Lead Clinical Pharmacist Acute

NHS Borders; Melrose; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Borders in the Borders General Hospital is seeking a Lead Clinical Pharmacist Acute to lead and develop clinical pharmacy services across Acute Medicine & ED, Frailty, DME and Surgical specialties. You will support the Associate Director, deputise in their absence, and provide expert pharmacotherapy guidance to staff and patients while training multi-disciplinary teams.

The role requires a Master of Pharmacy, GPhC registration, and Independent Prescribing; a Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in

Qualifications

• Master of Pharmacy Degree and GPhC registration.
• Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma/MSc progression demonstrated may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, deliver and evaluate clinical services including Acute Medicine & ED, Frailty, DME and Surgical specialties at Borders General Hospital.
• Support the Associate Director of Acute Services and deputise as needed at meetings.
• Provide expert clinical advice and train multidisciplinary teams in designated pharmacy areas.
• Develop initiatives and guidelines to ensure safe, cost-effective use of medicines and clinical governance.

Skills

Independent Prescribing

GPhC registration

Education

Master of Pharmacy Degree

GPhC registration

Job description

Lead Clinical Pharmacist Acute

Salary: Band 8B (£76,888 - £82,251)
Job closing date: 04/11/2026
Job Type: Other Therapeutic
Location: Borders General Hospital
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 36
Employer (NHS Board): NHS Borders
Department: Pharmacy

Job Advert

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

Compassion Kindness Integrity Teamwork Excellence

At NHS Borders we are making a significant investment in our Pharmacy team.
As a result of service investment and workforce expansion in our clinical pharmacy team at Borders General Hospital we have an opportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking clinical service lead pharmacist. This is an exciting moment to join us as we develop and enhance our clinical pharmacy services.
Do you want to make a meaningful impact by working within the cancer team providing advance pharmaceutical practice? If you are an experienced pharmacist with a passion for service development and a track record of delivering results, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a difference in NHS Borders and work with SCAN colleagues across the East Region.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing, well-supported pharmacy service with strong organisational backing.
• Shape and deliver high-quality, patient-centred pharmaceutical care.
• Develop and utilise your prescribing skills.
• Contribute to safe, cost-effective prescribing and innovative clinical practice.
• Work within a friendly, collaborative multidisciplinary environment at Borders General Hospital.

Who we are looking for

• Passionate about improving patient outcomes.
• Eager to contribute to service development and innovation.
• Committed to evidence-based, cost-effective clinical practice.
• Ready to work collaboratively within a dynamic healthcare team.
• Looking for opportunity to influence change and make a real difference to patient care.

NHS Borders provides an environment, where innovation and service development are encouraged.
You will be responsible for leading, developing, delivering and evaluating clinical services including Acute Medicine & ED, Frailty, DME and Surgical specialties at the Borders General Hospital.
You will also be responsible for supporting the Associate Director of Acute Services in managing the pharmacy service deputising for them and representing them at Hospital, Regional and National meetings when necessary.
You will provide expert clinical advice to staff and patients, act as a role model and clinical expert in a defined pharmacy field and responsible for training the multi-disciplinary teams in these areas.
Provide effective clinical governance to manage risk and embed clinical audit practices to improve safety and quality of services provided. Responsible for developing initiatives and guidelines to ensure safe and cost-effective use of medicines through personal practice and the mentoring of other staff.
You will be supported by Band 8 lead pharmacists and rotational Band 6 Pharmacists who will provide the day-to-day delivery of the pharmacy service.

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist with a passion for delivering exceptional clinical care.

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.

For further information, or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Andy Parker, Associate Director of Pharmacy: Acute and Specialist Services, on [e-mail] or on 01896 827708
Whether you're early in your career or looking to take the next step into a more senior role, NHS Borders offers a supportive environment where you can grow, influence change, and make a real impact.
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. As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.