Contributing to a Welsh Conservative debate designed to push forward a roadmap to improve healthcare in Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – has underlined her support for the role that a North Wales Medical School could play in solving the region’s recruitment crisis. 

The proposals are driven by Bangor University and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and look to build on the current offering. At present, a number of students study the C21 North Wales Graduate Entry Programme, which is run in conjunction with Cardiff University. This provides graduate entry students with the opportunity to undertake all of their medical degree in North Wales.

Speaking after her contribution, Janet said: 

“In June 2015, Mark Drakeford placed the Betsi Health Board in special measures, reflecting serious concerns about the leadership, governance, mental health services, reconnecting with the public, and other areas. Last week, the Minister for Health and Social Services once again outlined four areas for improvement. 

“Five years and nine months on from the commencement of special measures, and improvements are still required across mental health provision, strategy and performance, leadership and engagement. This is why our calls for a roadmap to recovery remains so incredibly important.  

“Of the half a million patient pathways waiting to start treatment in December, 21% are here in North Wales. Of the around quarter of a million pathways waiting over 36 weeks, over 51,000 are here in North Wales. That’s up 347% since the start of the pandemic.  

“Part of the problem is an entrenched recruitment crisis, leading to spiralling agency staff bills. This is why I have urged the Welsh Government to plant the seeds for beanstalk-sized growth in recruitment through maximising the potential for a North Wales Medical School. We must make the investment now so that this pays dividends in the long-term.” 

ENDS 

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