Blended Learning Medical Degree

The NHS Long Term Plan has highlighted the need for a larger, more adaptable and more diverse medical workforce to serve the needs of the aging, increasingly complex population. A growth in new supply of qualified doctors requires significant investment in the expansion of medical places. Accelerated routes providing shortened training programmes requires amendment of the Medical Act 1983; and prior to 2021 were also bound by the EU Directive requirement of 5,500 hours of training. With regards to diversity, the NHS Interim People Plan (IPP) quotes "There is much more that can be done, both to recruit people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, and to offer them satisfying and developing careers in the NHS over their working lives". With regards to training routes, the IPP states "Apprenticeships will continue to be critical in attracting people to the NHS from less well represented groups and supporting the development of new roles."

Therefore, HEE is exploring how to grow the supply of different entry routes into medicine to widen access to the career in view of the high demand. One route being created is that of Medical Apprenticeships. To deliver medical training via an apprenticeship model, HEE is commissioning a Provider to create an innovative, accessible blended-learning medical degree that meets the standards outlined in Outcome for Graduates set by the General Medical Council (GMC).

This blended-learning medical degree will be available across England for prospective medical apprenticeship students. The programme aims to fully exploit innovation in digital and other technologies to provide a fully blended, interactive, and innovative programme that will meet the requirements set by the GMC for medical graduates. This is an exciting opportunity to support the creation of a significantly different offer in medical education that will support the growth of an expert and professional workforce suited to the demands of 21st Century care and service.

Successful bidders must therefore demonstrate an ability to work in partnership with diverse practice and other partners to attract and recruit individuals who meet or exceed the agreed entry levels for the provision being offered.

We are particularly interested in attracting prospective medical apprenticeship students from diverse backgrounds including students from low participation areas, mature students, students from remote, rural and coastal areas, Ethnic Minority backgrounds etc.

To express interest and access the Tender Documentation please use the link below, Please note all communications must be raised via the portal.

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome