About us

The history of Pharmacy at Keele University is a rich and evolving narrative of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. What began as a modest postgraduate initiative has grown into a nationally respected portfolio.

Early Foundations and Postgraduate Roots

The journey began in the early 1990s when Ray Fitzpatrick, newly appointed Director of Pharmacy at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), also became a senior lecturer at Keele. With no Pharmacy department in place, he joined the Department of Postgraduate Medicine. The turning point came when Rhona Panton, the regional pharmaceutical officer, relocated her office to Keele and established the Department of Pharmacy Policy and Practice, bringing with her a team that included Steve Chapman.

Pat Black led the development of postgraduate diplomas in clinical pharmacy and community pharmacy, with Ray and Dr. John Mucklow delivering much of the content. These early courses were delivered through correspondence—large green/blue lever arch folders mailed to students, with study days held on Sundays to accommodate working community pharmacists.

Enterprise, Research, and National Impact

Steve Chapman was brought in to develop a research and enterprise agenda. His work analyzing prescribing data led to the creation of PACT data, a national tool still used in general practice. The department’s enterprise income—peaking at £800k annually—enabled rapid growth, moving from Keele Hall’s basement to the Science Park, and eventually to the affectionally termed “toilet in the woods” (now the William Eames Building).

The department was renamed Medicines Management, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature. It became a hub of innovation, establishing MTRAC, a regional drug and therapeutic committee chaired by GPs—an unusual model that inspired the formation of NICE. The team expanded to include pharmacists, economists, GPs, public health experts, statisticians, and data analysts.

They pioneered online learning for healthcare professionals and explored the use of avatars in clinical training, supported by a unique team of animators and programmers. This work, led by Luke Bracegirdle, Tom Pardoe, Jess Thompson, and Simon Jacklin, was funded by external grants and even supported by NICE.

The Undergraduate Leap

The idea of an undergraduate Pharmacy degree was first seriously discussed in meetings involving Tony Curtis, David Vincent, Steve Chapman, and Elly Reeve. Tony recalls delivering the Stage 2 bid in copier paper boxes, to the Head of Medicine, to the Sneyd Arms, and navigating the challenges of accreditation and regulatory scrutiny.

Steve Chapman became the founding Head of School, starting with just five staff and 40 students. The course was designed to be “bespoke,” aiming for 85 students to remain financially viable while offering a high-quality, student-focused experience. Despite pressures to expand, the School maintained top rankings in student satisfaction throughout Steve’s nine-year tenure and into that of his successor, Nigel Ratcliffe.

Claire Stevens joined in 2001, witnessing the early development of the undergraduate program. She recalls the small, determined team—Mark Brennan, Katie Maddock, and Dr. Tan—working from a single office. The first open day was a grassroots effort, and the inaugural cohort of students, though occasionally frustrated by their “guinea pig” status, were instrumental in shaping the program.

Postgraduate Innovation and Lifelong Learning

Carole Blackshaw headed up the Diploma in the early days (she was in charge when Katie Maddock did it in 1993-94 and when Daxa Knowles did it in 1995-97!) – she led a lot of the developments into fully distance learning.

Wendy Clark joined in 1995 to support MTRAC, having already collaborated with the Keele team since 1993. She worked with Ray and Pat to develop clinical pharmacy modules for the community diploma, which evolved from correspondence to fully online delivery by 2005—making Keele the first UK university to offer an online clinical pharmacy diploma.

Daxa Knowles joined in 1998 to initially support MTRAC and the postgraduate education provision. In 2001, she took over Carole’s role and headed up the Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy.

Under Pat Black’s leadership, Keele’s postgraduate provision expanded dramatically. The team offered a wide array of flexible, modular programs—covering community and clinical pharmacy, prescribing studies, and eventually the DPharm. Pat introduced the CPD Plus route, supported by Daxa and Wendy, allowing students to tailor their learning to their professional needs—a model now envied by other universities.

Keele secured long-term contracts with HEWM, Boots, Lloyds, Well, and NHSE, and received £1.5M through the pharmacy workforce initiative. Under Nigel Ratcliffe, the postgraduate arm became the Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (CPD4ALL), enhancing its external visibility.

Legacy and Looking Forward

By the time Ray returned in 2015, the School had become a thriving institution. Over £32 million in external funding had been secured, and Keele’s reputation in Pharmacy education and research was firmly established. Many of the first graduates went on to senior roles in industry and academia—Bernard Naughton, for example, became an Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. Andrew Bailey (first cohort) and Christopher Turner (second cohort) founded Dimec, a digital platform focused on online pharmacy services, particularly managing repeat prescriptions. It was acquired by the Co-op in 2018 and is now known as Hey Pharmacist. The platform aimed to connect patients directly with their GPs and pharmacists for streamlined prescription ordering and management.

The School’s journey—from a postgraduate diploma in a basement to a nationally recognized institution—reflects real vision, resilience, and innovation of its founders. As Heidi steps into her role as the fourth Head of School, she inherits a legacy built on collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Visual Timeline of Key Milestones

1991: Ray Fitzpatrick appointed at UHNS and Keele.

1992: Initial discussions on undergraduate Pharmacy program.

1993: Tony joins Keele; early program development.

1995: Wendy Clark joins to support MTRAC.

Late 1990s: PACT data and enterprise work begins.

1998: Daxa Knowles joins to support MTRAC and Pg education

2001: Claire joins; undergraduate program development.

2003: Launch of the Supplementary Prescribing (SP) course – a Keele qualified SP pharmacist was the first pharmacist to write a prescription

2005: Online delivery of postgraduate programs begins.

2006: First undergraduate cohort graduates.

2007: CPD Plus route introduced.

2012: CPD4ALL established under Nigel Ratcliffe.

2015: Ray returns; School thriving.

2018: Katie Maddock becomes Head of School

2024: Heidi Fuller becomes Head of School

2025: Keele School of Pharmacy celebrates over 30 years of innovation.

The School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy has a proud heritage dating back to 1909, when it began in Baschurch, Shropshire, as a pioneering centre for Massage and Swedish Remedial Exercise for children. Evolving into the School of Physiotherapy by 1939 and relocating to the renowned orthopaedic and rehabilitation hospital in Gobowen (Oswestry), the School established a strong reputation for excellence early in its history. Its move to Keele in 1994 marked the beginning of a period of significant expansion and innovation, reflected in its progression from the Department of Physiotherapy Studies to the School of Health and Rehabilitation, the School of Allied Health Professions, and today, the School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy. 

From its roots in a single discipline, the School has grown into a vibrant, multidisciplinary centre offering education and research across eight core areas: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Pharmacy, Sports and Rehabilitation Exercise Sciences. What began as one undergraduate degree has evolved into an impressive portfolio of 17 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students now benefit from outstanding clinical learning opportunities across major hospitals in the West Midlands, as well as national and international research partnerships. The School is also forging dynamic new collaborations with industry and research leaders in health, exercise, and professional sport—ensuring our graduates are prepared to shape the future of healthcare and rehabilitation. 

Detailed information and timelines of events are provided in the links below: 

• Key Dates and Events
• Heads of Department/School
• A narrative history of the School/Department of Physiotherapy and Allied Health Professions

Key Dates and Events 

• 1909 - Registered Training School for Massage and Swedish Remedial Exercise at Baschurch Home for Children.  
• 1921 - Moved to Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Hospital, Oswestry - School became a blend of orthopaedic nursing and physiotherapy.  
• 1952 - The new School of Physiotherapy was housed above the new Physiotherapy Department at the RJAH.
• 1969 - The Oswestry and North Staffordshire School of Physiotherapy (ONSSP) was established.
• 1975  - A new Chartered Society of Physiotherapy course was established - Graduate Diploma.  
• 1980 - Reorganization of Physiotherapy Education nationally - Introduction of Degree Level Courses.
• 1980s - Male students were admitted to physiotherapy course for the first time. 
• 1989 - The novel developments of collaborative education (in the classroom and innovative placements) between sport/exercise science and physiotherapy led by Mr John Buckley. 
• 1992 - Physiotherapy BSc Degree Course developed in collaboration with Keele University, implemented at RJAH in 1993.  
• 1994 - School moved to Keele University, under Mrs Marian Tidswell as Head of Department.   
• 1995 - A new integrated modular course was developed to fully integrate the Department into the University structure. Approval and implementation of the new, innovative Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) programme, led by Ms Marilyn Andrews.  
• 1996 - Development and introduction of Postgraduate Courses with ongoing expansion of School’s postgraduate portfolio for Physiotherapy led by Mrs Barbara Introwicz. Mrs (then Dr, later Prof) Krysia Dziedzic appointed by NHS Regional Health Authority as senior lecturer to lead clinical trials in physiotherapy in the West Midlands.  
• 1997- Appointment of 1st Physiotherapy Professor - Julius Sim, to drive forward physiotherapy research and develop the staff and School Research Profile.  
• 1998 - Further expansion of postgraduate programmes, led by Mrs (then Dr) Jackie Waterfield.  
• 1999 - Development and implementation of the CSP Approved Practice Educators' Programme led by Ms Marilyn Andrews.  
• 2001 - Professor Julius Sim appointed to 2001 RAE sub-panel for Allied Health Professions.    
• 2003 - The School’s first PhDs awarded (Sue Hunter Neuro-rehabilitation, John Buckley Exercise Science in Cardiometabolic Rehabilitation, and Sue Madden, Qualitative Experience of Fibromyalgia). Postgraduate taught programme and national research recognition in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation led by Dr John Buckley.
• 2005 - BSc Osteopathy programme started, in collaboration with the College of Osteopaths and its Principal, Mr Mark Lawrence.  Interprofessional Education sessions introduced across all programmes in the Faculty of Health to enhance interprofessional working in the clinical environment, led by Ms Marilyn Andrews. Permanent position of a sport and exercise scientist being an essential role in physiotherapy education. 
• 2006 - Professor Julius Sim appointed as UK chair of 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) sub-panel for Allied Health Professions.  
• 2007 - Ms Marilyn Andrews promoted to a Professorship and was also awarded a Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. 
• 2011 - Dr Anand Pandyan promoted to a Professorship.
• 2014 - BSc Rehab and Exercise Science Programme started - led by Mrs Helen Humphries.  Dr Jackie Waterfield awarded National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.
• 2017 - BSc Hons Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging) started - led by Dr Desiree O'Leary.
• 2019 - MSci Physiotherapy started - led by Mrs Vicky Craig and MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) started - led by Dr Claire Stapleton.
• 2020 - Professor Jonathan Hill appointed as School Research Director 2020-2024.
• 2021 - Professor John Buckley appointed as Professor of Exercise Rehabilitation.
• 2022 - MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme started - led by Mr Mark McAloon. Professor Chris Nester appointed as Professor of Rehabilitation.
• 2023 - BSc Hons Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging) Apprenticeship route started - led by Mrs Emma Edwards.  FD Radiography Assistant Practitioner programme started -  led by Mrs Donna Holcroft.
• 2024 - MSc Occupational Therapy started - led by Dr Teresa Rushton. MSci Speech and Language Therapy started - led by Dr Maxine Winstanley. Development of a new vision for a sports science programme and an Institute of Sport led by Dr Clare Pheasey.
• 2025 - BSc Sports and Exercise Science course started, led by Dr Clare Pheasey.  BSc Occupational Therapy course started, led by Dr Theresa Rushton.  BSc OT Apprenticeship started, led by Dr Theresa Rushton. BSc Seech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship, led by led by Dr Maxine Winstanley.

Heads of Department/School 

• 1923 - Miss Mabel Dalton appointed Head of School and established the School of Physiotherapy in 1939.
• 1945 - Miss Dorothy Talbot appointed Head of School of Physiotherapy.
• 1967 - Miss Greta Anderson appointed Head of School of Physiotherapy.  
• 1974 - Miss Wyn Cannell appointed Head of School of School of Physiotherapy. 
• 1981 - Mrs Marian Tidswell appointed Head of the School of Physiotherapy, later renamed the Department of Physiotherapy Studies.
• 1996 - Ms Marilyn Andrews became Head of Department of Physiotherapy Studies.
• 2002 - Prof Julius Sim became Head of Department of Physiotherapy Studies.
• 2005 - Ms Marilyn Andrews resumes role of Head of the renamed School of Health and Rehabilitation.
• 2009 - Dr Cath Bucher appointed as Head of School of Health and Rehabilitation.  
• 2016 - Prof Anand Pandyan appointed as Head of the School of Health and Rehabilitation, later renamed the School of Allied Health Professions.
• 2019 - Mrs (then Dr) Anne O’Brien appointed as Head of the School of Allied Health Professions.
• 2024 - Prof Heidi Fuller appointed as Head of the merged and renamed School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy. 

Narrative History of the School of Physiotherapy and Allied Health Professions, Keele University 

Established in 1994, the School of Physiotherapy at Keele University is one of the longest-standing physiotherapy schools in the United Kingdom and was Keele’s first Allied Health Professional (AHP) programme. With a heritage spanning more than a century, the School has consistently led innovation in education, clinical practice, and research across the rehabilitation sciences.

The School’s origins can be traced to 1910, with the founding of a Registered Training School for Massage and Swedish Remedial Exercise for Children in Baschurch, Shropshire. In 1921, the School relocated to the internationally renowned Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, where its integrated focus on orthopaedic nursing and physiotherapy flourished. This evolution culminated in the establishment of the Oswestry and North Staffordshire School of Physiotherapy in 1939, awarding the Diploma in Physiotherapy.

As physiotherapy practice expanded significantly during the 1980s—driven by advances in research and clinical autonomy—the School embraced change. The traditional diploma was re-envisioned at degree level, and in the early 1990s, a partnership with Keele University led to the development of a BSc Physiotherapy programme, launched in 1993. Notably, this programme was the first in the UK to integrate sports and exercise scientists into physiotherapy education, strengthening the teaching of exercise physiology for both rehabilitation and disease prevention.

In 1994, the School formally relocated to Keele University, and in 1995 a new BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme was validated. This pioneering curriculum set new benchmarks nationally, differing markedly from traditional programmes by focusing on the development of autonomous, reflective practitioners equipped to deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care at the forefront of clinical practice.

The late 1990s marked a significant expansion into postgraduate education, with the launch of the MSc Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 1999, followed by the MSc Pain Science and Management. Throughout the 2000s, the School continued to grow its specialist postgraduate provision, reflecting the evolving complexity of post-registration physiotherapy practice.

Educational leadership was further demonstrated through the introduction of a professional body–accredited Practice Educators’ Course in 2000. In addition, Interprofessional Education initiatives were introduced from 2005. These developments, embedded across all health programmes within the Faculty of Health, have been instrumental in preparing graduates for effective collaborative practice within modern healthcare environments.

Alongside educational innovation, the School established a strong research culture, achieving its first doctoral successes and developing research portfolios that continue to inform teaching and clinical excellence.

The School’s influence expanded nationally and internationally with the introduction of a BSc Osteopathy programme in 2005 (later transferred to Staffordshire University) and the successful recruitment of students from across Europe. In 2009, Keele further strengthened its global reach through the franchising of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme in Athens, Greece. During this period, groundwork was also laid for the development of degree-level Radiography education at Keele.

A major milestone was achieved in 2017/18 with the launch of the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging), supported by a state-of-the-art radiography teaching suite. The programme rapidly gained sector-leading recognition through innovative approaches such as shorter placement blocks, enhancing both student learning and service delivery.

Concurrently, physiotherapy education was strategically refreshed with the introduction of two new pre-registration routes: a four-year integrated MSci Physiotherapy and a two-year accelerated MSc Physiotherapy. The establishment of an on-campus physiotherapy clinic further enriched the student experience, providing high-quality musculoskeletal placement opportunities within a supportive university setting.

In 2019, the School embarked on the development of the UK’s first pre-registration MSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Purpose-built facilities, including a dedicated workshop and movement analysis laboratory, were created to support this flagship programme. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural cohort commenced successfully in January 2022, exemplifying the resilience and commitment of the School community.

Since 2022, the on-site physiotherapy clinic has been expanded and rebranded to incorporate neurological and respiratory rehabilitation services. Now award-winning, the clinic has become a valued resource for students, staff, and the wider community, delivering innovative student-led wellbeing classes alongside personalised treatment pathways.

Continuing its strategic growth in response to national workforce priorities, the School launched the MSc Occupational Therapy programme in January 2023. Highly commended at validation for its innovative design and strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning, the programme further reinforced Keele’s reputation for excellence in AHP education. Building on this momentum, a Speech and Language Therapy MSci programme welcomed its first cohort in September 2024. In parallel, the School realised a long-standing ambition to expand exercise science into sport, welcoming the first cohort of BSc Sports and Exercise Science students in September 2025.

Today, the School stands as a leader in rehabilitation sciences education, combining a distinguished heritage with a future-focused vision—shaping highly skilled, compassionate, and research-informed professionals who are equipped to transform health and wellbeing locally, nationally, and globally.