Alliance representatives have welcomed the announcement a graduate entry medical school in Derry-Londonderry has been given the go-ahead.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill made the announcement today, confirming the Magee campus will open from September 2021.

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the school would complement and enhance the existing provision at Queen’s University.

“This will provide a route for graduate-entry medical study and I hope it will encourage people into the medical profession right across Northern Ireland, in all places and all sectors.

“There is a particular issue currently with General Practice in more remote, rural areas and this is a firm step towards trying to address that particular problem, and ensuring there is balance in our provision of medical training.”

Alliance Faughan Councillor Rachael Ferguson said it was an important moment for the region.

“This announcement will be welcomed across the north-west, sending a message past imbalances in funding are being addressed,” she said.

“I know the plans for the medical school have been some time in the making but I hope this step will have a positive impact on workforce planning generally across health and social care. The task now is to build on this, both for the region and across Northern Ireland.”