Motion 37
Addressing the Shortage of Training Places for Pharmacy Students
“That this Congress notes future pharmacists can obtain their MPharm qualification at any Pharmacy School in the UK, before completing a year of supervised trainee employment and passing the final registration examination.
“Congress is concerned with the limited availability of training places for MPharm graduates in Scotland. Currently, only 220 places are available, which is insufficient to accommodate the growing numbers seeking to complete their training year. With 277 graduates from Scotland’s two pharmacy schools last year, this would mean a shortfall of 57 places, more if other UK graduates elect to train in Scotland.
“Congress believes that this shortage hampers the professional development of pharmacy graduates and poses a risk to the future healthcare workforce. It is essential that all pharmacy graduates can complete their training and contribute to the nation’s healthcare system.
“Congress therefore calls on the Scottish Government, educational bodies, and relevant stakeholders to:
- increase training places: by urgently expanding the number of funded foundation training year places from the current 220, ensuring that all pharmacy graduates in Scotland can complete their training year; and
- provide interim employment: by implementing measures to offer meaningful interim employment opportunities for pharmacy graduates who due to the shortfall, are unable to secure a training place. This will allow them to contribute to the healthcare system prior to completing their training year.
“Congress further recognises that this issue is not confined to Scotland but is a UK-wide concern especially considering new Schools of Pharmacy opening in earnest. Therefore, we urge the Scottish Government to work with their colleagues in England, Northern Ireland and Wales to address this matter on a UK-wide level, ensuring that all pharmacy graduates across the UK have the support and opportunities they need to complete their training and enter the workforce as registered pharmacists in the coming years.”
Mover: PDA Union
RSS