Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Barclay and John Stevenson

Tuesday 7th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

3. What steps he is taking to increase the number of doctors.

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Steve Barclay)]

We have opened five new medical schools in Sunderland, Lancashire, Chelmsford, Lincoln and Canterbury as part of our wider drive to increase the number of doctors.

[John Stevenson]

Does the Secretary of State agree, first, that we must train enough of our own doctors, rather than depend on overseas doctors? Secondly, does he agree that it is important that the less traditional educational institutions are allowed to open or expand medical schools, as they are often in areas where doctors are in short supply?

[Steve Barclay]

I agree with my hon. Friend, and that is why we had a 25% increase in the total number of medical school places. On the specific point he raises, we have developed the new apprenticeship route for medical doctors so that we can start to have more training through that route and not just through the undergraduate route.