Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services
Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language
We are pleased to announce an uplift of Swansea University’s graduate-entry medicine intake by an additional 25 students for 2022 – the programme provides the fastest route for training doctors in Wales, with students graduating in four years rather than five.
Last year we agreed to an initial increase of 25 places, with a proposed increase of a further 25 places this year, subject to a positive evaluation. This evaluation looked at the impact of the additional places and having received and reviewed this evidence we are confident that there has been no adverse impact on the student experience or the quality of tuition.
We are very grateful for all the work our NHS Wales workforce do, and without those who choose to dedicate themselves to caring for individuals in society, the people of Wales would not have a service that they and their families can rely on. It is therefore important we do everything we can to nurture healthcare professional education and encourage graduates to stay and work in Wales once they qualify.
An important part of this programme is that Swansea University is working in partnership with Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay University Health Boards to build on their existing mentoring and development schemes to establish a more ambitious range of retention initiatives to ensure that medical students educated in Wales stay in Wales long after graduation.
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 we would be happy to do so.