Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove praises Sunderland University’s “incredibly impressive facilities”

The Secretary of State for Levelling up today described the University of Sunderland as having “incredibly impressive facilities” as part of a visit to the city.

Michael Gove was given a tour of the University’s multi million-pound new Anatomy Centre as well as visiting “state-of-the art” nursing and paramedics facilities in Helen McCardle House.

During the visit, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities took time to speak with Professor Debs Patten, Professor of Anatomy at the University’s School of Medicine, who demonstrated some of the facilities available to medical students.

The University’s School of Medicine opened in 2018 to help improve access to medicine for students from non-traditional backgrounds.

Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of School of Medicine and Professor of General Practice and Primary Care at Sunderland, said: “We were pleased to welcome Michael Gove to the University’s School of medicine and his recognition of the work we are doing to make medicine accessible to students from non-traditional backgrounds.

“The Government’s levelling up strategy is welcome, and we look forward to receiving that continued support.”

Mr Gove then moved on to Helen McArdle House where he toured the simulation hospital wards, created for nursing students.

Sue Brent, Head of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, said: “We are delighted to see Michael Gove visiting the University and taking the opportunity to meet with our staff and students.

“The team here at University of Sunderland are delivering excellent teaching in excellent facilities. Our staff are passionate about developing and delivering healthcare programmes which not only meet a challenging workforce need but support individuals within the local community into employment.

“The levelling up agenda is an interesting development and we welcome further information as it comes forward.”