Lead Pharmacist – Clinical Specialties

About the role

Raigmore Hospital’s Pharmacy and Gastroenterology Departments are seeking an experienced, proactive pharmacist to lead medicines optimisation for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This newly created two‑year fixed‑term position offers the chance to develop specialist expertise in complex IBD medication regimens, including biologics, immunomodulators and JAK inhibitors.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, review, and implement IBD treatment and medication pathways.
• Monitor and manage prescribing for IBD patients.
• Lead biosimilar switches to improve patient care and achieve cost efficiencies.
• Horizon‑scan for new IBD drugs and financially plan treatment pathways.
• Establish a pharmacist‑led IBD clinic, reviewing patients and formulating treatment plans.
• Provide expert medication advice to patients, MDT members and primary/secondary care colleagues.
• Develop shared‑care protocols with primary‑care partners.
• Support service development through audit, quality improvement, clinical governance and research.
• Collaborate with the NHS Highland Homecare Team for seamless medication delivery.
• Work with the Lead Pharmacist for Gastroenterology to ensure continuity of care across settings.
• Deliver IBD education and training to pharmacy staff.
• Participate in on‑call pharmacy rotas, including weekends and public holidays.

Required profile

• Strong clinical knowledge and experience in gastroenterology/IBD or another area involving complex medications.
• Qualified and practising independent prescriber.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence prescribing decisions.

Required skills

• Independent prescribing
• Medication pathway development
• Biosimilar switching

What we offer

• Access to 5 development days per year and a peer‑support group.
• Opportunities to progress within RPS Advanced or Consultant frameworks.
• Support from the Lead Pharmacist for Advance Practice within NHS Highland.