ARFON'S AM Siân Gwenllian has officially welcomed the first intake of would-be doctors to Bangor.

They will for the first time, be able to undertake full medical studies and training in the city.

Speaking following a visit to the School of Medical Sciences in Bangor, Siân Gwenllian who campaigned to expand medical education at the university, said it was a "vital aspect" to finding a long-term solution to the health care crisis in north Wales.

Siân Gwenllian AM said: "I was delighted to meet the first cohort of medical students at the School of Medical Sciences in Bangor who, for first time, will be based in our great city for the duration of their medical training.’

"Plaid Cymru has long-pressed for full undergraduate medical training in Bangor, and we are delighted that the hard work and determination of people like people like Professor Dean Williams alongside Bangor and Cardiff Universities has come to fruition.

"Introducing undergraduate medical education will enhance the University and Ysbyty Gwynedd and in turn, will bring immense benefits to the city of Bangor, the region and its people.’

"This will open-up new opportunities for young people from north Wales who currently have to leave the area to train to become doctors, creating new avenues for local young people to aspire to a medical career.’

"It’s vitally important that we anchor students here in north Wales. By aiming to have more undergraduates based here, we can strengthen our local NHS services and improve primary care across north west Wales.’

The Plaid Cymru Assembly Member added: "There’s also the opportunity to develop expertise in the provision of rural medicine and train doctors to provide services in Welsh, increasing the likelihood that newly-trained doctors will remain in the area once they qualify."