The Royal College of Physicians has added its voice to those calling on the government to allow universities to recruit extra medical students this year.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the RCP, said:
"Today's decision is really welcome news for many hardworking A-level students who could see their dream of medical school fading away through no fault of their own. In tandem it is vital that universities and the NHS receive the resources they need to ensure that these students receive the full experience they deserve.
“This situation also acts as a reminder that we need to plan for a large phased expansion of places which will help place the NHS workforce on a more sustainable footing. If we don't we are setting ourselves up for another decade of workforce shortages which is totally avoidable.
“Ahead of the comprehensive spending review, we urge the Government to make clear its commitment to double the number of medical school places. We will soon be publishing a new report which we hope will act as a catalyst for significant expansion.”
In 2018, the Royal College of Physicians called for a doubling in the number of medical students, in its 'Double or Quits' report. Read it here.
