Quality training is key to transformation of health service – O’Neill

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill today visited the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) in Belfast.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill meets staff & hears about specialist postgraduate doctor & dentist training programme

NIMDTA is responsible for attracting and appointing individuals of the highest calibre to recognised training posts and programmes to ensure the provision of a highly competent medical and dental workforce with the essential skills to meet the changing needs of the population and health and social care in the north of Ireland.

Working in close partnership with local education providers, NIMDTA works to enhance the standard and safety of patient care through the organisation and delivery of relevant and valued career development for general medical and dental practitioners and dental care professionals.  

Michelle O’Neill said: “I was delighted to meet today with key people at NIMDTA, to learn about training of the north’s postgraduate doctors and dentists and to hear about recent initiatives and speciality medical training programmes. NIMDTA’s approach to training is that trainees, trainers and educators should strive for excellence and they should be strongly supported in their roles to put patients first. 

“This belief is one that I share and is central to my vision for the Health Service.  I recently launched ‘Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together’, after careful consideration of the Expert Panel’s report, led by Professor Rafael Bengoa, ‘Systems, Not Structures: Changing Health and Social Care’, which clearly sets out the need for change.”

The Minister continued: “Across our HSC, clinicians and staff are working harder than ever to deliver high quality care and support to improve our health and wellbeing, and I thank them for their continued commitment and dedication.  However, working in a system designed to meet 20th century needs does not work in the 21st century world.

“NIMDTA will therefore have a key role to play in providing the training which will help to drive forward the transformation and innovation that I want to see happen within the HSC in the future. By working in partnership with those who use and those who deliver services we can work together to drive forward the changes our population deserves.”

Notes to editors: 

1.      NIMDTA is responsible for commissioning, promoting and overseeing postgraduate medical and dental education and training throughout the north of Ireland.

2. NIMDTA is accountable to the General Medical Council (GMC) for ensuring that the standards set by the GMC for medical training, educational structures and processes are achieved.

3.  Media enquries about this press release please contact the DoH Press Office on 028 9052 0074. For out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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