MG Advanced Pharmacist - Medicine Safety

Overview

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. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Controlled Drugs Governance Team
Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours | Permanent
£62,681 £ 67,665
(includes public holiday commitment)

Are you a pharmacist with a passion for improving medication safety and driving quality across healthcare systems? Are you ready to lead innovative change and make a real impact on patient outcomes across NHS Lothian?

This is a unique opportunity to join NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service in a pivotal role focused on medicine safety. As an Advanced Pharmacist, you’ll lead the development and delivery of our Medicines Safety Programme, working collaboratively with the Quality Directorate and clinical teams to embed best practice and drive continuous improvement.

This post is ideal for a highly motivated pharmacist with a strong clinical background and a keen interest in governance, safety, and service development. You will:

• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the NHS Lothian Medicine Safety Programme using quality improvement methodologies.
• Provide expert advice on drug-related clinical governance and risk management issues.
• Support the Medicines Safety and Risk Group in implementing Drug Safety Updates and National Patient Safety Alerts.
• Collaborate with the Yellow Card Centre Scotland to enhance incident reporting and pharmacovigilance.
• Deliver education and training on medicines safety across the organisation.
• Contribute to clinical practice (0.2 WTE), maintaining hands-on experience and patient-facing care.

Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dynamic, forward-thinking, and committed to excellence. In this role, you’ll benefit from:

• Opportunities to shape policy and practice at a strategic level.
• A supportive team environment with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Access to professional development including independent prescribing and leadership training.
• The chance to work across diverse clinical settings and influence system-wide change.

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• 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 Curriculum
• Active participation in a community of practice/peer network
• Submit 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

• 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

• Proven expertise in service development, including the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
• A strong background in training and education, with experience delivering impactful sessions for healthcare professionals.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, enabling effective decision-making.

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 a job, it’s a chance to lead meaningful change and improve the safety and quality of medicines use across NHS Lothian.

For further information on what is included in the role and the…