Business case for medical school should be completed as soon as possible – McCallion

SINN Féin’s Elisha McCallion has said the Department of Health needs to complete its business case for the medical school in Derry as soon as possible.

The proposed medical school at Magee Campus in the city has faced delay after delay as their is no Health Minister at Stormont to sign off the project.

And there have been recent concerns raised that the medical school could be switched to Belfast, which would be a huge blow for Derry.

Said the Foyle MP: “I met on Thursday with the permanent secretary of the Department of Health, Richard Pengelly, and discussed progress on delivering a medical school for Derry.

“Everyone is well aware of the need for this medical school to address the shortfall in doctors in this area, as well as assisting the expansion of Magee and the wider regeneration of the north west.

“The Department has now appointed an official to complete the internal business case for the medical school.

“It is important that this happens as soon as possible to allow time for a decision to which would enable a potential intake in 2020.

“There is a united voice coming from the city to see this medical school delivered.

“I will continue to meet with the permanent secretary and others to work towards that goal.”

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