University of Central Lancashire welcomes Sarah, Duchess of York to its School of Medicine at Victoria Mill in Burnley
Sarah, Duchess of York was in Burnley yesterday to learn about how local people and organisations are working together to support each other.
The Duchess spent the day discovering how communities are supporting those in need and helping them help themselves during the national cost-of-living crisis.
As part of her visit the Duchess travelled to the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) School of Medicine at Victoria Mill in Burnley to learn more about how Burnley is the birthplace of primary care research and to meet with medical students who want to specialise in Motor Neurone Disease – a fight that is close to the Duchess’ heart.
She was welcomed to UCLan by Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Cathy Jackson who said: “The Duchess learned about the pathways that UCLan has created for widening access to a medical degree and the part we are playing in educating the local community about health.”
"Today I’ve learned that The University of Central Lancashire’s Burnley Campus currently has approximately 500 medical students on its site in the town. "
— Sarah Duchess of York
During the tour of the building the Duchess, who is a patron of the Motor Neuron Disease Association, challenged one of UCLan’s medical students to find a cure.
Sarah, Duchess of York, said: “It has been fascinating to learn more about everything happening at Burnley's very own university medical school which is helping the NHS in the town cope with the many challenges it faces, especially with problems created because of the pandemic and food insecurity.
“Today I’ve learned that The University of Central Lancashire’s Burnley Campus currently has approximately 500 medical students on its site in the town. They are all sent out on placement to GP surgeries and within the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Many are international students who following their studies wish to stay in the East Lancashire community to use their skills to contribute to the work of the NHS and add value to the local health economy. The University of Central Lancashire is committed to the continuous growth of the Burnley campus and aims to have 6,000 students in the town by 2032.”
