The First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have welcomed the opening of Ulster University School of Medicine.
The new graduate entry medical school at the university’s Magee Campus took in its first cohort of 70 students today.
First Minister Paul Givan said: “I am pleased to be here to mark this historic occasion, as we open Ulster University School of Medicine and see this project come to fruition. It is a momentous day not just for Londonderry but for all of Northern Ireland.
“I commend the enormous amount of work which has taken place up until now, with tremendous effort from partners across government, academia, medicine and beyond. I hope everyone can take a sense of pride in what has been achieved. As our involvement ends, we hand this facility over to the students. It is they who are the most important part of this celebration.
“I wish every success to those beginning the next stage of their educational journey in medicine today – and the many future classes who will come through these doors in the years ahead.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The opening of Ulster University School of Medicine is a landmark announcement for Derry and the North West. The School of Medicine improves significantly the educational offering in Magee that will attract students from far and wide. It will create significant and long term economic benefits for the region as well as benefiting the wider health service.
“I commend all those who have worked to help secure this transformative investment and I wish all the new graduate entrants the very best with their studies and future careers.
“The Executive is committed to the regeneration of the North West, and we remain focussed on bringing about prosperity for all the people of the area. As a key part of the £250 million Derry and Strabane Region City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund package, this is a significant step forward on that journey.
“In opening the Ulster University School of Medicinewe fulfil an Executive commitment and a key part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. But this success only serves to fuel our future ambition as we continue working to address the regional imbalance and fulfil the huge potential of the area.”
