Chester: Medical school secure funding for graduate place

The Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE MP, Minister of State for Health and Secondary Care, spent time discovering more about the school, its programmes, staff, students and future plans.

His visit included seeing the simulation and skills learning areas at the Wheeler Building, while students from courses including Dietetics, shared what they love about their studies, their excitement to go on placements, and the benefits of the facilities.

The Minister congratulated the team on being successful in gaining funding for 50 new graduate entry level medicine (MBChB) degree places from autumn 2024, and how the school is creating opportunities for graduates from all disciplines and backgrounds to become a doctor, to fully represent the communities they will serve.

Mr Stephenson talked with staff and students about how increasing the number of doctors in training is an important part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which aims to grow the number of registered NHS staff working in primary care and community services.

He also heard about the school’s focus on a healthcare system promoting prevention and early intervention; on responding directly to both regional health care priorities and future workforce needs, and its close relationships with practice partners.

Mr Stephenson said: “From its graduate entry four-year Medicine degree, to its simulation and skills learning areas, the University of Chester’s Medical School is introducing great initiatives to train the next generation of NHS staff."

Professor Simpson said: “We were delighted to welcome The Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE MP and offer an insight into all we offer at Chester Medical School.

“We were thrilled to share our dedication to training a new generation of healthcare professionals to serve their communities with a multitude of skills and compassion, and our work to widen opportunities for all to train in medicine and bioscience, health and social care.”