Pharmacy Technician - Higher in Edinburgh inEdinburgh PUBLISHED WED 2 APR 2025 Jump to job information section
Band 5: ata per annum
NHS Lothian rd3KVzM
Job description
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.
Pharmacy Technician, Higher Level
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Edinburgh Cancer Centre Western General Hospital
Band 5 | 2.0 WTE (2 Posts) | 37 hrs/week
£31,892 £39,735 Pro-rata per annum
(including weekend and public holiday rota commitments)
Join our dedicated Pharmacy & Medicines team and play a key role in delivering high-quality cancer care services within NHS Lothian. This is an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic pharmacy technicians to contribute to the delivery of innovative treatments, clinical trials, and service development in a dynamic healthcare setting.
About The Role
The Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC) provides specialist cancer services for the Southeast of Scotland Cancer Network, treating oncology and haematology patients across day-case, outpatient, and inpatient settings. As a specialist tertiary referral centre, ECC also supports a teenage and young adult unit and has a broad research portfolio, participating in a wide range of cancer clinical trials.
As part of our supportive pharmacy team, you will be involved in:
We are committed to fostering an environment where our pharmacy team members can flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills. With new treatments on the horizon, including clinical trials, this is an exciting time to join our team. We provide extensive training opportunities and career progression pathways including HN Unit: Procedures for Aseptic Checking Technicians, PDA in Assessment and Supply of Individual Patient’s Medicines, PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills or 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 get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.
We’d love to hear from you! Please phone or email:
Susan McGeary, Lead Pharmacy Technical Manager (
)
or
Nicola Brown, Aseptic Technical Manager ()
or
Rachel Swan, Dispensary Technical Manager Manager ()
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.
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.
Pharmacy Technician, Higher Level
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Edinburgh Cancer Centre Western General Hospital
Band 5 | 2.0 WTE (2 Posts) | 37 hrs/week
£31,892 £39,735 Pro-rata per annum
(including weekend and public holiday rota commitments)
Join our dedicated Pharmacy & Medicines team and play a key role in delivering high-quality cancer care services within NHS Lothian. This is an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic pharmacy technicians to contribute to the delivery of innovative treatments, clinical trials, and service development in a dynamic healthcare setting.
About The Role
The Edinburgh Cancer Centre (ECC) provides specialist cancer services for the Southeast of Scotland Cancer Network, treating oncology and haematology patients across day-case, outpatient, and inpatient settings. As a specialist tertiary referral centre, ECC also supports a teenage and young adult unit and has a broad research portfolio, participating in a wide range of cancer clinical trials.
As part of our supportive pharmacy team, you will be involved in:
- Delivering high-quality pharmacy services to cancer patients
- Rotations through dispensary, aseptic and patient-facing roles, managing your own workload and the day-to-day workflow by delegating to the team
- Contributing to service improvement projects and personal development initiatives.
We are committed to fostering an environment where our pharmacy team members can flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills. With new treatments on the horizon, including clinical trials, this is an exciting time to join our team. We provide extensive training opportunities and career progression pathways including HN Unit: Procedures for Aseptic Checking Technicians, PDA in Assessment and Supply of Individual Patient’s Medicines, PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and a willingness to contribute to our dynamic team
- Has an HNC in Pharmacy Services Development and Management or equivalent experience.
- PDA: Procedures for Final Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technicians
- Experience in a patient-focused environment, using knowledge and skills to improve patient care and promote optimal outcomes from medicines
- Experience in cancer services desirable but not essential, as relevant training will be fully supported.
At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills or 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 get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.
We’d love to hear from you! Please phone or email:
Susan McGeary, Lead Pharmacy Technical Manager (
)
or
Nicola Brown, Aseptic Technical Manager ()
or
Rachel Swan, Dispensary Technical Manager Manager ()
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.
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
Requirements
See the job description for full role requirements.
Benefits
Benefits are provided by the employer and will be confirmed during your application.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for a Pharmacy Technician - Higher:
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To work as a Pharmacy Technician in the UK, you need a combination of educational qualifications, technical skills, and interpersonal skills. Here are the key skills and qualifications typically required:
Educational Qualifications:
1. Pharmacy Technician Diploma: You usually need to complete a Level 3 qualification in Pharmacy Services (e.g., BTEC in Pharmacy Services, City & Guilds Diploma).
2. Registration: You must register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to practice as a Pharmacy Technician.
Technical Skills:
1. Pharmaceutical Knowledge: A solid understanding of medications, their uses, side effects, and how they interact.
2. Dispensing Skills: Proficiency in accurately dispensing medications and managing prescriptions.
3. Health and Safety: Knowledge of health and safety regulations, particularly related to the handling of medicines.
4. Inventory Management: Skills in managing stock levels, ordering supplies, and keeping accurate records.
5. IT Skills: Competence in using pharmacy management software and other computer systems to maintain patient records and manage stock.
Interpersonal Skills:
1. Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals. This includes explaining medication usage and addressing patient concerns.
2. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a pharmacy team and with other healthcare providers.
3. Customer Service: Strong skills in providing excellent service to patients and addressing their needs in a respectful and supportive manner.
4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in dispensing medications and managing prescriptions.
Other Skills:
1. Problem-Solving: Ability to handle issues that may arise with prescriptions or patient concerns effectively.
2. Empathy: Understanding the needs and concerns of patients, providing them with support and reassurance.
3. Time Management: Balancing various tasks efficiently, particularly in a busy pharmacy environment.
4. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changes in regulations, medications, and technologies.
Additional Considerations:
- Continued Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing education and training to stay updated with the latest practices and advancements in pharmacy.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with UK pharmaceutical regulations and guidelines.

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