More medical students for England

Medical student numbers are to increase by up to 40%, according to the recently published NHS Plan for England.

A further 1000 places are being created at medical schools in England in addition to the 1100 extra places already announced. This will bring the annual intake to medical schools to nearly 7500.

The British Medical Association supports the move. Nick Jenkins, chairman of the BMA medical students committee, said, “We welcome the increase in medical students; it is a positive step in providing doctors for the future of the NHS.” Medical schools are now putting together proposals to bid for the extra student places. Joint ventures between universities, such as Manchester Medical School and Keele University, are being discussed. The Open University is trying to finalise a two year preclinical programme for medicine.

None of the schemes has yet been confirmed. These changes will primarily affect medical students in England.