NHS Lothian
253193 (LF) Pharmacy Technician - Higher Level
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Pharmacy Technician - Higher Level
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
St John’s Hospital
Band 5 | 1.0 WTE | 36 hours | Permanent
(including weekend, evenings and public holiday 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.
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Do you want to work in an environment that values your growth, wellbeing and contribution?
About The Role
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic pharmacy technician to join the St John’s Hospital (SJH) Mental Health Pharmacy team. The post is based at St John’s Hospital, Livingston and involves working across a range of mental health specialties, including adult and older people’s mental health.
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Responsibilities
You will work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe, effective and person-centred delivery of pharmaceutical care. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with medicines reconciliation and medication history checks
- Supporting high-dose antipsychotic monitoring processes
- Managing stock control, including clozapine and other specialist medicines
- Participating in patient education and carer support around medication
- Supporting community-based initiatives such as clozapine clinics and Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
This post offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both inpatient and community mental health care and to contribute to service delivery and development across interface settings.
The successful candidate will work across both clinical and technical services based at St John’s Hospital, Livingston. The postholder should have an interest in mental health and will work closely with the wider pharmacy and multidisciplinary mental health team to ensure the delivery of high quality of patient care. The role will also participate in the ongoing service development in this role to optimise medicines use, support patient flow, and contribute towards ongoing delivery of the mental health clinical pharmacy service.
Why Join Us?
Role
When you join NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service, you’re joining a team that values professional growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s why this role could be perfect for you:
- Career progression: Gain advanced skills through structured training and expand your scope of practice.
- Supportive environment: Work with a friendly, professional team that is committed to helping you succeed.
- Impactful work: Contribute to the efficient supply of medicines, directly supporting high-quality patient care.
- Flexibility: We offer flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a better work-life balance.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
- Hold a National Certificate in Pharmacy Services and Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
- 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 (copies are included with the Job Description and Person Specification with this advert). Applicants who are shortlisted will receive detailed guidance, including instructions and timelines, for completing and submitting this documentation.
- A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active, evidence-based pharmaceutical services.
- Committed to professional development and service improvement
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About The NHS Lothian Pharmacy And Medicines Service
NHS Lothian 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 and 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 focused on creating an environment where each person in the team has the opportunity to flourish, develop and make the best use of their skills.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Job Description
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. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to contact:
Heather Kelly | Advanced Clinical Pharmacist | West Lothian Mental Health
Telephone: email:
or
Carol Holmes | HSCP Lead Pharmacist | West Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership
Telephone: email:
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