Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services
The Welsh Government’s investment in the education and training of healthcare professionals has been significant over a number of years with the 2023/24 funding provided being the highest ever.
Despite the extremely challenging financial situation facing the Welsh Government, in recognition of the importance of the NHS workforce, for the academic year 2024/25 I have agreed to maintain the same level of funding as 2023/24, with a £283.126 million investment in the training of healthcare professionals in Wales. This will enable us to increase the number of places available for healthcare professional education and training compared to the number of places that were filled in 2023/24.
Given the financial and workforce challenges, which are in no way unique to Wales, we recognise that education and training alone are not enough to resolve our immediate workforce and system challenges, and that those starting to train in September 2024 will not be fully qualified for a number of years.
We recognise the very significant pressures on our services now, and this is why alongside maintaining the level of funding provided for healthcare professional education and training into 2024/25, we will continue to explore nationally run programmes to support ethical international recruitment.
The Welsh Government remains committed to providing the NHS with the workforce it needs to help the NHS respond to the challenges facing it in the future.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.