Medical school bid successful

Norfolk's new hospital has played an important role in bringing an exciting new undergraduate medical school in Norwich to fruition.

The new hospital's education centre, seminar rooms and hi-tech learning facilities were highlighted in the successful bid, announced by Health Secretary Alan Milburn today.

The go-ahead means a major boost for the Norfolk economy and is good news for patients with the creation of about 50 new consultant posts, in addition to 50 academic posts and a further 50 support staff.

The medical school will bring an extra £10 million to Norfolk's economy and it is hoped that in the long term it will act as a magnet for research. When fully operational the medical school will bring 150 new jobs, more then 500 students, and investment in new buildings on the University of East Anglia campus.

The first intake will be in autumn 2002 with up to 110 entrants who will take a five-year course.

Professor Shirley Pearce, Dean of UEA's Schools of Health, said: “The combination of a medical school in a world-ranked university, “next generation” facilities at the new hospital, and a strong network of partner organisations and general practitioners is unique and will be hugely attractive to students.”