‘You are the NHS’ future’ – Sir Kier Starmer praises Middlesbrough College health students during visit

North East students are integral to getting the NHS “fit for the future”, Labour’s leader has said during a visit to the region.

Sir Kier Starmer told Middlesbrough College health and social care learners they were “inspiring”, adding they are firmly part of his vision for bolstering the UK’s medical sector if his party wins the next election.

During a question and answer session with students, Sir Kier was also quizzed on a range of topics, from mental health and emergency care, to pay, conditions and training.

He said: “It’s great to be able to see the next generation of health and social care workers coming through at Middlesbrough College – what you are doing is really inspiring.

“You are very much part of our plans to get the NHS fit for the future.”

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College Group, added: “It was a pleasure for us to host Sir Keir, and to give our students the opportunity to question him about his vision for the future of health and social care in this country.

“We are proud to be playing our part in teaching and inspiring the next generation of health and social care professionals, who we hope will go on to have long and successful careers.”

Middlesbrough College offers a range of vocational and academic courses in every occupational sector area, from entry level through to level seven postgraduate qualifications.

Its £100 million campus is home to more than 1000 staff and has a student population of more than 15,000, which includes around 2200 apprentices.