My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health, the HSE and other relevant Health and Social Care Profession stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
The availability of appropriate placements and placement supports is a key enabler of this expansion, and engagement between my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and across Higher Education Sector is ongoing.
As the Deputy may be aware a large number of additional places have been introduced in the last few years, including an agreement with medical schools which will provide 200 additional medical places by 2026. Last year over 460 additional places were introduced in healthcare programmes across disciplines in the State, including 60 places in medicine programmes.
My Department is a key member of the Steering Group for Disability Workforce chaired by Minister Rabbitte and works closely with colleagues in the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as well as the Department of Health and HSE on expanding the workforce across therapy disciplines.
In July 2023, Minister Donnelly and I announced additional places in nursing and allied health professions in higher education institutions in Northern Ireland. 140 nursing places are being provided in Ulster University and Queens University Belfast and are being funded by the Department of Health. The 80 therapy places are in Ulster University only and are to be funded by both Departments. These places have been secured on a one-year basis.
My Department will continue to work with the higher education and health sector to provide skilled graduates to meet the need of our healthcare system.
