Islanders who wish to train as nurses, or midwives in the future in Jersey will undertake their studies with a new university partner.
Following a competitive tendering process, the Higher Education Department based at Peter Crill House in Health and Community Services is now working in partnership with Robert Gordon University in Scotland to provide contemporary health and social care higher education for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
The partnership will benefit both pre-registration nursing students and midwives (those studying to be nurses and midwives) and post registration, which covers opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to study and develop themselves as practitioners.
The partnership with Robert Gordon University is in place until 2028. HCS will work with Robert Gordon University to offer a bespoke, high-quality curriculum that will enable the growth of the workforce, ensuring excellence in higher education, including research and other scholarly activities.
Students in Jersey will enjoy the Robert Gordon University student experience through access to a contemporary curriculum and benefiting from a virtual learning environment to support the delivery of a range of modules and programmes on the island.
RGU is already the main provider of nursing, midwifery and paramedic practice education in the northeast of Scotland. The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice has a strong reputation for producing skilled and compassionate professionals across Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland, Tayside and the Western Isles and a successful track record of transforming health and social care in urban, remote, and rural communities.
Dr Hazel McWhinnie, Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Education at Health and Community Services said: “We are delighted to offer the students of the future and those who wish to undertake further studies the opportunity to study a range of contemporary curricula that meets the needs of modern health and social care. We want our home-grown talent to benefit from the best on-island education coupled with the experience of a great external partner.”
Jersey’s Chief Nurse, Rose Naylor, added: “The importance of continuous professional education and training to the delivery of clinically effective, compassionate and safe healthcare should not be underestimated. I am impressed by the work of the Robert Gordon University to date with the work they are doing in North-East Scotland and am really confident that our partnership will grow and evolve to meet our needs whilst building on the great work to date.”
Minister for Health and Community Services, Deputy Karen Wilson, said: “Jersey’s home-grown work force is of the utmost importance. I am delighted that as a clinician myself, such opportunities are open to islanders who want to study for a career which touches lives. I wish our Higher Education Centre colleagues, all future students and our partner, the Robert Gordon University, the very best of luck with this fantastic partnership.”
Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice, said: “We are delighted to be entering into this exciting partnership with Jersey to help shape the Island’s workforce for their evolving roles in contemporary health and social care environments.
“RGU acknowledges the vital role that nursing, midwifery and health professions play in patient care and public health and remains committed to consistently engaging and transforming remote and rural communities.
“Our experience of nursing and midwifery delivery within island communities, combined with high levels of student satisfaction and graduate employability, puts us on a strong footing to provide quality education in Jersey.
“We look forward with enthusiasm to developing the partnership and supporting, through to successful graduation, the nurses and midwives of the future.”
