Written question WQ93420
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
How is the Welsh Government working with universities in Wales to increase the number of places available for medical students?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and Welsh Language
Over recent years we have worked with the existing Welsh medical schools to expand medical training places. We created an additional 50 recurrent places at Swansea University (25 places in 2021-22 and an additional 25 places in 2022-23). In addition, we worked with our colleagues at Cardiff and Bangor universities to develop and fund the C21NW programme, a collaboration between both universities, creating an additional 25 places each year.
The C21NW programme is no longer taking new students, though the existing students will of course complete their studies, as direct intake to the new North Wales Medical School at Bangor University commences this September. The new school will gradually increase its numbers until reaching full capacity of 140 students a year from academic year 2029-30.
My officials meet with the medical schools on a regular basis and maintain excellent working partnerships with the medical Deans and Heads of School.