Medical schools will need to expand further, says NHS England chief

More medical school places will be needed as the NHS expands and more doctors seek opportunities to work flexibly, NHS England’s chief executive has told The BMJ.

In 2018 the number of medical school places available increased from 6000 a year to 7500. Speaking to The BMJ at the Health Foundation’s annual event last month, Simon Stevens said that a further expansion would be needed to meet future service demands.

“A 25% expansion in medical undergraduate intake is only the first stage,” he said. “It is unlikely to be enough. We are, I think, …