The commitment by the Welsh Labour Government to create additional training places is ‘vital’ to the future of the NHS, says local AM candidate Marc Tierney.

A total of 135 new training positions will be available in the next academic year, bringing the overall total in Wales to 1,418. The number of nursing, radiography and physiotherapy places will increase by 10 per cent.

Marc Tierney, AM candidate for South Pembrokeshire, said: “The additional places, at a cost of £85 million, ensures that nurse training places are at their highest level since 1999. In the last year, 53 newly qualified nurses began their careers locally.

“Last week, AMs passed legislation to ensure Welsh hospitals have sufficient nurses on duty at all times, a move I fully endorse.

“From my discussions with health unions locally, nurse recruitment is critical to delivering efficient hospital services. Hywel Dda Health Board has undertaken various recruitment drives, seeking staff from overseas, most recently the Philippines.”

But Marc Tierney believes that tackling the shortfall of nurses and physiotherapists long-term must start closer to home.

“I have spoken with the Health Board about better engagement with our schools, to properly showcase healthcare opportunities,” he continued. “Working in the NHS requires dedication, but there are plenty of rewards and benefits with good career prospects here in Pembrokeshire.

“I want young people to finish their education, knowing that they can return to west Wales to work and raise a family, just as I have been able to. Investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals during a difficult financial period puts the NHS in Wales at an advantage and local health services in a good position for the future. I believe in the future of our NHS.”