Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists played a crucial role in the Island’s healthcare system. However, the P.E.I. Pharmacy Association has highlighted a concerning trend in recent years where some community pharmacies have faced significant staffing challenges. Erin MacKenzie, the association’s executive director, noted a shortage of workers, with many pharmacists opting for positions outside the private sector.
This shift has led to certain community pharmacies reducing hours or even closing down entirely. MacKenzie expressed worry over the closure of three pharmacies in less than a year, especially in smaller communities where the local pharmacy serves as the primary healthcare provider.
The association’s internal survey indicates a projected doubling of job vacancies for pharmacists and technicians in the upcoming years as professionals move out of P.E.I., retire, or leave the field altogether. MacKenzie emphasized the increasing strain on existing staff and the growing need for more pharmacy personnel.
Data from the P.E.I. College of Pharmacy shows a rise in the number of registered pharmacists and technicians over the past decade. While there has been an increase in internationally educated pharmacists registering on the island, the actual number practicing in community pharmacies versus other healthcare settings remains unclear.
Health P.E.I. reported an upward trend in hiring pharmacists in recent years, citing improvements in patient safety and care continuity. However, the wage scale for Health P.E.I. pharmacists differs from those in community pharmacies, with hourly rates ranging from $60.07 to $69.41.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association highlighted nationwide workforce challenges, with a projected shortage of pharmacists across Canada. They emphasized the need for strategic actions to address the growing gap, especially in rural and remote areas. The association’s study indicated the necessity for New Brunswick to double its pharmacy workforce over the next decade, reflecting a broader trend in the country.
In response to the workforce pressures, MacKenzie stressed the importance of collaboration with government and stakeholders to attract and retain pharmacy professionals. She emphasized the need to recruit graduates from various pharmacy schools and internationally trained workers to address the staffing shortages in the industry effectively.