A campaign to encourage more doctors to apply to work in Wales has been launched by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.
“Work for Wales – the next step for your medical career” begins with the launch of a new website which, for the first time, brings together in one place all the need-to-know information about living and working in Wales as a doctor.
The new drive comes as the latest figures for Wales show that there are currently 201 medical vacancies advertised across Wales.
The Welsh Government says there are certain medical specialties, and certain parts of Wales, where there have been ongoing difficulties filling vacant posts.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the campaign – jointly run by the Welsh Government, Welsh NHS Confederation and the Wales Deanery – will aim to showcase the very best Wales has to offer.
The campaign will focus on the benefits and advantages of living in Wales and working for the Welsh NHS. It hopes to address misconceptions and a lack of awareness about Wales and how health services are delivered here – for example, some doctors are unaware of the different approach being taken by the Welsh NHS, compared to the large-scale reforms being planned in England.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Wales, like many other parts of the UK, faces difficulties in attracting doctors in certain locations and in certain medical specialties.
“This campaign will promote the unique values and opportunities Wales has to offer to doctors, both in a professional and lifestyle capacity.
“The development of the new website the NHS is launching today is just the first stage in our efforts to attract more doctors to Wales.
Helen Birtwhistle, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said: “There are fantastic advantages to working and living in Wales, and it is something that we need to shout louder about.
“The NHS in Wales is making some really bold and innovative changes to improve the way services are delivered. We are leading the way in the UK with initiatives to address health inequalities, deliver hospital care in the community, and to support people to stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
“There are no quick fixes – it takes up to 15 years to train a doctor – but this campaign is the start of a long process to promote Wales as a great place to live, and the Welsh NHS as a great place to develop a medical career.”