I'm really delighted by the news that Newcastle University will be investing £1 million in partnership with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to enhance medical student training in our area.
This project will see the facilities at James Cook University Hospital's Institute of Learning, Research & Innovation refurbished and an additional 100 doctors of the future taking up training placements on Teesside each year. In addition, Government increases to medical student training mean an extra 24 students each year will join the course in future.
It's fantastic to see this expansion of medical student training in our area, which will enable students to gain hands-on experience in one of the busiest medical environments in the country. These high quality learning opportunities play a vital part in recruiting, training and retaining the next generation of medics.
Not only is the NHS training a record number of doctors, but more of them will have the chance to experience the quality of life they can enjoy in the Tees Valley. Hopefully they will enjoy their time with South Tees and many will choose to stay in the area and serve our community in years to come.