NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Prescribing Support Pharmacy Technician
Primary Care Pharmacy – Central Services, Allermuir Health Centre
Band 5 | 1.0 wte | 36 hours - Permanent
£ 34,544 - £43,039

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).
• National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
• Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Pharmacy Services
• HN Unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians or Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (provided by Buttercups or NPA, 2019 or before)

Candidates should normally hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management. However, applicants who do not possess this qualification but can demonstrate equivalent professional experience may also be considered. In such cases, a completed Mapping Assessment Form and a supporting Portfolio of Evidence must be 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. We advise that you start building your portfolio as soon as possible to give you the longest time possible before the submission date.

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.

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 please contact the following:
Clare Cockburn, Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
📞 0131 312 2147 | clare.cockburn2@nhs.scot
or
Andrew Clarke, Pharmacy Technician Team Manager
📞 0131 312 2147 | andrew.clarke4@nhs.scot

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NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. 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. This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record.