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Widening access to NHS careers

20 April 2026

Proposing MP
Wes Streeting Lab
Ilford North
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
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TAGS
NHS

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses widening access to NHS careers by breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for individuals from under-represented backgrounds.

Action Requested

The government will increase the proportion of medical school students who received Free School Meals, target more medical school places to areas with poorer health outcomes, provide local foundation training, fund access to medicine programmes, invest in nursing apprenticeships, and extend the Widening Access Demonstrators Programme. These actions aim to improve diversity and reduce inequalities in NHS careers.

Key Facts

  • By 2035, increase by at least 50% the proportion of medical school students who received Free School Meals.
  • Currently, just 7% of accepted medical students come from backgrounds receiving Free School Meals.
  • Fund 2,000 places on access to medicine programmes over three years (650 in 2026/27, 650 in 2027/28 and 700 in 2028/29).
  • Invest £65 million for nursing apprenticeships over the next three years.
  • Extend the Widening Access Demonstrators Programme across 14 Integrated Care Boards with £15 million funding.
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