Extra 500 medical school places in England

An additional 500 medical school places in England have been confirmed by the government for next year.

The Department of Health announced of plans in October to add up to 1,500 more places each year, saying it will hit that target by 2020.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has said, however, that the plan will not address the immediate shortage of medics.

Medical schools will be able to bid to run some of the extra course places.

Currently about 6,000 trainees graduate each year. The extra training places means that 7,500 home-grown doctors should graduate.

At present, about a quarter of doctors working in the NHS trained outside the UK. There are concerns that the impact of Brexit and a global shortage of doctors could make it harder to recruit as many in the future. Some UK-trained medics are also leaving the country to work elsewhere.

Harrison Carter, from the BMA, said: “The students who will benefit from these new placements will take at least 10 years to train and become senior doctors so we mustn't forget this promise won't tackle the immediate shortage of doctors in the NHS which could become more acute following Brexit.

"As such, we require equal focus on retaining existing doctors in high-quality jobs which will provide more immediate relief to an overstretched medical workforce."

Philip Dunne, Health Minister, said: “We're committed to giving more talented students the chance to be part of our world-class NHS workforce.

"Not only is this the biggest ever expansion to the number of doctor training places, but it's also one of the most inclusive; ensuring everyone has the chance to study medicine regardless of their background, and ensuring the NHS is equipped for the future with doctors serving in the areas that need them the most.”