Derry medical school must be given go-ahead urgently

A new medical school in Derry must be given the go-ahead as soon as possible, a local doctor has said.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2020, 10:11 BST
Dr Tom Black.Dr Tom Black.
Dr Tom Black.

Dr Tom Black, who is chairman of the British Medical Council (MLA) in NI, says the medical school commitment - as outlined in the “New Decade, New Approach” document which restored powersharing at Stormont - must be urgently acted on to improve recruitment and retention, especially in general practice.

Dr Black said the need for more medical school places was recognised in the Gardiner Review in 2019.

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He added: “The same review also estimates that, due to people living longer and increased demand on the health service, there will need to be a 50% increase in the number of consultants over the next 15 years, meaning that an additional 1,000 more consultants will need to be in place in Northern Ireland by 2033.

“We need the medical school places to bring the students through,” added Dr. Black.

Related topics:Tom BlackDerryNorthern Ireland