Universities unite to explore opportunities to train extra medics

11 Aug 2016

The University of Manchester, the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University are working together to explore proposals to train health professionals starting with a new independent, international medical school to train more doctors

The proposals will see the extension of medical training in the North West. This is in addition to the work already carried out by The University of Manchester’s own medical school, which has been educating doctors since 1874. The proposal draws on the breadth of experience across all three universities in educating and training healthcare professionals. The new school will have an international focus, and will allow the most talented applicants from abroad to benefit from the breadth of skills and knowledge at all three universities.

The principles of the future collaboration, agreed on Friday, July 29, by the three university vice-chancellors, represents a further development in the devolution of Greater Manchester’s healthcare system, so-called ‘DevoManc’. The emphasis is on the needs of Greater Manchester and the opportunity to have a ‘one Manchester’ focus has led to even greater cooperation between universities, the NHS and public bodies, to the benefit of the region’s population.

A joint statement by the three universities said: “Our discussions are at an early stage, but teaching more medical students right here in Greater Manchester is an exciting prospect. This is the first stage in the three universities developing a co-ordinated approach to healthcare education in the region to help address our local needs and priorities.

“By combining our knowledge, expertise, facilities and stakeholder networks we can offer world class opportunities which are highly attractive and accessible in a rapidly changing landscape for medical and health professionals in the UK and globally.”