16.10.2003
Dr John Reid officially opened the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) during his visit on Wednesday October 15th.
The Minister for Health spent time talking to some of the 136 students who managed to win places on the five-year course and found out more about what it is like to study at BSMS. Dr Reid also met the Dean of BSMS Prof Jon Cohen, Vice Chancellor of the University of Brighton Professor Sir David Watson and Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex Professor Alasdair Smith.
Professor Jon Cohen, Dean of BSMS, said:
"We are absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State for Health has come to see our new school and meet our students. The establishment of a medical school in Brighton is a wonderful boost, not only building on the academic strengths of the universities of Brighton and Sussex, but also a matter of pride for the local community, who will see real improvements in health provision as a result of our new school as well as wider economic benefits."
This is the first intake of students for BSMS, which is a joint venture between the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex and the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. BSMS received more than 970 applications for the 136 places – meaning each place was oversubscribed by seven applicants for every place!
The £28.5 million school has been funded by the Department of Health and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
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