Job Advert
Pharmacist Advanced– Women’s and Neonatal Services
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 36 Hours
[Job share or Part-time working will be considered] Please note: If part-time, the salary will be pro-rata.
(including weekend, late night and public holiday rota commitments)
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.
- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
- Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.
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.
Are you ready to drive innovation and shape hospital pharmacy services across NHS Lothian?
Do you want to make a meaningful impact by working within obstetrics and neonatal care and advance pharmaceutical care? 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 lead transformative change across hospital pharmacy services in Lothian.
About the Role
This post is one of two WTE roles within Women’s and Neonatal services. The successful candidate will initially focus on Women’s Health, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, supporting increased capacity. Applicants with experience in surgical services may find this an excellent opportunity for progression into a specialist role.
Previous experience within the Neonatal Unit (NNU) is not essential. Comprehensive training, structured supervision and peer support will be provided to enable the postholder to develop the required knowledge and confidence in this specialty.
As an advanced Pharmacist for Women’s and Neonatal Services, you will take a leadership role in developing and delivering key service developments within obstetrics, neonatal care and fertility services. This is a highly collaborative role, working with peer postholder(s) and the multidisciplinary teams to provide expert pharmaceutical advice and staff training/development, which supports the delivery of local, regional and national healthcare priorities and address the needs of patients. In this rewarding role, your expertise is truly valued, and your work makes an impactful difference for families every day.
Why Join Us?
At NHS Lothian, we value innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. As part of our pharmacy team, you’ll benefit from:
- The opportunity to lead impactful projects that directly improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
- A collaborative and supportive environment, where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- A chance to be part of one of Scotland’s largest and most innovative health systems, serving over 900,000 people.
- Ongoing support for professional development, including advanced clinical learning and leadership opportunities.
Within this post specifically, we offer an excellent opportunity to work within a specialist clinical environment, where innovation and service development are encouraged. You will be a key part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient-centred care in Women’s Health and Neonatal Services. This role provides professional development opportunities and the chance to influence pharmacy practice at a senior level.
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
- 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
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.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian serves a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. As Scotland’s second-largest health system, we are one of four teaching Boards, fostering strong partnerships with universities and research institutions. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s busiest and most advanced hospitals, providing a wide range of specialist and emergency care services, making it an excellent place to develop your clinical skills.
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. That’s why we encourage you to reach out for an informal conversation or organise a time to come and visit the team at RIE to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
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:
Ommar Ahmed, Clinical Lead Pharmacist RIE
📞 0131 242 1948 📧 Email: ommar.ahmed4@nhs.scot
OR
Caroline O’Hare, Lead Pharmacist, Women’s and Neonatal Services RIE
📧 Email: caroline.Ohare@nhs.scot
Sadaf Arshad, Lead Pharmacist, Women’s and Neonatal Services RIE
📧 Email: sadaf.arshad@nhs.scot
Make your mark on the future of hospital pharmacy — apply today!
Requests for Compressed hours working pattern will be considered.