Lead Pharmacist - Clinical Specialties

About the role

Raigmore Hospital’s Pharmacy and Gastroenterology Departments are seeking an experienced, proactive pharmacist to lead medicines optimisation and therapeutic monitoring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This newly created, two‑year fixed‑term role 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, including biosimilar switches to improve cost‑efficiency.
• Horizon‑scan for new IBD therapies and collaborate on financial planning for treatment pathways.
• Establish and lead a pharmacist‑run IBD clinic, reviewing patients, monitoring response 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 for prescribing and monitoring.
• Contribute to audit, quality improvement, clinical governance and research activities.
• Work with the NHS Highland Homecare Team and Gastroenterology Lead Pharmacist to ensure seamless, cost‑effective medication delivery.
• Deliver IBD education and training to pharmacy staff and participate in on‑call pharmacy rotas.

Required profile

• Qualified pharmacist with current independent prescriber status.
• Strong clinical knowledge and experience in gastroenterology or IBD, or in another area involving complex medication regimens.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence prescribing decisions.
• Motivated, enthusiastic and able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Required skills

• In‑depth understanding of IBD pharmacotherapy, including biologics, immunomodulators and JAK inhibitors.
• Experience in medicines optimisation and therapeutic monitoring.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical pathways and protocols.

What we offer

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