Pharmacists play a vital role in our healthcare system.  Indeed, they are often the first point of contact for patients who are seeking help.  

Also, as we are seeing with the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications, it is often left to pharmacists to deliver the bad news about medicine shortages and take the brunt of patient backlash.  Undoubtedly, pharmacists are an often overlooked and undervalued part of the NHS. 

It is therefore disappointing that pharmacy students cannot access the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) whilst studying.  This fund provides financial support for medical students, including covering travel and temporary accommodation costs incurred during placements.

On 5 December, I wrote to Andrew Stephenson, the Minister for Health and Secondary Care, and asked him to consider allowing pharmacy students to access the NHS LSF.  I have posted a copy of this letter below for you to see.

I have now received a reply from Mr Stephenson, a copy of which I have also posted below.

The Minister explains in his letter why pharmacy students are not eligible for the LSF and how this dates back to the 2017 education funding reforms which did not include pharmacy courses.  He also notes that: “NHS England acknowledges that funding to support students with the cost of clinical placements is inconsistently paid.”

However, sadly, the Minister gave no indication that the Government would act to rectify this situation and ensure that all medical students, including pharmacy students, are properly supported financially during their studies.

I have now submitted the following written question:

‘To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing pharmacy students to access the NHS Learning Support Fund.’

I can assure you that I will continue to press the Government to work with NHS England to financially support pharmacy students during their studies.