222784 Lead Pharmacist Surgical Services (KA)

NHS National Services Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Edinburgh is seeking a Lead Pharmacist for Surgical Services to enhance patient safety and improve outcomes in complex surgeries. This pivotal role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to lead service transformations and develop clinical management pathways. Candidates need a Master of Pharmacy Degree and a commitment to patient care. Join an innovative environment dedicated to professional growth and service excellence.

Benefits

Opportunities for personal development

Research collaboration

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active services.
• Experience in a patient-focused environment.
• Surgical experience, including understanding of peri-operative medicine.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in a multidisciplinary team across surgical services.
• Lead the development of a new complex medicines clinic.
• Collaborate with surgical and critical care pharmacy teams.

Skills

Patient care commitment

Evidence-based services

Influencing prescribing practices

Understanding peri-operative medicine

Education

Master of Pharmacy Degree

Registration with GPhC

Independent Prescribing Qualification

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lead Pharmacist Surgical Services

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Western General Hospital

Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours |Permanent

£62,681 - £67,665

(with some weekend and public holiday working)

Are you a pharmacist with a keen interest in Peri-operative medicine and Surgical Services, ready to make an impact on patient safety and improve patient outcomes? Are you searching for a role that will challenge, inspire, and reward you every day?

This position offers you the chance to make a real impact to patients who are undergoing complex surgeries in Colorectal and Urology specialities. You will be working in partnership with an innovative multidisciplinary team who are pioneers in novel surgery techniques and world leaders in research and development. As joint Lead Pharmacist for Surgical Services at WGH you will share a portfolio with an existing post holder, leading on service transformation initiatives and developing advanced roles for Pharmacy services.

About the Role

This post is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist looking to specialise or advance in Surgical Services. You will:

• Play a key role as part of the multidisciplinary team across surgical services and other specialist teams who are key partners (e.g. Acute Pain, Theatres and Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Nutrition, Infection).
• Collaborate closely with a highly supportive surgical and critical care pharmacy team, committed to innovation and service development
• Lead an exciting development of a new complex medicines clinic as part of pre-assessment services for surgical patients. This is integral to reduce the number of cancellations which will contribute to the overall ambition of the Scottish Government Scheduled Care initiative to improve access and waiting times to surgical procedures.
• Benefit from opportunities for personal and professional development initiatives, including research and development alongside the Pharmacy and surgical team.

Why Join Us?

The Western General Hospital (WGH) is a large teaching hospital offering best practice across a wide variety of specialist services. It is conveniently located near the city centre with easy access to local facilities and transport routes.

This is an exciting time for Surgical Services with redesign of pathways of care to ensure best use of skill mix and resources across the surgical multidisciplinary team. The recognition of the impact of expert pharmaceutical care to the patient journey in the peri-operative period has led to this additional investment which enables the development of advanced pharmacist roles as non-medical prescribers in a well supported environment. You’ll have the chance to work on:

• Service development projects aimed at improving patient care and modernising service delivery.
• A wide variety of clinical experiences including undertaking independent pharmacist-led clinics and developing clinical management pathways all supported by robust training and development opportunities.

About you

To excel in this role, you will need:

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• 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.
• 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 RPS learning needs analysis tool 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

• A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active, evidence-based pharmaceutical services.
• Experience in influencing prescribing practices and working in a patient-focused environment.
• Surgical experience, including an understanding of peri-operative medicine

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 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!

Jin Hah, Site Lead Pharmacist WGH/SCAN email: [e-mail] Tel [phone]

or

Reshma Chhana-Brown, Lead Clinical Pharmacist, WGH email: [e-mail] Tel [phone]

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 above.