Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has welcomed data showing more medical training posts have been filled in 2022 than at any other year since records began in 2013.

Latest recruitment figures show 1,073 posts for doctors in training were filled successfully – 93% of the 1,155 advertised.

The majority of specialties filled at 100%, including Core Psychiatry, Clinical Radiology and Core Surgical Training. General Practice training places saw 99% also filled successfully.

Commenting Christina said:

“The data of this year’s recruitment process show how desirable Scotland is as a place to live, train and work as a trainee doctor. This is testament to our first-class medical education system and flexible training opportunities.

“Building on our high staffing levels, that have consistently grown for the last decade, is absolutely vital to the recovery of our NHS. This is unfortunately made much harder by the Westminster obsession with Brexit – supported by both Labour and the Tories – which has created extra barriers for EU nationals who would like to work in our NHS.

“The Scottish Government have committed to even further improvement and continuing to work with NHS Education for Scotland to support trainees as much as possibly to ensure the sustainability of the NHS workforce.”

“The work done by the NHS to keep us safe is absolutely invaluable and I would like to thank each and every doctor in training across NHS Lanarkshire and Scotland who has opted to pursue their career here.  All NHS Scotland staff work tirelessly to meet the healthcare needs of our country.”

Professor Emma Watson, Medical Director, NHS Education for Scotland, added:

“The 2022 recruitment figures reflect the strong reputation Scottish medical education and training has among doctors beginning their careers as General Practitioners or Hospital Specialists. It is our responsibility to meet their expectations and to continue to improve and through education and training prepare and support them in their roles in the NHS.”