The University of Wolverhampton, working in partnership with the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, has today announced ambitious plans for a new Medical School in the Black Country.
Given the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to double the availability of medical school places to 15,000 per annum by 2031/32, and the focus on establishing new Medical Schools to deliver this Plan, there is a demonstrable need for medical education provision in the Midlands.
Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University is an important provider of ‘key workers’ including nurses, midwives, paramedics and social workers for the Black Country. The addition of medical education is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the workforce needs of the NHS.
Mark Axcell, Chief Executive of the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “I am committed to strengthening the partnership between NHS Black Country and the University knowing that together we have a significant impact on the health and wealth of future generations. This important step will deepen that partnership, allowing us to not only enhance health and wellbeing across communities but to directly build a future local NHS medical workforce.”
Dr Jonathan Odum, Group Chief Medical Officer of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust added: “The University of Wolverhampton looking to open medical school is a great opportunity for both the University and the local population of the Black Country. This development provides opportunities for local students and applicants who are looking to pursue a career in medicine, staying local to where they live, building and supporting the local area.”
The partners are now in the process of setting up a Black Country Medical School Steering Group comprising membership from the University, the ICB and the Hospital Trust. The Steering Group will develop a strategic business case which will be submitted to the University’s Board of Governors for consideration and decision.
