29 April 2026
"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”
The University of Sunderland will play a pivotal role in delivering the government’s NHS workforce ambitions, according to MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities.
This comes as MillionPlus joined a ministerial roundtable alongside Ministers Karin Smyth and Jacqui Smith, as well as other sector stakeholders, to discuss the NHS workforce plan and modern university’s role to support it (22 April).
The discussion provided a platform to highlight the pivotal role modern universities like Sunderland will play, including supporting the three strategic shifts outlined in the forthcoming NHS Ten-Year Plan.
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.”
The University of Sunderland offers a range of healthcare-related courses from Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care to address NHS workforce needs.
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.
The collaborations that modern universities have with NHS Trusts have enabled the creation of innovative health programmes tailored to local workforce needs, while also expanding access and progression routes for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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.
“As we look ahead to the publication of the workforce plan, it will be 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.”