West Worcestershire Harriett Baldwin has welcomed investment which will help to deliver a new university medical school which will help to support the local NHS recruitment drive.

Local health chiefs have held long-term ambitions for a medical school in Worcester which will mean more doctors will be available to train and work at the busy local hospitals.

Harriett has had a regular dialogue with the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor David Green and the NHS Acute Trust leadership team on this matter and has formally supported the plans.

The Government, this week, confirmed a range of growth plans for the county including the proposal to push through the development of the site in Worcester, where the new school will be built.

Harriett said: “The new medical school forms an important part of the plans to add extra capacity at our busy local hospitals and it will also help with the challenges of recruiting staff.

“Worcester is already highly-regarded for training nurses and experience shows that some of those who train here are also keen to stay living and working here after they complete their training.

“By the same logic, a medical school should help make it easier to recruit and retain staff to work in the local health service.

“I’ve supported the medical school proposals and look forward to seeing new doctors training here very soon.”