Pharmacy students are not currently included in the scope of the LSF and the PDA Student Network, alongside other PDA members, have been writing to Members of Parliament to highlight the issue and ask for the MPharm to be included in those courses that receive the bursary.
Recently, the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee concluded its inquiry into pharmacy and released its report on 23 May 2024. The PDA was pleased that the committee agreed with so many PDA members involved in the Fair Funding campaign with their recommendation “…that the list of healthcare students able to access the NHS LSF is updated to include pharmacists…”.
This is a crucial reminder to all PDA members of the importance of campaigning together as a catalyst for change, and the difference individuals can make when they act collectively. Alongside the committee’s report, many MPs have raised the issue with Andrew Stephenson, the Minister for Health and Social Care.
PDA student members will continue to campaign together for MPharm students to be included in the scope of the LSF with the next government after the general election on 4 July 2024.
The PDA encourages campaign supporters to ask their parliamentary candidates taking part in the upcoming general election whether they would ensure pharmacy students are included as eligible for the LSF as recommended by the Health and Social Care Committee.
Support the campaign by sending in a testimonial
The PDA knows the stories of those who are impacted are vital to the Fair Funding campaign narrative and encourages students to share their stories.
This could be a couple of lines about why pharmacy students should be included in the LSF scheme or the difference receiving the LSF would make to their learning experience and ability to better prepare for practice and patient care. Students can be creative with their testimonials, such as by making a video with others on their course or any other way they wish to share.
Those taking part are encouraged to consider what receiving the LSF may mean to them and how the £5,000 that allied healthcare professionals receive annually from the LSF would support them in their journey to becoming a pharmacist. This could include being able to:
- Travel to more experiential learning opportunities
- Attend more CPD events
- Focus on studying instead of having to work a part-time job
- Access more summer placement opportunities
- Live closer to their School of Pharmacy.
Students can send in their testimonials by emailing students@the-pda.org.
Learn more
- Health and Social Care Committee’s report
- PDA students continue to campaign for fair funding – now with the support of their MPs!
- PDA Student Reps lead campaign to secure fair financial support for MPharm students
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.