Letter: My struggle to study medicine in latest health service drama
Today, the NHS undoubtedly does an incredible job, delivering world class healthcare as it struggles through yet another winter where patient demand has again risen dramatically, due to multifaceted reasons.
Not least of these I believe to be the closure of many A&E departments throughout the country, in a time of increasing public use.
In Shropshire I fear for the future of my own A&E department, at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital which runs at full capacity and has a huge catchment area.
A&E waiting times have gained much attention recently as the system struggles to accommodate the pressure surge, and not a week goes by when there isn't another news story regarding a shortage of doctors in hospitals, or in GP surgeries.
While the NHS is widely used as a 'political football' by politicians, in truth, any lack of doctors or nurses is not due to a lack of applicants, but incontrovertibly, a lack of course placements here within the UK. Presently, any major shortfalls in the NHS are made up, to an extent, with foreign recruits.
I am currently applying to study medicine at university. Having now left college where I achieved 3 A's in relevant A Level's, I am now on a gap year, and have been enjoying a long term work experience placement at a nearby Minor Injuries Unit.
Academically capable, my prospects for gaining admission are near non-existent, and I am confident in that I will be fully rejected without any interviews, in what will be my second year of applying. This is not pessimism.
My dream of becoming a doctor is becoming a fantasy. The NHS is recognised as a vital and important organisation, yet those who wish to enter and play a part in it face inconceivable competition.
Many are even forced to look abroad to study at a foreign institute, which for me is not a financially viable option. This is the reality, faced by many in my situation.
Harry Phillips, Oswestry.
