Two universities join forces to address pharmacist shortage in south west of England

A survey revealed that the South West has the highest vacancy rate for community pharmacist roles in England. 

The University of Bath is offering its MPharm programme at the University of Plymouth to address community pharmacist workforce shortages, particularly in the south west of England, which has the highest vacancy rate for pharmacists in the country.

The two universities have collaborated with NHS England to expand the MPharm programme, making it available at the University of Plymouth from September 2024.

Students at Plymouth will study the same course content as those studying Pharmacy in Bath, and will graduate with a University of Bath degree.

Julian Chaudhuri, pro-vice chancellor (education) at the University of Bath, told the publication that the collaboration will help increase the numbers of pharmacy graduates in the south west, and significantly contribute to healthcare within the region.

The University of Plymouth’s deputy vice chancellor, John Curnow, is hopeful that the partnership between Plymouth, Bath and NHS England will make a “tremendously positive difference to the health and wellbeing of people in our region and beyond.”

According to the 2022 Community pharmacy workforce survey report, the Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS) area has the highest vacancy rate for community pharmacist roles in England, with 33 per cent (77 of 237) of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions unfilled, including locum and relief pharmacists.

The data published by NHSE in August 2023 also highlighted the urgent need for more pharmacists in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICS area, with 25% (72 of 284) of FTE positions unfilled, as well as in Devon ICS area which had a vacancy rate of 20% (84 of 418).

Further, the survey revealed that Somerset ICS area had just five FTE foundation pharmacists in post, one of the lowest numbers of trainees in post in the country, the Pharmaceutical Journal reported.

The University of Plymouth is already inviting applications for the 2024 MPharm course.