Health Minister Robin Swann says department is now drafting its own business case for a medical school at Magee in Derry

Ulster University submitted its business case for a Graduate Entry Medical School last July. However, a secondary business case has yet to be completed by the department.

Mr. Swann said: “In terms of business cases, there are two separate processes in relation to the development of a Graduate Entry Medical School.

“The first process, which has been under way since 2017, relates to Ulster University’s own business case for a Graduate Entry Medical School. The Department has been assisting with this. This work has involved commentary on several drafts of the business case, by way of advising on its compliance with the Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation. The second process is the development of the DoH’s own business case. That business case is nearing completion by Departmental officials and will be formally submitted to me shortly.

“It has been developed in conjunction with the Strategic Investment Board and considers options to increase medical student places in Northern Ireland, informed by the Medical Student Places Review.”

The minister was asked about progress on the Magee business case by Foyle SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin who urged the public to continue to place pressure on all politicians to ensure the school can open in September 2021.

She said: “I welcome the positive response to my question from health minister Robin Swann. But despite all the clear evidence that the North West desperately needs more doctors and more local training of doctors, the proposal for the Magee Graduate Entry Medical School is not over the line yet. It is important that we do not let up in the campaign for the Magee medical school.”

Mr. Swann said the Medical Student Places Review, published in January 2019, showed the necessity of expanding medical school places in the North and that he viewed this as a priority.

“Any decisions on this matter will need to be taken by the Executive as this matter cuts across the responsibilities of the Departments of Finance, Economy and Health, and has very significant recurrent funding implications.

“The chosen option must deliver the HSC’s specific future medical needs, represent value for money, and be affordable,” he said.

Ms. McLaughlin said people in Derry, meanwhile, should support a proposal to move existing allied health courses to Magee from Jordanstown.

“That proposal is currently out for consultation – and I urge local people to respond and to respond positively to the increased number of medical courses and students at Magee. This would help further build Derry’s role as an important centre for health provision and hopefully in the future as an economic driver in the health sciences. Ulster University’s consultation on the location of health sciences courses is published online at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/consultation.”