NHS Lothian
252403 R2 (SNIS) Pharmacy Technician

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252403 R2 (SNIS) Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician (Higher Level) – NHS Lothian
NHS Scotland is committed to equality and diversity, ensuring our workforce reflects society and where every employee feels respected. Applications from all sections of society are welcome.
Role Overview
Location: Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian Band: 5 Contract: Permanent, 1.0 WTE, 36 hours per week Salary: £34,544 – £43,039 per annum (includes rotas covering evenings, weekends and public holidays) Essential Requirement: Applicants must hold a valid GPhC registration number
Vision: Deliver clinically-led, person-centred pharmacy services to ensure patients in Lothian receive optimal medicines support. The role is designed for professional development, with opportunities to flourish and utilise skills within a collaborative team.
Why Join Us?
The Western General Hospital (WGH) is a:
- Large teaching hospital with a reputation for best practice in specialist services.
- Home to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, a leading provider of cancer services.
We are seeking a reliable, professional, and flexible Higher Level Pharmacy Technician who:
- Thrives in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and proactive approach.
- Is passionate about patient-centred care.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
This role offers an opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated Pharmacy Technician to:
- Work closely with the Dispensary Manager and Dispensary Operational Team Lead to:
- Organise, maintain, and develop services.
- Collaborate with:
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Pre-registration technicians
- Pharmacy support workers
- Take on leadership responsibilities, including:
- Line management of pre-registration and registered technicians.
- Mentorship for pharmacy staff.
- Support day-to-day dispensary workflows by:
- Delegating tasks effectively.
- Manage workloads independently while having a commitment to continuously developing professional skills.
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Must-haves:
- Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
- Strong leadership and team-development abilities.
- Ability to mentor and supervise rotational staff.
About You – Key Criteria
We are looking for a candidate who meets the following:
- Registered with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council).
- Holds a Final Accuracy Checking Technician (ACT) qualification, such as:
- HN Unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians
- Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (issued by Buttercups/NPA before 2019).
- Preferably holds a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management.
- Note: Without this qualification, applicants must demonstrate equivalent professional experience. A Mapping Assessment Form will need to be submitted, and candidates should contact NHS Lothian in advance for guidance. Shortlisted applicants will receive detailed instructions.
- Proven ability to enhance patient care through proactive and evidence-based pharmaceutical practice.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian encompasses:
- Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian.
- One of the four teaching Boards in NHS Scotland.
- Strong partnerships with universities and local authorities.
- Serves a population of 900,000, providing:
- Primary and community services.
- Acute hospital care.
- Regional and national clinical specialties.


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Ready to Apply?
For full role details, visit the job description and person specification.
Encouraged: Informal discussions about the role with the hiring team. Contact:
- Nicola Monaghan, Dispensary Operational Team Lead Tel: 0131 537 1210
- David Barry, Dispensary Manager Tel: 0131 537 1210
Additional Notes
- Agenda for Change Guidelines: As of 1/4/26, the working week reduces to 36 hours (from 37), with incremental pay adjustments ensuring no loss of earnings.
- Accessibility & Support: Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled candidates, neurodivergent applicants, or those with long-term conditions.
- Retention Policy: Anticipating high application volume; early submission is encouraged.
- PVG Scheme: Mandatory membership pre-employment. Pre-existing records reviewed to verify eligibility.
- Right-to-Work: Applicants must confirm legal permission to work in the UK (for further visa/immigration guidance, consult the vacancy details).
AI Application Note
- Authenticity: Demonstrates applicants’ own skills, experiences, and motivations.
- AI Advisory: Use tools for grammar/spelling aid only—original answers are required.
- Consequences: Applications with AI-generated content may be withdrawn.
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Note: Due to legislative changes (April 2025), regulated roles may require updated PVG Scheme updates. Shortlisted applicants will receive confirmation of adjustments.
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