients across Lothian get the best from their medicines and pharmacy services. We are focussed on creating an environment where each person in the team has the opportunity to flourish, develop and make best use of their skills.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For comprehensive details regarding the responsibilities of this position and the qualifications we are seeking, please consult the job description and person specification provided.
If you wish to find out more about the role, the team, or the opportunities that come with it, we would like to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to the hiring manager for an informal chat; it's a great opportunity to ask questions and see how this role could fit with your career goals.
Applications will be considered from those interested in job‑sharing opportunities and those seeking part‑time employment. For internal applicants, a continued commitment within existing roles will also be considered.
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact
Steven Walker, Primary Care Pharmacy Lead Technician
📞 0131 212 2147 | steven.walker@nhs.scot
or
Lisa Dunn, Pharmacy Technician Team Manager
📞 0131 212 2147 | lisa.dunn@nhs.scot
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