A CAMPAIGN to encourage more doctors to work in Wales has been launched by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.

The drive comes as the latest figures show there are currently 201 medical vacancies advertised across Wales.

Welsh Government officials admit there are certain medical specialities, and specific parts of the principality, where there have been "ongoing difficulties" filling vacant posts.

To try to combat the problem a recruitment drive will be held over the next 12 to 18 months entitled Work For Wales which features a new "one stop shop’’ website for prospective medical practitioners.

Jointly run by the Welsh Government, Welsh NHS Confederation and the Wales Deanery, it aims to showcase the "very best’’ the country has to offer.

Officials also hope to address "misconceptions’’ about Wales and how health services are delivered.

Health Minister Ms Griffiths said: "Wales, like many other parts of the UK, faces difficulties in attracting doctors in certain locations and in certain medical specialities.

"This campaign will promote the unique values and opportunities Wales has to offer to doctors, both in a professional and lifestyle capacity.

"The development of the new website the NHS is launching today is just the first stage in our efforts to attract more doctors to Wales.’’ Helen Birtwhistle, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, added Wales had plenty of offer.

"The NHS in Wales is making some really bold and innovative changes to improve the way services are delivered,’’ she said.

"We are leading the way in the UK with initiatives to address health inequalities, deliver hospital care in the community, and to support people to stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

"There are no quick fixes - it takes up to 15 years to train a doctor - but this campaign is the start of a long process to promote Wales as a great place to live, and the Welsh NHS as a great place to develop a medical career.’’