A SCHEME to train junior doctors in Scotland is being expanded by more than 100 places. A total of 105 extra posts are being created on the foundation training programme over two years, which is currently 99% full.

The expansion is aimed at creating a wider range of placements for new graduates, particularly in psychiatry, general practice and rural areas.

Medical students complete five years at university, before moving on to two years of foundation training. After one year they are eligible to register with the General Medical Council and work as doctors in the UK, but can apply for further specialist training if they complete both years.

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Announcing the expansion during a visit to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “With a programme that is 99% full, our foundation training is a testament to the popularity of Scotland as a training destination and the high quality education we offer.

“We need confident, skilled and committed doctors to meet the needs of patients, particularly as we face an ageing population with multiple conditions.

“With the offer of an exceptional quality of life for young doctors in Scotland, I am committed to providing attractive training and career prospects to ensure as many medical graduates from Scottish medical schools stay in Scotland to train, progress and realise their career ambitions.”

The first 51 additional places will be available to medical students next year, with the remaining 54 the following year.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde chief executive Jane Grant said: “Our junior doctors are a valuable part of our clinical team and we are delighted to be part of this new initiative to increase the medical workforce, through the delivery of excellence.”

Last week, the chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland said more had to be done to keep junior medics in the NHS. Dr Lewis Morrison said 226 junior doctors had left before finishing their foundation training. Morrison welcomed the announcement of the expansion but said work is needed to ensure doctors stay in Scotland for their whole career.

He said: “Steps to increase doctor numbers are to be welcomed and this is an encouraging indication that the Scottish Government is willing to do something about current inadequate numbers. Ensuring there are jobs for all newly-qualified doctors is an important part of that.

“However, this is just one part of the jigsaw and we need to recruit and retain doctors through a whole career in Scotland. That starts with junior doctors, but their jobs must be effectively supported with high-quality training, humane rotas and work/life balance during the posts, following qualification and well beyond. We have to retain these doctors by having hospital and GP posts for further training which doctors want to apply for and will stay in.”