An extra 15 places have been made available for students on Scotland’s new Graduate Entry Medical course (ScotGEM), which has a particular focus on general practice and rural working. This increases the intake from 40 to 55.
Students on the ScotGEM course will be offered a “return of service” bursary; a grant of up to £16,000, in exchange for working in NHS Scotland for up to four years. Scottish students will have their fees paid by the SNP Government.
Earlier this month, Health Secretary Shona Robison MSP announced funding of £7.5 million in 2018-19 to recruit and retain GPs, particularly in rural areas.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“These additional 15 places are another step towards the SNP Government’s aim of increasing the number of GPs in Scotland by at least 800 over the next decade.
“Earlier this month, the SNP Government already announced £7.5 million funding for 2018-19 to recruit and retain GPs, particularly in remote areas, as part of a package of support that will ensure the long term sustainability of general practice.
“We are all aware of GP recruitment difficulties in Scotland and across the UK and I welcome this announcement which, ultimately, can only benefit patients.”
ENDS
