Lead Pharmacist Rheumatology – NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Western General Hospital
Fixed-term/Secondment (10 months)
(includes 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 with input in specialist clinics at East Lothian Community Hospital or St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
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 including chairing the weekly biologic multi-disciplinary meeting, patient education, undertaking clinics (after appropriate training), set up and manage all Homecare services for adult Rheumatology with support from the NHS Lothian Homecare team.
2. Collaborate closely with a highly supportive Rheumatology multidisciplinary team, committed to innovation and service development.
3. Day-to-day oversight, training and line management of the Specialist Rheumatology Pharmacist and three biologics administrative assistants.
4. Responsibility for prescribing and clinically checking Rheumatology repeat prescriptions, for specialist Rheumatology medicines provided via homecare, IV infusion suites and hospital dispensaries.
5. Manage the high-cost medicines budget for NHS Lothian Rheumatology, working closely with the wider clinical and finance teams to maximise use of resources.
Why Join Us?
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. You’ll have the chance to work on:
6. Service development projects aimed at improving patient care and modernising service delivery.
7. A wide variety of clinical experiences including undertaking independent pharmacist-led clinics, all supported by robust training and development opportunities.
About you
To excel in this role, you will need:
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
8. A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
9. Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
10. An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
11. Candidates must have a Master of Pharmacy Degree or equivalent, be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and should have completed Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or Masters of Science (MSc) in Clinical Pharmacy or be able to demonstrate competence to the level of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Core Advanced Curriculum.
12. Candidates who have not completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy must demonstrate substantial progress across the four pillars of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum through:Engagement with the RPS Core Advanced CurriculumActive participation in a community of practice/peer networkSubmit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page)Complete the to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans
13. Candidates who have completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy should complete the learning needs analysis (LNA) using the LNA tool in the RPS e-portfolio, identifying any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans.
Experience and Knowledge
14. A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active, evidence-based pharmaceutical services.
15. 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 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. We warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an