Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM candidate for Ceredigion, has met with local vets to discuss her party’s proposals to support Aberystwyth University’s bid to establish a Veterinary School for Wales and develop training locally.
Currently, there is no veterinary school in Wales, with many local youngsters having to train abroad. There is also a shortage of vets going into the large animal and livestock side of the profession, which is crucial for local agriculture.
Elin Jones, who is standing for re-election as AM for Ceredigion, met with Philip Thomas and other staff at Ystwyth Vets in Llanbadarn Fawr.
Elin Jones said;
“It was interesting to meet Philip Thomas and the team at Ystwyth Vets, to hear about the challenges of training the young vets needed in the future, and securing the facilities needed to develop a Veterinary School at Aberystwyth.
“Ystwyth Vets and other practices played a vital role as part of a consortium in saving the veterinary post-mortem facilities in Aberystwyth, which undertakes work for the Welsh Government. This centre, as well as Aberystwyth University’s plans to develop veterinary training as part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, offers an exciting opportunity.
“Plaid Cymru is committed to supporting the establishment of a centre of veterinary training in Wales at Aberystwyth and would seek to make this a priority after the May elections. It was fascinating to hear how many young vets currently train overseas in countries such as Hungary. Establishing a Welsh Veterinary School here could be a major success.
“There’s a shortage of vets who specialise in farm livestock. A full vet school in Aberystwyth, in partnership with local practices, would be a major boost to both the university and the agricultural industry in the area.”