Siân Gwenllian MS has welcomed the news that every nursing graduate from Bangor University has now secured a post in NHS Wales, describing it as an important step forward for healthcare training and employment in Gwynedd and north Wales.
The announcement follows concerns before the May election that a number of healthcare graduates across Wales had been unable to secure NHS positions after completing their studies.
In response, Plaid Cymru’s Health Minister convened a summit in June, bringing together health boards, universities, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and the Welsh Government to identify opportunities and help graduates move into employment.
The action has resulted in 253 newly qualified nurses securing posts across NHS Wales. On Monday (19 October), the Health Minister visited Aberystwyth University to meet nursing students and mark the achievement that every nurse who graduated over the summer from both Aberystwyth and Bangor universities has now secured NHS employment.
Siân Gwenllian MS, Member of the Senedd for Gwynedd Maldwyn, said:
“This is excellent news for Gwynedd and north Wales. Every nursing graduate from Bangor University has now secured employment in NHS Wales, giving these talented graduates the opportunity to build their careers here while helping to strengthen the health service we all depend on.
“Under the previous Labour Government, many healthcare students were left completing their studies without a job secured in the NHS. That was a serious failure of workforce planning, and it was unfair to graduates who had invested so much in their education and training.
“Plaid Cymru promised to take action to help nursing graduates find jobs in Wales, and we are delivering on that commitment. By bringing the right partners together and identifying available posts, the Health Minister has helped turn that promise into practical action.”
Siân said the announcement was particularly encouraging for Gwynedd, as further investment in medical and healthcare education could help build a stronger workforce for the future.
She added:
“Bangor University plays a vital role in educating and training the healthcare professionals we need in Gwynedd and across north Wales. Ensuring that nursing graduates can move directly into employment is good news for them, for our NHS and for patients who need timely, high-quality care.
“Together with the opening of Bangor University’s Medical School two years ago, and Plaid Cymru’s commitment to establishing a dental school in Wales, this is part of a positive direction for healthcare education and training in our area.
“We need to give people the opportunity to train, qualify and build rewarding careers close to home. That will help us develop the skilled workforce our health service needs, strengthen our local communities and improve access to care for people across Gwynedd and north Wales.”
