CONFIRMATION that a new medical school at Ulster University’s Magee campus will start taking students from September next year has been welcomed in Derry.
Deputy first minister, Michelle O’Neill confirmed the Executive’s decision yesterday. It follows a long campaign which united all strands of political, business and community sectors in the north west.
Ms O’Neill said: “It will allow the first student intake of 70 in September 2021. This is a hugely important investment decision for the north west and it adds to the Executive’s recent announcement on the Derry and Strabane City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund.”
The deputy first minister said the announcement showed the Executive’s commitment to balanced regional development.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said a detailed plan for the project was now needed.
“We need a guarantee from the Executive and from Ulster University that the first students will enrol starting in September 2021 and we need to see a plan for university expansion beyond that. The medical school is the first step, not the end product,” he said.
His comments were echoed by party colleague MLA Sinead McLaughlin who said the announcement was an important step but more was needed to develop “full sized university provision in Derry”.
Sinn Féin education spokeswoman Karen Mullan said the announcement was a major boost for Derry and Ulster University.
“The benefits of this investment to the economic regeneration of Derry and to the north west cannot be overstated," she said.
Chairman of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland, Tom Black said the announcement was a “very welcome piece of positive news” during one of the most uncertain and unprecedented health emergencies faced in a generation.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought the chronic medical staffing gaps in our health service into sharp focus, as the enlisting of retired doctors and early graduation of final year medical students showed.
“The new school will mean more medical students graduating annually in Northern Ireland and then staying on not only to treat our growing and aging population but to support our health service should such a pandemic like this ever happen again.”
Derry mayor Michaela Boyle said the new medical school had the potential to transform the entire north west region. It was also welcomed by Derry City and Strabane District council chief executive.
