THE North Wales Medical School has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transition the current programme delivered by Bangor University in partnership with Cardiff University to a new independent curriculum in 2026.

This new agreement signals an all-Wales approach towards delivering a full programme of medical education in North Wales while supporting the Welsh Government in delivering on its 2021-2026 Programme for Government.

The Welsh Government has already established a multi-agency Programme Board to work towards establishing the North Wales Medical School.

The MoU, signed by the vice chancellors of both institutions, acknowledges the strong partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Powys Health Board.

The universities will now work collaboratively to engage the General Medical Council to ensure the effective transition from the C21 North Wales curriculum to a new independent curriculum delivered by Bangor University.

The universities will also work together in medical and health disciplines to ensure sustainability, including through the all-Wales Clinical Trials Unit, while delivering new workforce and new knowledge for the Health and Medical professions, acknowledging the characteristics, language, and cultures of the communities across North Wales.

The Welsh Minister for health and social services, Eluned Morgan, said: “It is fantastic to see joint working between Bangor and Cardiff universities to create an all-Wales approach to medical education.

“We are committed to delivering care closer to people’s homes and this collaboration will help us achieve this and create more opportunities for medical students to be educated and trained in North Wales.”

Bangor University vice chancellor, Professor Iwan Davies, added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Cardiff University to achieve our ambition for the North Wales Medical School.

“With an increasing need to deliver an integrated health, care and wellness system in North Wales, the move towards establishing a medical school is vital.

“This will enable training of more medical and health professionals across North Wales and Powys maximising impact on service levels in the NHS and delivering a comprehensive environment for bilingual teaching, learning and placement capacity across our communities.”

Professor Colin Riordan, vice chancellor of Cardiff University, added: “This agreement marks a welcome new phase in our highly successful partnership with Bangor University, forming part of our continuing efforts to ensure medical students who choose to study in Wales are given the opportunity to train and serve in communities across the country.

“We are looking forward to collaborating further with our colleagues in Bangor on this exciting new approach to medical education in Wales.”