The North Wales Medical School has officially opened in Bangor.

First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles were at the opening.

The first intake of medical students has started their courses at Bangor University this semester.

This cohort, consisting of both school leavers and graduate entrants, will be the first to receive all their medical training in North Wales.

This year, the school will accommodate 80 students.

The number is set to increase steadily, reaching 140 students annually from 2029-30 onwards.

The planning for the new medical school commenced in 2020, when Bangor University, Cardiff University, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and the Welsh Government agreed to work in partnership to set up the school.

The First Minister said: "Recruiting skilled doctors is a major challenge across the UK and Europe.

"The medical school will be a game-changer for doctor recruitment in Wales, enabling more medical students to train in the region, which is good for our NHS, especially in North Wales."

She further praised the health board and the universities for their five years of hard work.

The First Minister added: "The school will soon be providing the NHS with doctors with world-class, modern training to deliver excellent and compassionate care in our NHS for the future."

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mr Miles, said: "The medical school’s opening marks our continued commitment to a health service that delivers care as close to people’s homes as possible.

"I want to thank Bangor and Cardiff universities and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for their hard work in turning the vision for a medical school into reality."

Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, said: "As we celebrate 140 years of Bangor University, the launch of the North Wales Medical School marks a key milestone for the university and the region.

"It reflects our commitment to outstanding education, cutting-edge research and addressing local healthcare needs.

"Together with our partners, we are shaping a healthier future by training the next generation of healthcare professionals within our communities."

Dyfed Edwards, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "The new medical school will be key to helping address the challenges of training and retaining doctors while strengthening bilingual healthcare delivery across the region.

"It is widely recognised that doctors tend to practice close to where they train, so the aim is to encourage students to develop lifelong careers within North Wales, benefiting the local population and its communities."

He highlighted the potential for research and innovation developments through partnership working, which would positively impact recruitment, retention, and patient outcomes.