Written question WQ96312

The Welsh Government continues to invest record levels in the education and training of healthcare professionals. This reflects the importance of the development of the NHS workforce and ensuring the health service has the staff it needs now and for the future.

Despite the extremely challenging financial situation facing the Welsh Government, and in recognition of the importance of our NHS workforce, on 5 February I announced an investment of £294million for the education and training of healthcare professions for the academic year 2025-26.

Through the annual Education and Training Commissioning Plan process, Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) advises Welsh Government on the number of new medical training posts based on predicted population needs and training capacity. These recommendations are considered in the context of available resource.

I can confirm the Welsh Government has invested the following for medical specialist training places, as set out in the table below:

2023/24 £m

2024/25 £m

2025/26 £m

Total HEIW Investment in medical specialist training places

74.493

80.982

97.363

Of which investment in Foundation Training Posts

19.033

21.300

26.109

HEIW is responsible for submitting the annual Education and Training Plan to the Welsh Government. The draft plan for 2026/27 will be submitted to the Welsh Government shortly.

To Note: this investment includes:

• Training grade (resident) doctor salaries which equate to roughly 50% of the total salary cost and includes pay awards for each particular year.

• Post graduate centre and library costs.

• Relocation expenses.

• Less Than Full Time (LTFT) posts.