University of Sunderland looks to bridge NHS workforce shortages of doctors and nurses
There are currently over 100,000 unfilled NHS vacancies
University of Sunderland chiefs have said they are playing a “significant” role in helping to bridge recruitment shortages in the NHS, including here in the North East.
According to a report published in March (2026) by the British Medical Association, there are currently over 100,000 unfilled vacancies in the NHS.
The research also showed the UK would need an additional 40,000 doctors to meet the number of doctors per 1,000 people average of EU countries.
To rectify the situation, the Government launched the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, a 15-year strategy (to 2036/37) designed to “address significant staff shortages, aiming to train, retain, and reform the workforce”. Key goals include doubling medical school places by 2031/32 and increasing GP training spots by 50%.
Last month (April), MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, joined a ministerial roundtable alongside Ministers Karin Smyth and Jacqui Smith, as well as other sector stakeholders, to discuss the NHS workforce plan and the role of universities.
The University of Sunderland offers a range of healthcare-related courses from Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences and Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care to address NHS workforce needs.
Professor Laura Stroud, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University, said: “We are pleased to play a significant role in supporting the NHS workforce – with high health needs in Sunderland, our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support our population, both in training and remaining local.”
A significant proportion of the university’s medical graduates are remaining in the region.
In both 2021/22 and 2022/23, 91% of the University’s nursing graduates and 77% of paramedic graduates secured a job in the north-east within two years after graduation.
Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said: “Modern universities are central to delivering the NHS workforce of the future. Our members educate a significant proportion of the UK’s nurses and other healthcare professionals, and are deeply embedded in their local health ecosystems.
“The roundtable was a valuable opportunity to discuss with ministers how our universities are already working in partnership with NHS providers and colleges to expand capacity, widen participation and respond flexibly to local skills needs.
“It is vital that the voices of healthcare educators are heard. Addressing the regulatory and financial pressures facing both universities and students will be key to ensuring we can continue to grow and sustain the NHS workforce pipeline.”