Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On 10 June 2019, I issued a written statement confirming that the NHS Wales Bursary scheme would remain in place for individuals electing to study an eligible health care related programme in Wales commencing in the academic year 2020/21. This meant, that in Wales the full bursary package continued to be available to those who would be committed to working in Wales for up to two years post qualification.
I am pleased to announce today that I am further extending this arrangement and will be retaining the NHS Wales bursary package for an additional two cohorts for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years. This announcement provides certainty that for the next three academic years, Wales will continue to fund and support our future NHS workforce.
During this time we will undertake a comprehensive exercise to establish the best and most appropriate way of continuing to support those who choose to study health care related programmes in Wales.
I am proud of this government’s record on investment in education and training. The NHS has more people working in it than at any time in its history, all aimed at prevention and care for people across every community in Wales.
Recently, I announced that for the sixth consecutive year funding to support health professional education and training in Wales will increase - £127.8m will be invested in 2020/21.
Through a combination of sustained and increasing investment in the provision of health professional education and training, and the continued provision of financial support to encourage individuals to consider healthcare in Wales as a worthwhile and rewarding career, this Government is demonstrating its clear commitment to ensuring the future sustainability of the NHS workforce.