The University of Wolverhampton has announced plans to expand its nursing courses to Telford in a bid to reduce the local “skills gap”.
“There is significant demand for more nurses to meet the shortage in Telford and Shropshire”
Geoff Layer
The expansion will see the institution offer nursing and paramedic science courses at its Telford Innovation Campus for the first time in its 25-year history.
This will add to the nursing courses it already runs in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Burton Campuses.
The university is now waiting for approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council for delivery at the additional campus from September 2019.
The aim is to firstly offer degress in adult nursing course, with plans to then deliver paramedic science in the future.
In addition, the university is going to invest in a state-of-the-art skills lab, or ‘mock ward’, to support nursing students in their studies.
University bosess said they had a close working relationship with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) and together they were developing more training opportunities for nursing students from the area.
They are also working to enhance nurse management and leadership skills through the delivery of continuous professional development (CPD) programmes at SaTH.
Professor Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Our expansion at the Telford Innovation Campus aims to meet local economic needs and develop the future healthcare workforce for the town and the wider county.
“There is significant demand for more nurses to meet the shortage in Telford and Shropshire and as the university of opportunity we are firmly committed to reducing the skills gap within our communities, which includes creating opportunities for mature students and apprenticeships,” he added.
Professor Layer said: “Our nursing and paramedic students will have access to experienced lecturers, excellent facilities and a range of supportive clinical placements in Telford and Shropshire to grow their knowledge, skills and confidence.”
https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/education/university-expanding-nurse-training-offer-to-address-local-skills-gap/7028175.article